Gruler Gardens

08/26/2026

Dahlias to brighten a rainy day. These late season beauties will bloom for weeks into the fall, until the weather turns cold. Some of the best flowers of the season arrive in late August and September!

08/26/2026

I started buying some seeds for flowers and herbs from Botanical Interests this season. I'm still learning about them but they've been recommended by others. In any case, this looks like a good deal so I'm passing it on!

Up to 20% Off Select Seed This Labor Day

08/25/2026

Our U-Pick flowers shine in late August! Rudbeckias and sunflowers are popping, including furry teddy bear sunflowers. We have zinnias and bunny tails galore, and you never know what butterflies you might see while cutting a bouquet from this garden of beauties. Bring the kids! Bring your mom, your sister, your best friend! We're doing it again this Saturday, August 29 from 10-1. Bouquets start at just $10 and supplies are provided. We're at 1298 E Gruler Road in Petoskey. Look for the signs and turn in by the flower stand. Hope to see you here!

08/24/2026

This diagram about rudbeckias helps to explain the sometimes confusing variety. Most of the ornamental rudbeckias you may see in catalogs are rudbeckia hirta. In our nursery we carry rudbeckia fulgida (showy coneflower), rudbeckia submentosa (sweet black-eyed Susan), and rudbeckia triloba (brown-eyed Susan). They're all wonderful, but it helps to think "right plant, right place" as they behave differently. Rudbeckias are considered a keystone species, those that provide the highest level of wildlife benefit. Fortunately they're also gorgeous in gardens - both beautiful and functional!

Confusing the Susans? It’s no wonder. The Rudbeckias look similar, but how much they spread varies considerably. And yes, it is their time to shine.

08/24/2026

Monarchs, monarchs, everywhere! Butterflies and butterflies yet to be. Will this big caterpillar become a migrating monarch? We may never know, but we can do our part by providing milkweed lots of nectar rich flowers for the grownups.

08/20/2026

Scene from my early morning walk on the farm. Every view of nature is absolutely perfect!

08/17/2026

Beautiful flowers and smiling faces at Saturday's U-Pick event. What fun! We're doing it again this Saturday, August 22 from 10-1. Bouquets start at just $10 and supplies are provided. We hope you'll stop out! We're at 1298 E Gruler Road in Petoskey. Look for the signs and turn in by the flower stand.

08/16/2026

Aren't hummingbird moths among the most magical of creatures? We've had them all over our phlox in recent days. I can't get enough of watching them feed. Fascinating!

08/14/2026

I had lots of fun this week creating flower arrangements for the Charlevoix Conservation District's annual Summer Garden Party. They wanted several arrangements, each with a different look. Here's what I came up with for them.