Meet Peter McCrohan

Even as a kid, I enjoyed growing plants, and I was hooked at an early age. It all began when my elementary school science teacher introduced the class to gardening. After that moment, I continued to pursue my interest in plants, working on farms as a young teenager where I would pick tomatoes or bale hay. It was hard work, but I got great pleasure and satisfaction in doing it. 

Having a practical knowledge of the working side of farming, I decided to expand my understanding of the plant world and educate myself on the more scientific aspects of horticulture. I was fortunate to be accepted to Cook College at Rutgers. For two years, I commuted to campus while still working on a farm part-time and growing two acres of strawberries, which I sold from a stand. As difficult as it was to go back to college in my 30's, I still thrived. In 1985, I proudly completed my "16-year program" and received my degree in horticulture at age 34.
 After receiving my degree, opportunities arose, and I decided to try something new out West. During my time on the West Coast, I spent a year at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, then several years at a research and flower farm in Murrieta, California, and managed the Native Seed Search farm in Patagonia, Arizona for five years. After 22 years out West, I was ready for another change and decided to move back East. 
 I spent over a year searching for a place to start a flower farm, looking from Maryland to Massachusetts, upstate New York, and finally, my home state of New Jersey.  I jokingly told my friends that I left out West , "I missed the cold winters and high taxes". However, I had found an ideal location to pursue my passion: a flower farm. 

What made it so good? The farm was close to the markets, such as wedding and event venues, which is important for perishable crops like cut flowers. The farm’s wonderful sandy loam soil helped as well. A growing zone of six allows for good winter chilling but a long enough growing season. On top of perfect soil, an abundance of rain. The rain was something that used to be a limited luxury out West where we had to chase water irrigation. Ultimately, as much as one might complain about New Jersey, this farm’s location is absolutely beautiful year-round and perfect for growing flowers.

What began as an elementary school introduction to gardening has turned into my life's work and passion on this beautiful flower farm in Stockton, New Jersey.

 *I am always available to offer a tour to any potential customer starting in 2021.*

Peter McCrohan: Owner of Shoppons Run Farm