For years, Illinois Route 31 through Crystal Lake, Cary and Algonquin has been a paradise for green thumbs. Gardening enthusiasts knew a visit to Whispering Hills Garden & Landscape Center or The Barn Nursery would satisfy their needs. While the two businesses were technically competitors, they were also good neighbors who sent customers each other’s way when an item wasn’t in stock.
When The Barn went up for sale last year, this little piece of gardening heaven ran the risk of dying on the vine. Instead, it’s been purchased by Whispering Hills. The newly expanded and renovated Whispering Hills marks its grand opening May 5-7.
“We’re so excited to be able to enhance our customers’ landscape and garden experience with garden decor and seasonal selections,” say co-owners Al and Michelle Anderson.
The grand opening shows off Whispering Hills’ updated retail center and newly expanded inventory of decorative garden items like fountains and statuary from Henri Studio. The garden center also offers an expanded inventory of annuals, perennials, groundcovers, natural-grown vegetables, herbs, fruit trees, and other savory and sweet edible plants.
Whispering Hills has been a mainstay since 1990 when Al, a former landscaper, decided to stop buying plants from inconsistent suppliers and open a standalone garden center.
The property now includes a 5,100-square-foot retail storefront and 8 acres of land, which allows Whispering Hills to stock more plants, trees and stone for customers. An indoor greenhouse includes many of the unique finds that have made Whispering Hills a staple. The retail outlet carries some of the nation’s most popular and trusted brand-name house plant lines.
“We have the new line of Proven Winner Leaf Joy Houseplants,” says Michelle. “And we are now a destination location for American Beauties Native Plants.”
Those who visit this spring’s grand re-opening can win raffle prizes, take advantage of special discounts, and enjoy delicious and refreshing items from food trucks parked on the property.
Whispering Hills Garden & Landscape Center is located at 8109 S. Ill. Rt. 31 in Crystal Lake, (847) 658-5610.