CHINOOK – Aunt Clara’s Greenhouse is open for business on Highway 101 in Chinook, offering a wide selection of plants for Peninsula gardeners including vegetable starts, bedding plants, perennials, more than 60 hanging baskets and “a few trees,” according to owner Ron Baldwin.

Baldwin, and his wife, Ann, who have lived in Chinook for 10 years, opened the greenhouse this year because Ron said he had promised his mother, who he says everyone called “Aunt Clara,” he would build a greenhouse someday. His mother, who maintained an acre of garden space at their Clatskanie, Ore., home for many years when he was growing up and sold flowers, died about 10 years ago.

“I’m selling plants that will grow on the Peninsula,” Baldwin said. “I don’t have anything here I wouldn’t grow in my own front yard. My basic philosophy is to obtain the best, disease-free stock available. I’m small enough that I can guarantee the plants are perfect or they don’t leave the door.”

Baldwin says he enjoys selling plants because “everyone comes in with a smile and a good attitude. I like the retail end of the business. I like to help people out.” He says he has contacts with several nurseries and is able to fill special or out-of-the-ordinary orders. Hours at Aunt Clara’s are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day but Tuesday. Look for the tent with hanging baskets beside the sign for the greenhouse. For more information, call 777-8122.