In full bloom: Orchids by Hausermann open house to feature nearly 300 species of orchids

VILLA PARK – In 1920, women gained the right to vote, prohibition began and a presidential election was broadcast live on the radio for the first time. It also was the year brothers Carl and Ernst Hausermann opened a greenhouse in Melrose Park.

The greenhouse eventually moved to Villa Park, and by the late 1940s, the brothers' roses, gardenias and sweet peas gave way to orchids. Today, Orchids by Hausermann Inc. has been family owned for 96 years, and it is the oldest and largest retail orchid grower in the Midwest.

For two weekends, the business is putting on its 54th annual open house, an event that draws nearly 8,000 visitors from at least a half dozen neighboring states and beyond.

The open house will be from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 24 through 26 and March 3 through 5.

“We started small. Then we got into it more and more in the late '50s and early '60s. It was a slow progression. By the mid-60s we started to have an open house. Ever since then, we’ve had it annually, at the end of February and early March,” said Carl’s grandson Gene Hausermann, 68, who serves as president and manager.

Orchids by Hausermann joined the Illinois Orchid Society when it formed in the 1950s.

“Over the years, orchids have gotten more popular, to the point where they’re very popular now,” Hausermann said. “It’s mushroomed for hobbyists and decorations, like in hotel lobbies and other places maintaining flowering orchids.”

One reason for the orchid’s current popularity is the phalaenopsis orchid, for its ease of growing and the longevity of its flowers, he said.

“Most orchids can take six to seven years to mature and only bloom two to three weeks a year,” Hausermann said. “But the phalaenopsis takes only about three years to bloom, and its flowers can last six to eight weeks or longer.”

Orchids by Hausermann is still operated by third, fourth and fifth generations. Gene Hausermann started working there part time as a teenager. Of the 25 or so current employees, 10 are family. The greenhouse covers 3.5 acres and features nearly 300 species of orchids, which will be on display at the open house.

“I remember it as a kid,” Hausermann said. "It started out small, only about 100 people came.”

Now, the thousands who attend the once-a-year event enjoy colorful displays and learn about orchids through potting and professional floral design demonstrations and Q&As by employee Joel Edwards.

“He does it every year,” Hausermann said. "He’s a hobbyist who ended up working here. He’s a good guy for that because he has a lot of experience growing orchids in your home.”

The open house also features refreshments, natural skin products, a 10-percent discount and free admission and parking.

“As a family-owned business, we have varieties that you will not see at big greenhouses,” Hausermann said. “A big box greenhouse isn’t bad, though, because it introduces orchids to people for the first time. Then people challenge themselves and come to us.”

As Orchids by Hausermann moves closer to its 100th anniversary, Hausermann realizes his business is unique in its rare ability to keep generation after generation interested in carrying on a family business.

“It’s been my whole life here,” Hausermann said.

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If you go

What: Orchids by Hausermann's 54th annual open house

When: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 24 through 26 and March 3 through 5

Where: Orchids by Hausermann, 2N134 Addison Road, Villa Park

Cost: Free

Info: 630-543-6855; orchidsbyhausermann.com