The story of Grass Roots Farms Pumpkin patch really began in 2008 when two college friends, and sweethearts, graduated and decided to part ways. Jo Argabright, then Jo Gilliand, vehemently swore she would never move to rural Kansas. A short three years later she found herself engaged to her college sweetheart, Austin, and living a rural dream in Atwood, KS. He still enjoys teasing her about their lost years.
Fast forward ten years, two kids, and the emergence of COVID later, Jo calls home to Austin and says, “GREAT NEWS HONEY, I bought a garden center today!” Grass Roots Garden Hub opened its doors in July of 2020. Over the next three years, Jo and Austin revamped and revitalized the business, based on the premise that local businesses are the lifeblood of rural communities. In April of 2024, they expanded into Grass Roots Garden Hub & Floral, opening a second store next door to the original garden center.
In 2022, Jo founded the Grass Roots Institute of Kansas, a non-profit dedicated to supporting rural food systems. The Grass Roots Institute Community Kitchen launched summer of 2024!
Jo and Austin’s love of the rural way of life pours into everything they do. Their vision is to create space for connection – connection to the earth, to a sense of community, and to family. The launch of Grass Roots Farms Pumpkin patch in fall of 2024 is the embodiment of a dream to support a family friendly, wholesome farm experience.
Austin is part of a multi-generation family farm in Rawlins County. His knowledge in farming and “jack of all trades” skillset has come in very handy as the couple transforms the 27-acre farmstead into a pumpkin patch, cane maze, and activity center. Jo is a dreamer with a passion for growing. Together, they are committed to providing a safe, educational and fun arena for entertainment, learning and connection. They will continue to build and add each year, but are ready for the launch in 2024!
