It appears that spring is arriving in full force in Iowa if my allergies are any indication but I can take the sniffles and the occasional headache if it means I can be outdoors enjoying all that is around.  Sunday afternoon was the perfect time to be able to catch up with some North Iowa Blogger friends and get a tour of one of our local businesses at the same time.  Mary and Dave Hopper invited us to Natural Plus Nursery to see a preview before their big Open House begins May 1-9.  Work is still underway, plants are still arriving and inventory being added so it was fun to see all the activity along with thinking about what the place will look like in a few weeks or even in a month.  Mary writes the blog at Natural Plus Nursery and she is one of my favorite North Iowa Bloggers.Mary and Dave recently purchased Natural Plus Nursery from Dave’s parents Linda and Dave Hopper.  Linda and Dave started the business in 1978 and its location at 10075 263rd St Clear Lake is conveniently located between Mason City and Clear Lake.  The nursery sits on property that was originally owned by Linda’s parents and the A-Frame that houses many of the beautiful pots and garden decorations is made of recycled barn wood.  Dave grew up in the house that he and Mary live in on the property and they have spent tireless hours on renovations.  We loved sitting on their beautiful patio on this sunny afternoon.

We did a scavenger hunt after our tour and then we relaxed on the beautiful patio while listening to and watching the birds and squirrels that were enjoying snacks from the many feeders. We even had some garden themed food to share. There are so many great things to look at in the A Frame –I could have browsed here all day to be honest.  The great thing is that Natural Plus Nursery has plenty of time when you can stop in to visit:

April 15 – May 15
Monday through Friday 8 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday 8 am to 4 pm
Sunday 1 pm to 3 pm
May 16 – June 15
Monday through Friday 8 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday 8 am to 4 pm
Sunday 1 pm to 3 pm
June 16- October 15
Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm
Saturday 8 am to 3 pm
Sunday — Closed
October 16 – November 15
Monday through Friday 8 am to 4:00 pm
Saturday 8 am to 3 pm
Sunday — Closed
November 16 – April 14
By Appointment Only

Mary and Dave never really intended to get into the nursery business.  They both had full time jobs–Mary at the hospital and Dave with the DNR when Linda and Dave decided to sell the business.  It was for sale for awhile and for some reason Linda had a feeling that she couldn’t shake.   It just didn’t feel right for some reason.  At some point Mary and Dave decided that this was what they needed to do—-THEY needed to buy the family business and keep it moving forward and that is exactly what they did.  It is still a very family oriented business and most days you can see both Linda and Dave around the grounds doing what needs to be done to help Mary and Dave keep the business going full steam ahead.

Whether it is perennials, hostas, trees, shrubbery or pots and gardening items you can find it all at Natural Plus.  I loved looking at all of the unique pots and garden landscaping items that they have on site.  Mary and Dave have a landscaping crew along with one full time employee and other family members that help out. They even have faithful volunteers who come out to help on a weekly basis so you never know who you might see when you stop by.

And of course there is Maggie.  I am in love with Maggie.

The great news is that one reader will be able to win an amazing $100 gift certificate to be used at Natural Plus Nursery.  Entries are very simple and explained below in the Rafflecopter giveaway form.  I would absolutely love to have one of my local readers win so please enter and share with your friends.

If you are ever in the area you will want to be sure to check out Natural Plus Nursery.  Tell Mary and Dave I sent you.  And by all means, give Maggie a pat for me.
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