Apr 14, 2026
By Border Queen Harvest Hub
Tucked quietly on the west side of Arkansas City, La Hacienda Greenhouse has long been one of the community’s best-kept secrets—though those who know it, love it.
The story begins in 1993, when Diana Spielman started with just one small greenhouse and a big vision. Over the years, that vision grew—literally—into a thriving, five-greenhouse operation filled with vibrant life and color. What started as a modest venture blossomed into a destination for gardeners across the region.
In 2020, Diana passed the torch to Jana Linke, who stepped in with a lifetime of growing experience already rooted deep within her.
Jana’s love for plants didn’t begin in Kansas—it began in Oklahoma, where she grew up helping her great-grandpa in the garden. The farm spanned four generations and nearly a century—97 years of history, knowledge, and dedication to growing.
That legacy started simply. Jana’s great-grandfather began in the 1920’s with just a handful of canna bulbs brought from Arkansas. Her grandmother planted them in a flower bed, then moved them to a garden, where they multiplied year after year. Eventually, Jana’s grandfather secured the rights to the cannas—trading a Jersey calf to make it official. When he left to serve in World War II, Jana’s grandmother kept the farm running, ensuring the family’s growing legacy never skipped a beat.
From there, the knowledge passed down through Jana’s grandparents, her mother, and the generations who worked side by side in the fields. Jana learned early, working alongside her family and gaining hands-on experience that no book could ever replicate.
Today, she brings that same deep-rooted passion to La Hacienda Greenhouse in Arkansas City, where she has now been part of the business for over three decades and is in her sixth season running it independently. Since taking over, Jana has continued to grow—adding another greenhouse and already planning for a sixth.
During the season, from mid-March through the end of June, the greenhouse comes alive 7 days a week. Visitors can wander through three large retail greenhouses filled with everything from tomatoes and peppers to herbs, annuals, perennials, succulents, and lush hanging baskets.
Beyond the greenhouse, Jana can also be found each Saturday at the Kansas Grown Farmers Market during the spring and summer months, sharing her plants—and her knowledge—with an even wider community. She even offers her own soil blend in 3-cubic-foot bags, a favorite among loyal customers.
And of course, no visit would be complete without meeting Ciera—the resident Rottweiler. While she may not greet customers at the door, she’s usually stretched out on the floor, happily serving as laid-back “eye candy” for anyone who stops by.
From a handful of bulbs to generations of growers, La Hacienda Greenhouse is more than a place to buy plants—it’s a living story of family, resilience, and a deep love for growing things that continues to flourish with each passing season.