ROOTED IN THE MON VALLEY.
GROWING TOWARD WHAT’S POSSIBLE
FORGOTTEN LANDS IS A GREENHOUSE, A FARM, AND A LONG-RUNNING NEIGHBORHOOD LANDMARK - RENEWED WITH FRESH ENERGY, DEEP CARE, AND A MISSION TO BRING FORGOTTEN PLACES BACK TO LIFE.
WHO ARE WE ?
PULL UP A CHAIR - HERE’S OUR STORY
At Forgotten Lands, we believe that overlooked places deserve a second act. What started as a century-old neighborhood greenhouse in Turtle Creek has grown, quite literally, into a hub for plants, people, and a whole lot of beauty.
For generations, families have stopped here for spring blooms, fall mums, a wave hello, or a conversation in the driveway. In 2026 and beyond, we’re carrying that legacy forward with the same friendliness — just with a little more compost, a few more seedlings, and a renewed mission to let old places thrive again.
about our land
A Greenhouse With Deep Roots
Our greenhouse has been in operation in Turtle Creek for more than 100 years. It first belonged to the Ayers family, who grew geraniums that were sold nationwide. It then became a lifelong project of Al Henkel’s from the 80s until early 2020s. This greenhouse is a true Mon Valley mainstay. The property, the structures (and the many variations they’ve embodied), the stories… they’ve seen generations of neighbors come for seedlings, established plants, and friendly conversation.
Today, we honor that history while building for the future.
25 Acres, One Big Restoration Project
Just over the hill sits the original chapter of Forgotten Lands: 25 acres of former strip-mine land we’re bringing back to health through ecological restoration.
In 2017, Dan and Amy Ott settled on acres of forgotten land in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania. Did you know that Dan’s love for the chestnut tree and a sappy letter are the reason the Patchel family decided to sell us their land? The property allowed Amy to stay close to Pittsburgh for interior architecture work while giving Dan, well, space. The early years were spent renovating the house, working outside the home, and planning how to make the most of their long-overlooked property.
During the Covid-19 lockdown, Dan found a new passion: creating a quarter-acre garden in the heart of the woods. This small garden became the foundation of Forgotten Lands as a business. The first crops included salad greens and cut flowers. While deer found their way through the initial fencing, ending the salad green experiment, the flowers thrived. Today, our fresh cut flowers continue to bring joy to the Turtle Creek community through our seasonal flower subscription program.
We’re doing it the slow, the soil-first way:
improving soil biology
tackling water management
encouraging biodiversity
reducing dependence on synthetic inputs
planting native and cultivated varieties for cut flowers
From daffodils in April to sunflowers in August, these hillsides fuel our flower subscriptions and floral offerings — and signal what restored land can become. Partner with our restoration efforts by becoming a Cut Flower subscriber! We offer Spring and Summer seasons. Check out our Shop Cut Flowers page for more info. We have limited quantities each season. Sign up for our newsletter or follow along on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date.
about our people
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Grower, Nonstop Mover, Big-Idea Guy with a Big Heart
Dan is the day-to-day heart of Forgotten Lands — growing, planning, fixing what breaks, and dreaming up what comes next. He’s driven by curiosity, soil health, and the thrill of never giving up.
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Organizer, Storyteller, Keeper of the Big Picture (and the Books)
Amy helps keep Forgotten Lands running with clarity, care, and an eye for the beautiful. She organizes the systems, shapes the experience, and brings the polish that makes everything feel thoughtful and welcoming.
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The OG
For decades, Al kept the greenhouse running with care, humor, and steady hands. When he passed the torch to us in 2025, he trusted we’d honor the place and the community he tended for so long. We carry his work forward with deep gratitude.
WHAT WE’RE BUILDING NEXT
THE 2026 PAVILION PROJECT
We’re transforming the abandoned two-story house at the Greenhouse into a vibrant open-air pavilion, providing an accessible shopping experience, much needed shade and a welcoming landmark for those who make the trip.
The pavilion will include:
Open-air retail space for seasonal plants + flowers
Accessible parking stall & public restroom
Our office
Secure storage and improved workflow
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The house was demolished in November 2025, making the greenhouse site is an active construction zone! We have the ambitious goal of opening the Pavilion for the Spring 2026 season. Wish us luck!
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Convenient, accessible infrastructure helps us serve more people — and brings life back to a site that once signaled decline. It's part of our mission to restore land, strengthen neighborhoods, and help the Mon Valley thrive.
COME VISIT, SAY HI & TAKE HOME SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL
We’d love to have you at the greenhouse — or deliver fresh flowers right to your doorstep.