How Does Your Garden Grow?

By offering a money-back guarantee on its own locally grown plants and flowers, a host of educational workshops, and an at-home potting service, Dean’s Greenhouse has become an annual destination for generations of successful gardeners. Here’s how you can make your garden really grow—and save money.

By: Meredith Bruder
Date: 04/02/2009
Just when we think winter may last forever, Mother Nature rewards Northeast Ohio with her first breath of spring. The buds on the trees begin to swell, crocus tips start their annual rise through the remaining snow, and our thoughts turn to vegetable gardens, cookouts and finding those flip-flops.

Visiting your local greenhouse can be inspiring. Gardeners are always looking ahead to the next season of plantings: What worked last year? Should I transplant that shrub? What vegetables should I grow? And the warmer temperatures bring them to local greenhouses as they seek to revitalize their yards.

Providing locally grown plants and flowers since 1924, Dean’s Greenhouse is one of the oldest continually operational businesses in Westlake.

What makes Dean’s dramatically different, owner Debbie Dean-Espie says, is that it’s the only place in the city that grows its own plants and flowers. “We grow all of our plants by hand because it results in better quality plants. We’ve also been very fortunate to have the community support us for so many years,” she adds.

Raised Bed Veggie Kits

Dean’s recently announced the introduction of their new Raised Bed Veggie Kits. “With the current economic situation and people trying to be more health conscious, these kits are a simple solution for a low-cost and healthy lifestyle,” she provides. Kits come complete with sample instructions on how to set up your garden and also include suggestions for which plants to incorporate.

The Garden Academy

Dean’s encourages novice plant growers and expert gardeners to continually hone their skills with a brand new educational program. “Learning about plants you’ve never grown is fun and educational,” Debbie encourages.

“Our new Garden Academy includes dozens of reasonably priced workshops and free demonstration classes that are quick and informative.”

From kids programs that help them learn about gardening, to adult programs like raised bed gardening, window herb boxes, rose care, hanging baskets, proper watering, and many more, there is something for every green thumb.

In the Garden Academy series, Dean’s offers “Make and Take” hands-on, fee-based workshops. The nominal cost to participate covers all supplies and instruction. Online registration is required to attend

Going To Pot

As a local business owner, Debbie is always looking for new ways to meet her customer’s changing needs.

“Many of our customers are baby boomers, retirees, or simply value their time. We’ve created our “Going To Pot” on-site repotting service to save them effort and time,” invites Debbie. “We replant container gardens and large planters for you. If your container is too heavy to bring to us, we’ll bring the service right to your home.”

During your free consultation, you’ll discuss what type of colors, flowers and plants you prefer. Your “personal potter” selects the best plants from Dean’s greenhouse and, along with the dirt and tools, delivers them right to your home. They even clean up when they’re done.

A Money-Back Guarantee

Gardeners can be rest assured with Dean’s as they offer a guarantee on trees, shrubs and perennials. Visit their website, listed below, for complete details on their plant guarantee.

Easter Sunday, April 12, is quickly approaching and Dean’s is loaded with forced bulbs, Easter Lilies and more. Debbie encourages you to shop early for the best possible spring selection. “Our hydrangeas, daffodils, tulips, and blooming plant baskets make wonderful gifts,” she smiles, “or a simple way so to bring a little bit of spring into your home.”

Ask one of Dean’s expert gardeners to enroll you in their Very Important Gardeners (V.I.G.) program to receive 10% off of all regular priced items for the year. Dean’s also works with local fundraising organizations. Dean’s Greenhouse is located at 3894 Porter Road in Westlake. Spring retail hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit www.deansgreenhouse.com, call 440-871-2050 or e-mail info@deansgreenhouse.com.

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