Gerri Hamby’s little garden center at the corner of Hart’s parking lot turns 25 this month; yet you might still get the occasional reaction, “There’s a garden center at Hart’s?” Indeed there is, but Planters’ Paradise has grown into its surroundings so wonderfully that at brief glance it can be mistaken for part of the natural landscape.
And that penchant for organic “belonging” is the key to its success. One visit will confirm that this is a special place. Serving as the in-town outlet for Gerri’s massive growing operation just east of the city, Planters’ Paradise has something most big garden centers don’t – trees, shrubs and plants that have been grown in and already acclimated to local weather before they’re ready for sale.
What this means to gardeners is that plants won’t go into shock when they’re transplanted into area landscaping, since they’re already thriving in our soil and weather conditions. In fact, some specimen shrubs and trees, such as Ninebark, Ginkgo and species of Japanese Maple, have been growing under the care of Gerri and her son, Harley, from months up to several years and are exceptionally hardy.
“We’ve had repeat visitors from Dallas, Oklahoma City, Illinois… well all over the U. S., really, who have access to huge garden centers yet say we have the healthiest and best plants anywhere,” Gerri noted, “and all the work is worth it just to hear them say, ‘Every time we come we stop here and get something special from you.’”
Planters’ Paradise also offers organically grown vegetable seedlings, herbs, berries, grapes and many Proven Winner products, as well as most of P. Allen Smith’s favorite plants. From marigolds to wisteria, Planters’ Paradise offers colors and scents to make a garden stand out and products to make sure it continues to thrive, such as organic compost, soil mixes, mulch and Fox Farm products.
Gerri and Harley truly know their stuff and are fonts of knowledge about plant species, growing habits and how, when and what to plant to get the best out of your garden. They can design you a deer-resistant garden, a shade garden, an ever-blooming blast of color, a sun-loving garden or one wowza focal spot with a specimen tree that will be the talk of the neighborhood. Landscaping services are available for small gardens to large commercial areas.
And to think it all sprang from a “tomato run” more than a quarter century ago! From one small greenhouse, Gerri had been selling her vegetables on a wholesale route through Carroll County for some time until Lynn Galyen at Hart’s offered her a small permanent space next to the coin laundry. Eventually, the Galyens had a big gully filled in on the far side of the lot just to make a place for Planters’ Paradise, and it thrives there today.
“Growing and then selling wholesale on a route and having a young baby was a twenty-four hour a day bust-your-butt business,” Gerri confessed, “and I’m so grateful to the Galyens for offering a space to me. It’s still hard, sometimes frustrating, work. I’ve never seen weather like what we’ve been having, either, and this is a weather-dependent business. But any blood, sweat and tears is worth it when we can do something special for someone and see the happiness on their face – that’s really what it’s all about for me and what makes the past twenty-five years a celebration – the smiles on my customer’s faces. And my appreciation and gratitude goes out to my family, friends, customers and those who have supported Planters’ Paradise for these many years.”
During May through October, Planters’ Paradise will be featuring plant giveaways and specials to celebrate their 25th anniversary year. Stop by and say hello at 135 E. Van Buren or call (479) 253-8975.