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Garden Season 2014 is in full swing!  That means the boys are back ...Roberta’s Unique Gardens Boys, that is! 

Four generations and over 50 years!

Their greenhouses are only about an hour away from Indianapolis.  So, while I was home last May, I asked Eric if my family (all avid gardeners) and I could take a tour of Roberta’s.  He said, “Sure!  Come on down!” I took some pictures because I thought you might want to experience Roberta’s, too! 

We (my mom, Dad, Sister Susie, Isabella & I) arrived mid-morning to a nice welcome from Eric and Mark, his Operations Manager.

First up - The seeds are where it all begins.

Isabella loved seeing all the plants, especially the “hen”!

These are “chicks” of the “hens & chicks” or sempervivum, which means “live forever”.

Close-up of the “hen” that Izzy is holding.  

Look at the rich red snap dragon!  These come back every year as opposed to an annual that you find elsewhere.  And the flower actually snaps when you pop it!

Just one of the row of state-of-the-art greenhouses on the Roberta’s property.

I love this picture!  It shows the health & lush nature of their plants.  Believe it or not, this is the end of the season when nearly everything has shipped!

These are big, gorgeous roots that will become “Itoh Peonies”.  This is Kevin’s favorite plant we sell.  It’s a cross between your garden peony, tree peony and Tibetan peony.

Gratuitous shot!  Lol!  (Hens & Chicks that are growing a “cottony sweater”.)

We decided to jump into the semi that is waiting to bring you this year’s Roberta’s treasures!

After we left the grounds, we headed to Eric’s house to meet his family and have lunch.  And low and behold, who showed up?  Koort! 

Needlesstosay, we had a great day at Roberta’s!!  I was completely impressed by the healthy, beautiful plants, the operation and the family atmosphere that exists after all these years.  Their mission has always been to bring you “Hard-To-Find, Easy-To-Grow” plants.  Four generations and fifty years later, Roberta’s is still going strong!   I’m sure their Mom, Roberta, would be proud to see her sons & grandsons taking such good care of her namesake!  A big thank you to Eric, his Team & his family for their Hoosier hospitality!

-Nancy