By Elizabeth Richardson
In 2010, Mary Ann Guthrie took her great love of plants and shrubs and created Guthrie Gardens. She had left corporate life, worked for a landscaping company, and decided to open her nursery at her home on 10 acres of lovely tree shaded land between Dexter and Chelsea.
As soon as her gardens grew, she expanded into the farmers markets in Chelsea, Dexter and Dixboro. She added a market each year until the present where she is at all three markets.
Her husband, John, is a big help with the heavy work that always needs to be done around a nursery. He also built the all of the Cold Frame Hoops that fit over all the 4-foot beds. They screw down to provide protection for her plants and shrubs from the wind and harsh winter weather. John sells these hoops and you can call for more information.
When asked how many different varieties of plants she grows and sells, she counted off so many it was difficult to put a number on it. Her best sellers are 9 bark shrubs, hydrangeas in many different colors, Dawn redwoods, Japanese maples and caryopteris, a small shrub that blooms in August with lovely blue flowers.
In the rows of beds she is growing, winter gem boxwoods that are hearty and do very well in Michigan. All the plants she grows are appropriate for this climate.
Walking thru the rows of plants, she would talk about each one describing what type of soil or location each would need. She knew all of the names and could tell you what color the blooms might be even though it was fall and many of the blooms were over. She loves to share this information with people and wants to help you even after the sale.
She wants you to feel, “Like Having Your Own Garden Nursery” as on the gardens business cards.
Due to Mary Ann’s busy farmers market schedule, the nursery hours are by appointment only. She would love to have you call and come out and see how much is available. You can only see a small sampling of all their plants and shrubs at the markets.
Call for more information or an appointment to see the nursery, 734-475-8898.
Guthrie Gardens is also having a sale. She has marked many perennials 25-pecent off and there is a big table filled with Hosta for $5 per pot.
