Bennett's Greenhouses branches out

BY KAT BRAZ

PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE PETKOV AND PROVIDED

The 145-year-old family business now offers indoor and outdoor venues for weddings, workshops and community gatherings

When Sara Abrams and Taka Sakamoto started planning their July 2019 wedding, they envisioned an intimate garden affair with family and friends surrounded by lush greenery and flowers — lots of flowers. What better place to host their nuptials than Bennett’s Greenhouses, the Lafayette plant nursery and garden center that’s been in Sara’s family since it opened in 1878.

Theirs was the second wedding held at Bennett’s, a favorite destination for local gardeners. Sara, whose last name is now Sakamoto, fondly recalled her cousin Julie Ruff wedding. Ruff married Jacob Hedgecough in October 2014, and during their reception, the couple danced under string lights hung across the greenhouse.

“Julie’s wedding was the beginning of, ‘Oh! We could turn this into an event venue,’ ” says Sakamoto, who moved back to Greater Lafayette in August and joined the staff at Bennett’s as its first event coordinator. “I grew up on the property and it’s long been a passion of mine to help our family business grow and diversify by hosting more events — not only weddings, but also workshops, classes and outreach events. We want to create a lasting community connection.”

The outdoor garden space, with a rustic deck and pergola backdropped by a shimmering pond and fountain, can accommodate 300-plus guests and is available April through October. The enchanting indoor glass greenhouse with temperature control can accommodate up to 200 people and is available June through February. A new building under construction and planned to open in 2024 will provide dressing suites for the bridal party and prep space for caterers. Wedding packages start at $2,900 and include a $900 flower allowance.

The Bennett’s team works with each couple to ensure the décor reflects their style and embraces the season. That could be beds of bright summer blooms and a pergola draped in billowing sheer fabric or cheery potted sunflowers with sprigs of greenery adorning the pergola.

“Because we have a floral department, flowers are included in our package price, which is something rather unique to our venue,” Sakamoto says. “For couples who don’t want fresh cut flowers and would prefer to select a tree or shrub to plant at their home, that’s another option we offer.”

Bennett’s has an open vendor policy so couples can work with whatever service providers they choose. Sakamoto is happy to share a recommended vendor list, too. The location on the corner of McCarty and Creasy lanes provides out-oftown guests with easy access to dining and hotel accommodations.

“We have so many customers who shop at Bennett’s and tell us, ‘I had no idea this space was here,’” Sakamoto says. “We want to get the word out that we’ve created an elegant garden space smack dab in the city of Lafayette. At Bennett’s, you can have a beautiful outdoor ceremony, surrounded by nature in a convenient location at an affordable price.”

Both venues are available to rent for private or community events, in addition to weddings. “We can tailor our event spaces to whatever is needed,” Sakamoto says. “Our family business has long been committed to community engagement. Offering these event spaces is one more way Bennett’s can bring people together.” ★

Plan your event

Contact Sara Sakamoto, event coordinator at Bennett’s Greenhouses, at 765-418-7711 or events@bennettsgreenhouse.com

Take a workshop

Since returning to Greater Lafayette last summer, Sakamoto’s been planning workshops and community events, too. Among them, pumpkin painting and games for Halloween and a November holiday open house with crafts and cocoa. Bennett’s also regularly schedules workshops. Previous topics have included floral arranging, making evergreen porch pots, crafting autumn wreaths, the art of zentangles and terrarium design. Sakamoto hopes to hold future workshops on candle making and host yoga classes over the summer.

To find out about upcoming workshops and events, follow Bennett’s on Facebook and Instagram @BennettsGreenhouse.

Small business recognition

In October 2023, Greater Lafayette Commerce named Bennett’s Greenhouses as the Small Business of the Month. The award is designed to recognize the dedication, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by Greater Lafayette small businesses.