From the Road: Retail inspiration blooms in Chicago
By Teresa McPherson
Highlights of The Lawn & Garden Retailer Bus Tour at The Garden Center Show in Chicago.
One balmy August morning, attendees of the Lawn & Garden Retailer Bus Tour boarded three buses to visit four distinct garden centers in the Chicago area. Here’s a look at some of the sights that caught our eye.
The Growing Place
Family-owned and -operated for more than 80 years, The Growing Place in Naperville, Illinois, started operating as Emma’s Perennials in 1936. Now run by the third generation — brother and sister duo Becca and Michael Massat — it has more than 4 acres of annuals, perennials, natives, trees, shrubs, edibles and houseplants. A converted barn houses the charming gift shop, where customers can find garden gifts and décor, including local artists’ work.
A map near the entrance provides navigation and informs customers of sales and upcoming events.One of the many Learning Gardens on-site, which are converted perennial beds from the days the business operated as Emma’s Perennials.A simple but impactful pine cone installation hanging from the ceiling of the greenhouse caught the eye of many tour attendees.A mushroom-themed display in the gift shop combines garden art and gift merchandise.
Wannemaker’s Home and Garden
Wannemaker’s Home and Garden in Downers Grove, Illinois, was founded by World War II veteran William Wannemaker. In 1967, he purchased Tollgate Nursery, which later evolved into Wannemaker’s. With his sons Jim and Bob, the business expanded into a complete home center by 1971. In 1995, they transitioned focus to outdoor gardening and seasonal décor. Now, more than 50 years later, the third generation (Joe, Jennifer and Kelly) continues the tradition of excellence established by their grandfather.
The second-story loft provides space for additional outdoor living merchandise — and a bird’s-eye view of the store.The well-stocked grilling section included sauces, accessories, apparel and even a basket rack to carry those impulse purchases.Wannemaker’s patio furniture selection provides something for every taste and budget.A fresh selection of houseplants, air plants and accessories in the greenhouse.
Platt Hill Nursery
Platt Hill Nursery began 40 years ago as a small evergreen tree grower. Now, the two-location garden center (we visited the Bloomingdale location) is run by the fourth generation of Hill family and offers classes, events and accessories for landscaping, as well as seasonal items.
Platt Hill Nursery president Graham Hill said they’re transitioning to number signs in the yard to make navigation easier for both customers and staff.A handy sign in the houseplants department explains light levels in a room for proper plant placement.Pots and plants are placed together, with shopping carts just steps away.An abundance of natural light in the gift shop makes for a pleasant shopping experience.
Lurvey Home & Garden Center
In 1986, after transitioning from dairy farming to growing sod and turf, Lyle Lurvey, along with sons Greg and Mark, purchased Lindemann’s Garden Center. By 1991, they transformed it into Lurvey American Green. Now, the Lurveys’ business includes the Home and Garden Center we visited in Des Plaines, Illinois, as well as four landscape supply locations around the Chicagoland area, and the Turf Nursery in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
A cozy — and shoppable — vignette greets visitors at the entrance to Lurvey.Grab-and-go container displays make it easy for customers to take home a mixed container to display or give as a gift.Meticulous merchandising can be found throughout the property. Here, a repurposed door serves as a focal point, while shelves of pots provide a dividing wall.Inside the store, customers can find everything they need for houseplant success.A mini putting green provides a diversion for younger shoppers, while the pavers in front (inset photo) are tagged with product information to show installation examples.
Teresa McPherson
Teresa McPherson is the managing editor of Lawn & Garden Retailer. Contact her at [email protected].
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