Welcome to Barrett's Showplace Gardens

In 1954, Robert Barrett purchased residual inventory from a retiring gardener for $300. Operating out of two bays of his gas station garage, he launched his garden center business. After two successful spring seasons, Robert decided to end his twenty-seven year old gas station services. In 1956, Barrett's Garden Center relocated to a 3000 square foot facility at its present five acre location on the southwest side of Adrian, Michigan. During 1956-1971, the business was developed by Robert and his wife Rosaleen, along with his lifetime friend, and Rosaleen's brother, Richard Marvin. With a diverse mix of bulk seeds, spring plants, groceries, seasonal produce, fertilizer, tools and fresh Christmas trees...their success was due to a great following of loyal friends and customers who enjoyed being serviced by an honest hard working couple.

Following Robert's death in 1971, Rosaleen continued running the business with the help of her brother, and her son and daughter-in-law, John and JoAnne Barrett. In 1975, John discontinued his teaching career and with the help of his wife, JoAnne, took over the business from his mother. 

John and JoAnne expanded the business in 1975 with a new 15,000 square foot facility and added a full nursery. A series of greenhouses were also added over the years for spring goods and over wintering nursery stock. To date, a flower shop and gift department, patio furniture, water ponds and accessories department, grills and wild bird feeding supplies have been incorporated into the business.

Spring time at Barrett's presents a variety of gardening and landscape seminars. The nursery department offers seminars on rose bushes, perennials, herbs and pruning. The garden center department conducts water gardening and ponds, lawn care, and wild bird feeding seminars.

While spring is the Barrett's prime selling season, Christmas is also a special time. In October, the garden center is transformed into a Christmas Wonderland featuring a trim-a-tree department with the area's largest display of decorated and undecorated artificial trees. The flower shop entices customers with a full line of fresh poinsettias and other holiday plants. The store front is transformed in late November with Christmas trees, roping and wreaths.

Barrett's wild bird feeding area has an outstanding display of feeders and houses. Bird food can be purchased either bagged or bulk. They also have a Bird Club that rewards high volume customers with bonus dollars to spend in the store, plus they receive special newsletters and coupons in the mail throughout the year.

Diane Fritz, manager of the Flower Shop, has been with Barrett's for over twelve years. Diane feels Barrett's is a step above traditional flower shops because they can offer their customers a wider selection for gift giving items from the nursery, greenhouses, garden center and flower shop. 

Eldon Wheaton is the nursery manager and a Michigan Certified Nurseryman. He has been with Barrett's for over twenty years and receives great satisfaction from helping people realize their landscaping dreams. Over the years the nursery has grown and expanded to include one of the areas best selections of perennials, roses, shrubs, evergreens, trees and bushes. Custom landscape services are also available.

Brian Hoffman, garden center manager, has been with Barrett's for over twenty years. He is a Master Gardener and enjoys the daily challenges and questions from the customers. He developed the water garden area and sees it growing by leaps and bounds.

Don Whitworth, operations manager, is another key employee who coordinates shipping and receiving, landscape installation and other nursery opportunities. He has been with Barrett's for over twenty years.

During peak season, Barrett's employs approximately 42 full and part-time employees. Staff training and customer satisfaction are top priorities. Blessed by loyal staff with strong work ethics, Barrett's Showplace Gardens continues to grow with a focus on their green goods niche which provides the residents of the greater Lenawee area with premier homescaping products and qualified, personal service.