HOW PLATT HILL NURSERY LENDED A HELPING HAND
Platt Hill Nursery helped the Shea family by simplifying their gardening journey with expert, in-person guidance that made starting a vegetable garden and planting fruit trees feel approachable and manageable. Their team offered timely advice—especially when challenges like squirrels arose—ensuring the Sheas could enjoy their homegrown produce. Most importantly, Platt Hill Nursery supported the family’s goal of creating a nature-rich, outdoor environment where their children could learn, explore, and grow.
THE SHEA CHALLENGE
“We never wanted to be suburb people, but with the growing family, it had to happen.” The tale as old as time, the Shea’s had to leave the city behind as their family continued to grow. “We really wanted a community to join, somewhere that our kids could experience growing up like we did in Michigan.” When they moved out to the Western Suburbs, they bought a house with a lot of open space. The house had recently been renovated, so everything was in pretty good condition, but we still wanted to put our flair out on the outdoor space.
After six months of moving in, they started trying to work on their outdoor space. The birth of their second child also slowed the process down. Michelle had done some research online, finding Platt Hill Nursery through one of their blogs. It seemed like they knew what they were talking about and it seemed enormous. “I did not want to be going, anywhere and everywhere to find the stuff we needed.”
OUR TEAMS CHALLENGE
One of the things they really wanted to try was growing some of their own food. The Shea family liked the idea of growing their own food and eating fresher foods. Upon venturing to Platt Hill Nursery, they felt a little overwhelmed.
“There were so many options, but before we knew it, one of the Platt Hill Nursery employees to talk to us and help us figure things out.”
They started small, adding a few vegetable plants and some blooming baskets to make their space feel more homely. After a few trips, they also decided to try their hands at some fruit trees.
THE RIGHT PARTNERSHIP
“I wanted fruit right away, unfortunately, the squirrels did too,” says Mike. He called Platt Hill Nursery to get some more advice and before he knew it, the squirrels were leaving his fruit tree alone and they were starting enjoy the “fruits” of their labor.
“I think the best part for me is that our kids are spending time outside, engaging with nature and learning something a long the way. Additionally, the kids eat more natural things while getting a little dirty. This has been a great excuse to get the kids out of the house and off the screens.”
Mike and Michelle, great work cultivating food in your urban environment!
