Christine Terpening
Contributing Writer

(Photo Provided: Cottage Gardens has take over the BestMaze and it will now be called BestMaze II.)

To be in business one hundred years is no small feat. We have endured four pandemics, a Great Depression, six foreign wars, ups and downs in the economy that were tough times for small business as well as conglomerates. Perhaps the secret of success for a time-tested business is strong roots. Cottage Gardens has served Mid Michigan and beyond since 1923. 100 years of growth in large part due to the care of their roots which is something they know a lot about.

Cottage Gardens was founded by Nick Kriek in 1923. It all began with a small but growing farm and landscape business. Kriek passed the business down to his daughter and son-in-law Wilma and Harold Hicks. Cottage Gardens remains in the Hicks family to this day.

“We started off as a small farm in Lansing and now have several growing locations throughout the country, Lansing being the original location and only retail facility,” said retail manager Britney Keiffer. “We sell landscape ready trees, shrubs and perennials. We also have annuals and Christmas greens, too.”

“We work hard to supply the highest quality in plant material for all of their (the public) landscape needs. As we continue to grow as a business our goal is to create more environments that bring our communities together in fun and unique ways, such as our new adventure BestMaze ll Corn Maze now at our Lansing location.” Keiffer informed.

Indoor and outdoor plants, perennials, trees and shrubs cover the grounds in vast variety. Trees make any home or business more inviting. Cottage Gardens carries a seemingly never-ending selection of trees from Maple, Oak, and Beech to Pine, Willow and fruit trees. Your grounds will be the prettiest around with one shopping spree at Cottage Gardens.

House plants have been known to reduce stress, boost mood, possibly stave off depression and improve indoor air quality. However, the massive variety and different needs of individual plants can be daunting and overwhelming. Cottage Gardens vast knowledge of plants can turn even the least skilled horticulturist into a successful plant owner. Some plants require little care while others require great care. The staff can see that you are paired with the species of plant that suits your style.

As a pet owner, the health and safety of your furry loved one is of great importance. Cottage Gardens carries safe plants for reptile enclosures and also are knowledgeable in which plants are safe to have in a home with dogs and cats and which plants could pose a danger to them.

BestMaze ll is the newest expansion at the locale. What was once hosted at the Benjamin Farm in Williamston, Cottage Gardens is proud to carry on the fun family attraction. BestMaze ll is a corn maze with a garden theme. For admission prices, group rates, field trips and other inquiries call (517)882-5728, extension 7. The maze is open Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Cottage Gardens is located at 2611 South Wavery in Lansing. Their hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Check them out at cottagegardenslansing.com for a database of in-depth information on the varieties of trees, shrubs and plants that are available.