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Al Gerace, former CEO of Welby Gardens, Jane Akdoruk, owner of Blooma Farms, Harry Vlottes, general manager of Blooma Farms, and Jeremy Friedman, owner of Blooma Farms, along with Milo and Mabel, stand in front of a growing poinsettia crop at the greenhouse facility that was formerly operated by Welby Gardens.
Al Gerace, former CEO of Welby Gardens, Jane Akdoruk, owner of Blooma Farms, Harry Vlottes, general manager of Blooma Farms, and Jeremy Friedman, owner of Blooma Farms, along with Milo and Mabel, stand in front of a growing poinsettia crop at the greenhouse facility that was formerly operated by Welby Gardens.
Blooma Farms expands greenhouse operations in Denver
ColoradoBiz Staff //October 13, 2025//
DENVER — Blooma Farms, a Colorado-based wholesale grower known for supplying annuals, perennials and vegetables to garden centers and landscapers, has expanded its operations with the purchase of a five-acre property in Denver.
In Brief:
- Blooma Farms acquires former Welby Gardens site in Denver
- Five-acre expansion boosts greenhouse production capacity
- Former Welby Gardens CEO Al Gerace joins as lead sales manager
- Partnerships expand Rocky Mountain Liners‘ reach beyond Colorado
The site at 6710 Washington St., formerly home to Welby Gardens, was acquired Oct. 13 for an undisclosed amount. The expansion increases Blooma Farms’ greenhouse capacity and continues the legacy of one of Colorado’s longest-running horticultural businesses.
“When I heard that Welby Gardens was closing, I felt compelled to continue providing products to our independent garden centers and landscapers,” said Jeremy Friedman, owner of Blooma Farms. “There is a growing supply gap with so many greenhouses closing, leaving garden centers scrambling for product. What began as a job has now turned into a crusade to help these small businesses keep selling their beautiful blooms.”
As part of the acquisition, former Welby Gardens owner and CEO Al Gerace has joined Blooma Farms as lead sales manager. Gerace, long recognized for his role in Colorado’s gardening industry, brings decades of experience to the company.
“I’ve been working in the family business since I was eight,” Gerace said. “It’s in my family blood, so I guess you really never shut a door.”
The former Welby Gardens greenhouses also position Blooma Farms’ sister company, Rocky Mountain Liners, for growth. Welby was the exclusive grower of HardyStart Liners, providing an ideal setup for expanding young plant production.
“The mentorship of Al is our very own gold rush,” Friedman said. “He is the godfather of the industry, and we hit the jackpot when it comes to taking care of our customers.”
The expansion and new partnership with Tagawa Gardens will also extend Rocky Mountain Liners’ reach beyond Colorado through Tagawa’s distribution network. Friedman said the collaboration could bring the company’s begonias and dahlias to new states, including Alabama.
Blooma Farms, which has operated in Colorado for more than 40 years, partners with Colorado State University to develop hardy plant varieties and improve water efficiency. The company is known for its signature poinsettia varieties, including Painted Blue, Marble and Autumn.
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