Customer Comments

I first made the 95-mile round-trip from Dearborn to Specialty Growers in Howell because they advertised herbs, and above all else I am an herb gardener.  Amusingly, in the three years that I have been going to their Open House, only about a third of my purchases have been herbs!  I return to Specialty Growers each year because of the knowledge and helpfulness of Karen and her staff, and because it benefits me as a gardener to have the privilege of walking among the planting beds and greenhouses, as well as seeing Karen’s own garden beds, by giving me valuable ideas that I can implement in my own garden.  Because the plants are grown on-site, so I knew that the plants were well suited to our climate. 

Valerie Donndelinger – Dearborn, Michigan

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I have nothing but positive things to say about Specialty Growers - from the healthiest and best plant selection around, to wonderful staff and a dedicated grower/owner, and more!  My garden buddies and I plan our calendars around the  "Open House" days!    Looking ever forward to more.

Robin Smith – Howell, Michigan

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I encourage anyone reading this to shop for perennials at Specialty Growers.   I have been purchasing mine from them for several years, and I can say without hesitation that I have never been disappointed with one single plant. The variety of plants they have is amazing; I have found plants that I have never seen anywhere else, as well as new colors in some of my old favorites.  The plants have always been healthy; I have never lost a Specialty Growers plant once I've planted it at home, nor has one failed to come back the next  spring.  The staff is always courteous, and have made excellent recommendations for trouble areas in my yard. I am also pleased with that fact that Specialty Growers supports our community by holding special sales and giving proceeds to local non-profit organizations. This is the type of business I enjoy shopping at, and I encourage everyone to  try their product.  They'll find they’re thinking the same things I do.

Deborah L. Drick – Howell, Michigan
Director of National Service Programs
Habitat for Humanity of Michigan

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I first became acquainted with your wonderful, healthy plants at a summer Master Gardener conference.  Your employees are very knowledgeable and helped me select several ornamental grasses that are not gracing my gardens with their majestic splendor! Several of my friends and I are planning a buying trip to Specialty Growers this spring.  Thanks you for all the unusual plants you sell, so that our gardens can truly be out of the ordinary. 

Deb Anderson

West Branch, MI

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For 20 years we’ve shopped all over southeast Michigan, and even further, for perennials for my gardens and clients’ gardens.  Specialty Growers remains our “first stop” for perennials.  This is because we do not find anywhere else a better combination of available varieties and sizes, accurate labeling, vigorous pest-free plants, good value and honest, informed advice.

Janet Macunovich and Steven Nikkila

Waterford, MI

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All I have are good comments about Specialty Growers.  I have been buying most of my perennials from Karen for the last 8 years or so.  Karen and the rest of her staff are always helpful and make suggestions as to what plants to pair together.  What I really like about her plants is that they are grown here and I know that then I purchase them they will survive the winter.  Her section at the Brighton Market is the first place I go on Sturdays mornings.  I love to find the really different plant that she brings each week.  Can’t ask for a better way to star the weekend.

Marlaina R. Warren

Brighton, MI

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Why I shop at Specialty Growers:

Friendly and knowledgeable staff, Large wagons and hard carts for toting stuff, Plenty of parking, Well spaced areas, Many plants are available in small and large sizes, Large selection, All the latest stuff, Plants are clean and well cared for, 1 gallon plants for the same price or less as 3 and 4 inch pots from mail order companiesIt seems that it is usually raining or very cool when I visit, but that doesn’t keep me home. Don’t even bother going to my local nurseries anymore.  If Karen doesn’t have it, nobody else in the area has it either.

Joanne Tokatlian

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

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Karen Bovio and her select staff have great instincts about what plants gardeners will want each year.  They have the latest and greatest varieties of perennials and annuals at prices that can’t be beat.  Everything I’ve purchased from them over the years thrives and does exactly what they say it will.  As a garden designer, I never miss hopping their stock several times a year for both myself and for my clients.

Beverly Moss

Waterford, MI

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After years of trying on my own to make a beautiful garden, I finally enlisted the help of a talented friend who was starting her own garden design business.  She purchases all of her plants from Specialty Growers. 

Now?  My garden is more beautiful than I even imagined it could be.  Each plant is growing to full potential and has put plant purchases from other sources to shame.  The great plants, combines with the expert advice, has made my garden a joy and source of beauty to me each day.   We have plans to create many other garden spaces all over the yard, and all the plants will come from Specialty Growers.  Thank you, Specialty Growers, for working hard to have the best products in Livingston County and beyond.

Renee MacRitchie

TMZ Farm

Pinckney, MI

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Specialty Growers definitely has the BEST perennials!  Their plants are thriving compared to other growers.  Even the smallest sizes are growing and doing very well.  One thing I love the most about Specialty Growers is attending the Daylily Open House and actually walking in the Lily bed to select the individual specimen for your garden and home.  The friendly staff digs up your selection and then you’re on  your way to taking a little piece of heaven home with you.

Mary Taylor

Howell, MI

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I like Specialty Growers because of the unique and very cool plants they offer, combines with the knowledgeable staff that helps make sure I select the right plants for my garden.

Donna Gundle-Krieg

Milford, MI

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Specialty Growers is a unique source for interesting, reasonably priced, healthy plants well suited to Zone 5.  This nursery goes the extra mile in terms of providing educational programs on site in conjunction with Open House days.  They have also been very cooperative in bringing special order plants to the market. 

Diane Pruden

Milford, MI

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My mother got me hooked on getting my perennials from Specialty Growers and the selection is so large I don’t need to shop anywhere else.  I usually have the choice of a small inexpensive plant or the more mature larger plants.  all of the master gardeners and the folks in the bright yellow shirts are so helpful and informative. Thank you for continuing your excellent service and great communication!

Lynn Leppek Ladouceur

Farmington Hills, MI

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Shopping at Specialty Growers is so easy.  I describe the soil type and the location in my yard, the professionals then lead me to the perfect plants.  They have everything…..why go anywhere else.  Now, if I could only get them to do the digging!

Pat Ginnard

Howell, MI

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There are many reasons why I personally like to purchase my perennials and annuals at Specialty Growers. I’ve decided on the following two reasons as the ones I feel are most important.

Customer Relations – All of the staff at Specialty Growers, from the owner/operator, Karen Bovio, to any of her full and/pr part-time employees, are always courteous, helpful and knowledgeable.  If one of her employees cannot answer my questions, then either another employee often has the answer or a message is taken and Karen always promptly calls back with the information. 

Product Selection and Availability – The selection at Specialty Growers is varied, they have many of the tried and true perennial standards, which are always full and healthy specimens, but even more importantly Specialty Growers also carries many of the newer perennial cultivars and unusual annuals which I depend on for my business needs.  As far as availability, I can browse the outstanding catalog that Karen Bovio publishes that has superb plant information useful for by garden design projects. I receive weekly emails from Specialty Growers which inform me of the plants available at their weekly Farmer’s Market location and I can also call Specialty Growers directly to find out the availability and quantity of my specific plant needs.  In a world where time is more and more precious, the staff at Specialty Growers makes it as pleasant, informative and timely as possible for me to complete my business objectives.

Lorenza Mueller-Hindle