The Mirror Newspapers Reflecting Life Along The Maumee River
BY NANCY GAGNET | MIRROR REPORTER — For more than three decades, Hoen’s Garden Center and Landscaping has been connecting people with the thing they love most – gardening.
“Our mission statement says that we foster knowledge and ignite passion in gardeners of all ages,” said Theresa Hoen, who with her husband Bob owns and operates the business.
“Because of that mission statement, everything that we do or strive to do is under that umbrella that accomplishes that mission,” she said.
With over 20 acres of property on Perrysburg Holland Road, Hoen’s carries a huge variety of annuals, tropicals, houseplants, perennials, trees, shrubs, bulbs, seeds, plant food, fertilizers, mulch and soil. Large assortments of succulents are also on hand.
“Succulents have made a huge impact in the garden industry,” she said. “People just love succulents. They require less watering, so they are a little less maintenance.”
The plants, which are similar to a cactus, require a special soil that drains well and they only need to be watered once every two weeks, she said. Also trending in the home and garden industry are terrariums, air plants and miniature gardens.
“Miniature gardens are so much fun. They are the kid in us that never goes away and they can be easy – you have a pot with plants and put an accessory in it and it creates a story,” she said.
Gardening is booming, thanks in part to a new generation of growers that seems as passionate about connecting with nature and growing food as previous generations, she said. To meet those needs, the center carries a large selection of vegetables – with over 100 varieties of herbs and more than 80 varieties of tomatoes, along with peppers, cucumbers, watermelon and much, much more.
Hoen’s also caters to container gardeners, for those who may only have a small patio or balcony to grow plants.
“When picking out plants for a container, the industry formula for container planting is thrillers, fillers and spillers,” Theresa said.
Hoen’s grows a majority of its plants, but the staff also collaborates with local wholesalers for some of the flowers they sell.
The greenhouse regularly hosts school tours so that future growers can begin learning about gardening; and on a regular basis, free workshops are offered on a variety of gardening topics. The Hoen’s staff can also custom-fill special containers for customers and the greenhouse sells a large assortment of planting containers in a variety of shapes and materials, such as clay, pottery, moss-covered, rustic, oak and birch.
Hoen’s also offers a landscape and design service. With the service, a professional designer will evaluate the site conditions, make recommendations and discuss preferences and needs.
“The greatest joy about this business is the people. That’s the greatest thing that I do,” Theresa said. “People come in here all the time and I can’t tell you how many say how relaxing and peaceful it is. They just love coming here. There is a soul connection to the earth. It’s coming back, people are reconnecting.”
Diane Artrip of South Toledo has been a regular customer for 10 years.
“I love the variety – it’s one of my favorite places,” she said.
A group of volunteers from Monclova Township – Kaye Stephens, Claudia Anerson and Carolyn Draheim purchased snapdragons, geraniums and viburnum to plant at the Monclova Community Center.
“We’ve come here for the last few years because they sponsor our garden tour,” said Anderson. “And they have beautiful flowers.”
Hoen’s Garden Center and Landscaping employs a staff of 30, including five family members.
Hoen’s is located at 1710 Perrysburg Holland Rd. in Holland. Business hours are Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
For information, please call (419) 865-6566 or visit www.hoensgardencenter.com online.
