Blooming where they’re planted

It’s the kind of place that could turn almost any gardener green with envy.

At Vanhoff’s Garden Center in Coeur d’Alene, the diversity of the hale and hardy items on display covers the botanical spectrum. There are dozens of overflowing baskets dotted with velvety lavender blossoms, tiny carpets of spring-green ground cover, knee-high potted tomato vines and a myriad of colorful shrubs and other plants lining several sections of the spacious store.

Since the late April opening in the former home of Pedal Pushers, owners Theron Vanhoff and Stacey Van Wingerden have filled the fully-automated greenhouse, outdoor areas and some indoor rooms with greenery and gardening items. The center’s ever-expanding list of offerings includes perennials, annuals, herbs, veggies, baskets, tools, earth-friendly fertilizers and more.

“We’re not even close to being done with our inventory,” said Vanhoff, a pharmaceutical representative-turned entrepreneur along with his sister, who had previously sold wholesale items to big box stores from their family-owned Mountainside Greenhouse for 15 years. “Our focus really is to be community-driven, as a local place where people can find all of their gardening needs. We want to help out in the community, like donating plants or whatever we can to help a benefit. If we can be a part of that, then we will.”

While the potted plants, such as blueberries, vegetables and herbs, and hanging baskets have proven to be the most popular items this season, the greenery isn’t the only thing shoppers will find at the garden center.

With an additional seven other staff members rounding out the Vanhoff’s team, including horticulturist Sue Bockelman, the red barn-looking center is a place where perplexed local gardeners can turn for help – from planting tips and tricks to full-on classroom discussions. Bockelman is available throughout the week to answer questions, and Saturday classes are held several times a month to dive even deeper into problematic planting issues.

“We have a horticulturist on staff who has really helped us out with our items. And if customers have any questions about gardening, we have the staff to help with that,” Vanhoff said.

The first thing many of the browsing shoppers noted on a recent rainy afternoon was the flourishing vines and overall health of the plants. Julie West, a recreational gardener, was driving by on Government Way when the lush greens caught her attention.

“It’s all very nice, they have a good selection and everything looks really healthy,” she said, as she inspected some annuals.

Farther down an aisle, David and Joyce DiGiovanni had picked up some tomato plants and assorted vegetable starts for their small garden a few blocks away. “So far I like it,” Joyce DiGiovanni said, adding that they used to frequent the now-defunct Pedal Pushers before it closed. “The plants are very healthy and there’s a good variety. It’s nice to have a garden center nearby.”

And, her husband continued as he examined some tall vegetable vines, “I’m looking at the tomato plants and they have some good prices.”

Those are just the kind of things the owners and employees hope customers notice.

“Customers know they are going to get quality plants and their questions answered for a fair price,” added Bockelman.

With 2,600 feet of space, the garden center has room to grow. Vanhoff said they want the business to become a year-round gardening destination. They’ll populate it with décor, Christmas trees and poinsettias during the off-season, and grow more of their own plants, including trees and new shrubs, next year. The entire two-door garage backroom, which is vacant at the moment, might be leased out as a coffee shop in the future, he added.

As for being siblings and co-owners of a new business, they said so far it’s gone better than either of them anticipated. Vanhoff said that they each bring their own strengths to the table in running things: he has a retail background and she has a long history in gardening.

“We thought if we could pool our resources we could make something happen. It’s worked out well so far,” he said. “I think we compliment each other really well, because she knows the industry really well and we are a really close family.”

Van Wingerden added, “We are actually doing better than expected in our first year.”

“It’s just been an overwhelming statement from the local community… that people are thankful that something is in the building,” Vanhoff said.