Does this warm weather have you thinking about Spring?

Here are some top spots in Mahaska County to help prepare you and your garden for spring

As spring approaches, Stam Garden Center & Nursery makes it easy for gardeners of every level to jump into the new season with confidence. Their greenhouse fills up with fresh annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, and vibrant hanging baskets, giving you everything you need to bring color back to your yard after winter. They also stock soil, mulch, fertilizers, seeds, and garden tools so you can refresh beds, start new projects, or revive indoor plants. With knowledgeable staff ready to answer questions and guide you toward the right plants for your space, Stam helps you shake off the cold months and step into spring fully prepared to grow, decorate, and enjoy your outdoor spaces again. They also offer classes to create succulent gardens, terrariums, and  arrangements! Whether it’s a work outing, celebration, or just a fun get-together, their seasonal workshops make for a creative and memorable experience. Reach out to plan your own group event!

Sunny Slope Greenhouse is open year‑round, always bringing something fresh and inspiring to local gardeners. Their selection features vibrant annuals, hardy perennials, lush houseplants, and unique gifts that rotate with   the seasons, giving customers a reason to stop by often. They also host classes and special events throughout   the year, making it a place where people can learn, create, and connect while exploring new ideas for their   homes and gardens. Whether you’re refreshing your space or diving into a new project, Sunny Slope is   constantly offering something new to discover.

Crouse’s House of Flowers offers more than beautiful bouquets — it’s a charming destination for anyone looking to brighten their home inside and out. They are a trusted source for quality flower arrangements and thoughtful gifts, offering beautiful, handcrafted designs for every occasion. Their talented florists specialize in creating unique bouquets that express friendship, sympathy, celebration, or love, with options ranging from birthdays and anniversaries to Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and heartfelt sympathy tributes.  Alongside their signature floral arrangements, the shop features a lovely selection of indoor plants and decor. Their outdoor décor collection adds personality to porches and gardens, with unique pieces that make your home feel welcoming in every season. You’ll also find an assortment of wind chimes that add a peaceful, melodic touch to patios and entryways. With thoughtful gifts, creative designs, and décor that inspires, Crouse’s House of Flowers makes it easy to add beauty wherever you need it.

New into gardening or want to try something new?

The Mahaska County Master Gardeners have grown a wonderful community resource with their Seed Library, first established in 2021 and now refreshed with new varieties for 2026. Housed at the Mahaska County Extension Office, the library encourages gardeners to explore new vegetables and flowers by offering intact seed packets and repackaged donations from seed companies and fellow growers. All seeds are less than three years old, with many open-pollinated options ideal for home gardens. Gardeners can browse the collection during regular Extension office hours or at Master Gardener events, selecting only the seeds they plan to grow in the coming season. It’s a simple, welcoming way to support local gardening, share resources, and inspire more people to get growing.