LINCOLN, NEB. (March 15, 2005)--Sometimes the best ideas begin as accidents. This is true for Patricia Holscher, founder and owner of Garden Blends. What began as an improvised meal has now expanded into a growing business with Holscher's blends selling in numerous HyVee, Russ's Markets, and Super Saver grocery stores throughout four states. Most recently, Garden Blends Spice Blends were stocked in six stores in Missouri.

"About two years ago, a friend of mine hosted a craft show in Dorchester, Nebraska, so I bottled up some of my home-made dips to sell. Later, my dad used some Fiesta Dip on his potatoes and immediately encouraged me to try and get HyVee to sell it," Holscher said. A year later during the 2004 Super Bowl weekend, Holscher's company, Garden Blend, got its official start.

In addition to selling dry spice blends that customers can mix at home, three grocery stores have begun preparing bulk dips to sell in their deli sections. One store uses the Fiesta Dip in preparing specialty sandwiches.

The success of Garden Blends has amazed Holscher. She continues meeting with HyVee management with the goal of expanding to 158 stores. She also is working with a Los Angeles, Calif. distributor who has access to highly sought shelf space in 10,000 stores.

"At first, it made my head hurt to think about it," Holscher said, "but now I can realistically think about 10,000 stores carrying my Garden Blend products."

Holscher is a member of GROW Nebraska and her products are available through the GROW Nebraska online catalogue. According to Holscher's website tracker, nearly one-half of this year's hits have come from the GROW Nebraska website.

For more information about Garden Blends, visit the company's website: www.gardenblends.com

GROW (Grassroots Resources and Opportunities for Winners) Nebraska is a nonprofit organization focused on maximizing Nebraska's entrepreneurial spirit and building businesses globally by providing sustainable business environments through marketing, education, business-building services, and access to markets. To learn more about GROW Nebraska or Nebraska entrepreneurs, visit the organization's website: www.grownebraska.com