The A.D. Makepeace Company will reopen a deep-rooted greenhouse on the Wareham/Rochester line this spring, and with its purchase of the more than 30 acres of land it sits on, is planting the seeds for a retail shopping center.

A.D. Makepeace will open Makepeace Farms at what was formerly the greenhouse and nursery that operated for many years as R.F. Morse, and last year, as Concord Nurseries.

But bigger plans are in store for the property, located at 22 Cranberry Highway.

"The ultimate plan is to do some development here," said Linda Burke, vice-president of marketing and communication for the Wareham-based cranberry grower and developer, as workers tore down an unusable building on the property.

The company is currently determining what uses might be compatible with the area, as well as with its own Rosebrook Business Park, located less than four miles up Cranberry Highway in Wareham, said Burke. Rosebrook is currently home to a medical office building, but A.D. Makepeace plans to build a mixed-use retail center called Rosebrook Place at the site, which will feature stores, a restaurant, and a hotel.

Rochester Town Clerk Naida Parker said town officials are encouraging commercial development on the property. The area was rezoned general commercial making it easier for larger businesses to move in.

“Before, people talked about putting in a big box store, pharmacy, etc... We would encourage something like that. That’s an ideal place to put it. It’s got fantastic access to the highway. It’s convenient,” Parker said.

Any plans for development are longterm, Burke said. The company is currently focusing on the April 1 opening the Makepeace Farms greenhouse/nursery. A grand opening is planned for later that month.

Under the management George Chapman, who held similar roles with both R.F. Morse and Concord Nurseries, Makepeace Farms will operate a retail greenhouse, and will supply fresh produce and plants to the Tihonet Village branch of Makepeace Farms in Wareham, which opened last year under the new brand after operating as Tihonet Village Market.

Makepeace Farms will offer an array of perennials and annuals, flowering shrubs, potted and hanging plants, and a selection of plants from the Proven Winners line -- which, as the name suggests, tend to get better results and longevity for the consumer, Chapman explained.

"We grow everything from ageratum to zinnias!" says Chapman, who has worked at the property, though under different owners, for decades.

Chapman's passion for plants is evident immediately, as he proudly shows off some combined varieties of seedlings that will fill pots and hanging planters in just a few weeks. The combinations will be a Makepeace Farms specialty, he explains, and for now, he's keeping the varieties "top secret."

"We really put the emphasis on the new varieties and the unusual varieties," he noted, adding: "We come up with our own recipes."

Longterm customers of the former greenhouses can expect a new look when they return this season. The greenhouse will be set up differently. An entire building will be devoted to hanging plants. A building that used to house a hardware store is currently being torn down. The store will also feature garden accessories and gifts.

Appropriately, customers will be able to purchase cranberry vines. Chapman is promoting the vines as ground cover, rather than food, he said with a smile.

"It'll be a true farm experience," said Burke.

Makepeace Farms in Rochester will be open seven days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning April 1.

The Tihonet Village branch of Makepeace Farms will reopen on May 3. Manager Karen Makepeace says she's looking forward to hosting Wednesday afternoon farmers' markets beginning in June, and offering more varieties of locally grown fresh produce, thanks to the store's new Rochester counterpart.