On a cold and rainy afternoon, I ventured over to Potratz Greenhouse and Flower Shop on Buffalo Road, in the heart of Erie’s east side. As I set foot into the 70 degree greenhouse, I found owner Jim Potratz helping a customer. He was explaining the root structure and watering schedule of a plant. Having recently purchased houseplants from Potratz and been impressed by the quality and selection (especially in the middle of a harsh Erie winter), I appreciated the time and knowledge Jim shared during my prior visit. This day seemed no different, with Jim cheerfully chatting with customers and tending to his plants. After getting a full greenhouse tour our interview began in the “warm house,” an area of the greenhouse designed to maintain higher temperatures for propagation.
Jim shared that his grandfather started the business after immigrating from Europe around 1919. Back then, the greenhouse focused on growing vegetable transplants for local farmers. “I guess the trolley ended here, and the people would pitch their horses at this location. Buffalo Road was a dirt road at the time,” Jim explained, painting a picture of the early days. They also sold their produce at the old Parade Street Market, an open-air market offering fresh vegetables, fruit, and more.
Over time, the business evolved. “We got into the floral business because we would take a lot of flowers and plant them out front, and then people would stop by and say, ‘Hey, can I buy some of those flowers?'” Jim said. This led to selling cut flowers, arrangements, and eventually offering delivery services…