A Window into a Stillwater Nursery and Store Destination by Alana Owen

by ALANA OWEN

Fall is in the air.

As the mornings get cooler, we turn our attention to autumn activities, decorations, and festivals. When preparing our homes for fall, a simple landscape adjustment can bring color and beauty to celebrate the seasonal change.

A Window into a Stillwater NURSERY AND STORE DESTINATION

by ALANA OWEN

Aunique destination of its own is Big Creek Nursery & Country Store. I visited with JD Oldsen, the owner of this family business, who operates it with his wife Rachel, mother Heidi, and sons Gabriel and Uriah.

The idea of a nursery came to JD following some health issues which required a change of work. While JD was figuring out what was next in life, he thought of running his own nursery (along with his sister who is no longer involved in the operation). With limited income and resources, JD’s initial purchase included some seeds and greenhouse materials, and he always wanted to add a country store geared toward country homesteading products. In 2008, Big Creek Nursery & Country Store opened in Cushing. The business later moved to Stillwater to its current location at 3307 E. 6th Avenue, Stillwater. The country store opened in 2018 followed by the new bakery in September 2022.

The family raises perennials at the home property location in Cushing. The name “Big Creek” originated from the big creek that ran through the property the family owned at the start of the business.

JD credits his wife Rachel for the bakery addition, “She started making tested bake goods a few years back, and it was just added on as we grew.” Rachel’s pumpkin bread is a hit; the bakery also has many pies, brownies, cinnamon rolls, cookies, and sweet breads.

JD’s mother Heidi helps a lot, running the store and working in the perennial fields. JD’s boys, ages five and three, have taken a lot of interest working alongside the family in the perennial fields.

Customer favorites at the country store are the jellies and jams made by JD’s Amish friends in Kentucky, along with the fine quality kitchenware used by the Amish. In addition, the soaps are a big seller along with Rachel’s apron style oven towels; all unique with no two alike.

The perennial and fruit trees are big sellers at the nursery. The Russian sage, coneflower, black-eyed Susan’s, and chrysanthemums are a customer favorite. Apple, peach, and pear trees are stocked and sold in large quantities, along with various berries and ornamental shade trees.

The nursery also contains other garden supplies such as mulches, fertilizers, high quality garden tools, and glazed and terracotta pottery. Ornamental grasses such as maiden and fountain grass are popular as well. JD tries to focus on offering local plant varieties that grow well in Oklahoma. Herbs are often in supply at the nursery, primarily the basic ones such as basil, mint, chives, oregano, sage, rosemary, and cilantro.

The business also sells structures such as chicken coops, greenhouses, and cold frames. They offer a wide variety and complexity of green houses with many options. JD’s brother has been producing these structures for the business for several years.

The store used to be the home of a restaurant that has since relocated. The kitchen area of the former restaurant now houses the bakery. When approaching the business, the nursery sits to the west, and the country store sits to the east with a shared parking lot. Display models of the structures are on site for viewing.

The store has remarkable eye appeal in its ambiance and presentation. According to JD, the wood was a big factor when selecting a place after relocating. The wood was in place but required some restoration work. The shelves in the business have all been custom built by the family.

The words “Amish” and “homesteading” came up often during our conversation so I asked JD about how he met his wife and if his own family were Amish. JD advised his wife’s father came by for Mother’s Day flowers one day, and they became acquaintances and later friends. Rachel’s family began providing labor for JD’s business and he soon met his future wife, becoming more acquainted while attending the same church.

Without God this business would never have made it this far. So many times when we were struggling, He would always send whatever help was needed just in time, perhaps through an unexpected sale that covered bills we were unable to pay. Sometimes it was our neighbor Bob who helped us for days on end without letting us pay. Many have donated time and resources free of charge. Other times we prayed, and the right job applicant would walk through the door at the last minute. God was rarely early but never too late! We have learned to trust him for everything.

With every interview I learn something new. This time, I was educated about the term “Plain People,” which represents a simple life-style and standard of simplicity that JD and his family exemplify. What an interesting thing to learn. I hope our readers enjoy discovering (or revisiting) Big Creek Nursery & Country Store as much as I enjoyed the interview. I am looking forward to follow-up visits this month and just before the holiday season. n