Mary, Gary, how does your garden grow?

Gary and Mary Jacobsen, owners of Doggett Greenhouse, want to be the business of the year every year in the eyes of their customers.

When they were recognized as Business of the Year by the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce through a vote of their business peers, they were really surprised.

“Every year is competitive,” Gary said of the Business of the Year competition. “We have a lot to choose from.”

This year, nine businesses competed for the award.

The Jacobsens got into the greenhouse business 27 years ago, but their commitment to the community and the Chamber of Commerce goes beyond that.

“The chamber has been very successful and instrumental in helping businesses survive and thrive,” Gary said. “We have been very fortunate to have the managers we’ve had.”

The couple moved to the Platte Valley in 1972 looking for the perfect place to raise their kids. Gary joined the Lions club right after moving to Riverside. They also joined the Chamber. In 1976, Gary served as Chamber president.

Years later, Mary would serve on the board from 2003-2005.

“We are very humbled by the award,” Gary said. “We are fortunate to live here and be somewhat comfortable and our kids are well established. We are glad we are here.”

They are also thankful they are able to get away for four to five weeks in the winter to visit two of their children who now live in California, Ty and Heather. Zack lives in Laramie and Zane lives in Cheyenne.

The Jacobsens are already in the planting season to prepare for spring. It is the beginning of their third year in the business park in Encampment. Before that, the couple operated the business on their property in Riverside.

“We are very happy with the move,” Gary said. “The town of Encampment has been very good to work with.”

The couple is looking forward to another season. “We are excited; it should be another very good year,” Gary said.

The good years don’t happen by accident. The couple has spent the past 27 years perfecting what they do.

“We try to be different,” Gary said. “We work to have an excellent product.”

The items they raise do well in the 6,000-to-7,000-foot elevation in the Platte Valley and the 8,000-foot elevation in Walden and surrounding areas, Gary said.

It is a lot of work, and it’s a lot of work for the customer, Gary said, but the plants are something they can be proud of all summer long.

“We have worked very hard to become a destination for people all around,” Gary said. It has paid off. They have return customers from as far away as Spearfish, S.D.

They also have customers from Cheyenne and Laramie who return year after year.

“We are very thankful. We couldn’t be successful without being surrounded by good employees and a good customer base,” Gary said.

They appreciate their family and friends who are faithful to them and their business.

“Nothing makes us happier than our customers bringing us their friends,” Gary said.

Their dedication to raising plants goes beyond the greenhouse. They helped the community garden in Saratoga get started.

The Jacobsens also work with schools teaching children how to plant seeds.

“We go to the preschool and kindergarten (classes) and plant with them,” Mary said. Pat Forbes also brings the HeadStart students from Saratoga.

“We get the kids involved in planting and growing,” Mary said.

Last year, the Jacobsens went to Baggs to work with those students for the first time.

“We have to live off of each other,” Gary said of businesses in the community. “Nothing is easy, but it makes you smile when it comes together.”

Since having their greenhouses at the business park in Encampment, the Jacobsen’s have hosted a party the first Saturday in June.

“People get here, they are in awe,” Gary said. Visitors ask the Jacobsens “Who’s got time for this?” Gary replies “We make the time and keep on charging. If you haven’t been to our party … everybody is welcome.”

Through the summer, the Jacobsens work seven days a week. The only day off is July 4. The fruit of their labor – “That time of year everybody is ready for a home-grown tomato. I get the first one,” Gary said. “After that, I share.”