So, now that you know that Fall is full of advantages for planting a garden, what do you do? Head down to your nearest Big Box store? No? “But they have a 12- month guarantee on anything I kill!” So many times I hear that shopping at local nurseries can be too expensive. I say, what you lose in a return policy, you gain in experience like no other: expert guidance, one-of-a-kind plant selections, and trouble-shooting. Your local nursery can guide you to everything from growing your own vegetable garden to seeding your first lawn. One of my favorite nurseries in the FresYes area is Evergreen Garden Center. I am also fortunate enough to work there seasonally, so I will try not to be too biased.
Nestled on Alluvial between Peach and Minnewawa in Clovis, Evergreen welcomes you into a serene setting. The owner, Mike Ravicchio, purchased the current location as a vacant lot in 1995 after operating an existing nursery on Herndon and Villa for nine years. Mike graduated from Fresno State with a degree in Ornamental Horticulture and has extensive knowledge of the plants that work best for our area. After 28 years in business, he now has a staff of eight, including his brother Bryan, who has been at the nursery for 27 years. The sales staff alone boasts 50+ years of knowledge and experience! Customers have become lifelong friends and children and adults alike love to come just for a visit with the St. Bernards, Duke & Budd, and the cats. Many even refer to Evergreen as the “St. Bernard nursery”.
Evergreen Garden Center is a full service nursery with a full line of trees and shrubs, perennial and annual color, roses, pottery, chemicals, soil amendments and a one of a kind gardener’s gift shop. Watering cans shaped like animals, heavenly scented soaps and candles, pots to match any style, miniature garden accessories and a great selection of rusty metal arbors and trellises are just some of the unique finds.
One of the best features of the nursery is how user-friendly it is. All of the plants are clearly labeled and give descriptions on where they will thrive. Customers are encouraged to stroll the paths on their own, but friendly help is always available. They also offer complementary garden design with purchase of materials. Bring photos of the area(s) you wish to plant, and the staff will work on a plan specially for you.
Over the years, Evergreen has become known for their outstanding selection of roses. They carry miniature, ground cover, shrub, and tree roses. Over 3,500 bare root roses arrive in December and will be potted up with a mix of compost and fertilizer. Customers can pre-order their roses at a discounted price by calling or stopping in the nursery. If you have never planted roses before, fear not! The staff at Evergreen will give you all the direction you need!
If you have been contemplating trading in your Big Box store for the more knowledgeable, local shops; be sure to put Evergreen Garden Center at the top your list. Follow them on Facebook for specials and seasonal tips.
You can find Tamera working part-time at Evergreen Garden Center or trying to keep up with her 2 girls.
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