Johnny’s Nursery Teaches Kids to Grow

Last Saturday, July 6, Johnny’s Nursery opened up their fields to the public and invited all to come and bring their kids to learn how to plant seeds and grow a harvest. The nursery was also giving out free hot dogs and nachos to those who came out to the event. Johnny’s Nursery sells plants, fruit trees, decorative trees and shrubbery grown all year long. They do not ship any of their products to big businesses; instead, they sell directly from their fields, giving customers variety even when examining one type of plant. Many customers come with a picture of space they want to fill or an idea in their head, and the staff do all they can to help them make it a reality. “They are the only nursery I have come across to demonstrate a geographic knowledge to help me remodel my own backyard. They are so knowledgeable here; they are walking encyclopedias,” said Ann Curtis, a customer who volunteered to help out with the event. Owner Johnny Chadwick has been a grower since 1979 and opened Johnny’s Nursery to the public seven years ago. He is open to growing everything he can in the nursery. “We do not buy anything for the nursery if we can grow it,” Chadwick said. Past events have brought in anywhere from 60–70 people, but the staff commented that they would be satisfied if 30 kids came out to participate. The nursery has over 60,000 one-gallon plants throughout their 10 acres of fields. Stone fruits and fruit trees are a heavy part of their stock. The nursery hosts events such as these often. The last event they held was a Mother’s Day event. The winner of the raffle drawing was present at this event and spent the gift card that she won to the nursery as a prize. They are also planning a pumpkin carving event in October, where they will let kids carve the pumpkins they grow in their fields. “My favorite part of being a grower is when we get a chance to host events like these,” Tressa Chadwick, Johnny’s wife said. “That, and being able to spend time with our family.”