The Lotus Story
Background and Inspiration
James and Michelle Tolston started to build their vision for Lotus Gardens in 2017. As a child, James spent every summer in Ogallala, NE on his Aunt and Uncles’ farm learning about and tending to livestock and their produce garden. As he grew into an adult, he had always found the process of plant life interesting, always planting his own backyard garden.
Throughout the years of his youth, James witnessed many health issues in family members and several young deaths due to health issues aging from 40’s to young 60’s. These issues drew his attention what was causing these deaths. He noticed the lifestyle of his family’s diet and in 2010 changed his diet to vegetarian.
In 2012 James learned about aquaponics and what the system could produce. Since then, he and his wife, Michelle have fully invested their time, money, energy and resources into building Lotus Gardens, Aquaponics Urban Farm.

James Tolston
Owner and Founder
Milestones of the Company
April 2017
Lotus Gardens signed a ground lease with Root & Hive.

May 8, 2017
The Lotus Gardens building was delivered.

June 22, 2017
Ground was broken at Lotus Gardens.

July 25, 2017
The building was erected.

March 24, 2018
In floor heat and concrete completed.

October 12, 2018
System delivery.

November 25, 2018
Complete installation and full of water.

April 19, 2019
Fish delivery.

June 7, 2019
First harvest.
