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.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
16 Comments
Leave a commentI will have to check this place out with my husband who is the one with the green thumb. You guys might want to check out Winding Creek Gardens that is just north of Belmond. It offers a variety of beautiful plants and garden stuff too.
It really has some great things and Mary and Dave will go above and beyond to make your experience perfect. And Maggie as well! Winding Creek Gardens sounds very cool as well. I need to go check them out! Thanks for the tip!
I just saw this while researching your blog, Beth Ann. I’m originally from Belmond and work for CBias, based in Scottsdale. Love your posts! 🙂
Well welcome to It’s Just Life!!! So nice to “meet” you! I did a post on Belmond not too long ago—I loved that town!!!! thanks for stopping by!
I love this place. In your words, I can sense the passion this family holds for their business and for plants and trees and nature. What a lovely setting.
I think you get it! It is a beautiful setting and I can’t wait to go back when everything is in full bloom and leafy and green and lovely. Their open house is going to be a great time for folks to come plan what they want to put out in their yards.
I can’t wait to check them out! Everything looks so nice.
It is a great place and there are so many more things to come . I definitely think they have a lot of great things and they are all very willing and able to help customers make the right selections. We missed you!
I would really like to see their nursery as it looks like they have a lot to offer., I am in the mood to plant. I did plant my lettuce last Saturday. I can’t wait for it to pop up.
Oh goodie–glad you got your lettuce planted!
Another fun adventure. Looks like a very nice place. I’m assuming the giveaway is only for Americans in your State?
Well you could enter and if you win you could make a trip here to pick it up and pick stuff out! 🙂 Or you could give it to someone! 🙂
I could enter and certainly give it to someone closer. 😉
Looks like a fun place – I love exploring new nurseries/greenhouses! They all seem to have something different.
This one has some really fun decorative things as well as fabulous plants. I have plans……
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