Welcome to Contrary Mary's! We are a small, family-owned greenhouse located southwest of Chicago, and we specialize in unusual perennials, hostas, aquatic plants, collectors conifers, and unique trees and shrubs that you won't find at big chain nurseries. We also provide custom landscape design and installation services, including ponds, water creations, and rainwater harvesting systems. We can help you find the perfect plant for your sunny (or shady, damp, dry, etc.) spot to provide color and texture. Our plants are perfectly suited to our Midwest environment in Chicagoland; all of our perennials are hardy to at least Zone 5, and are plants that I think are excellent additions to everyone's garden (gotta haves!)

We have tons of great new plants this year - look for the New! on our plant pages! Our new 2009 catalog is now available, and is full of great information, so keep checking back with us!

We have some NEW and EXCITING stuff to introduce you to this year! Check out our new fruits and veggies section where we will have info about our fabulous fruit trees—grow healthy and yummy fruit right in your own back yard!!! We are also featuring 4 varieties of grapes, 2 varieties of raspberries, and 40 varieties of Heirloom tomatoes for your eating pleasure! We have also created another new section to introduce you to our newest tenants—Honeybees! We currently have 12 hives and are offering local wildflower honey for sale year ‘round! The last new feature that I’ll tempt you with is our eco-friendly rain harvesting water features that will allow you to water your flowerbeds, lawn, and even wash your car with soft, natural rain water. They’re a fantastic way to save money while helping to save our planet—just click on our new and improved pond page for more details!

When you visit, be sure to inquire about becoming a Contrary Mary Planthead—ya get special deals and e-mails…and learn the special handshake too!

Finally, check out our seminars…have fun while learning about way-cool stuff!! We’ll be updating it throughout the year, so be sure to check it out frequently!

Spring Hours beginning Saturday, April 4

Tuesdays - Saturdays 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sundays 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Mondays Closed

We have a great selection of perennials, shrubs, and trees at our Minooka Farm and Nursery. We have several new display beds and TWO large display ponds to help you visualize the magic that you can create with our plants in your own little paradise! And new this year, our complete selection of Hostas and Peonies are available to ship as bare root plants - see our online store! We also have a great selection of pond supplies available! We are continuing to offer an awesome selection of unusual perennials, trees and shrubs at our Minooka Farm and Nursery. We have numerous display beds including 300+ varieties of specimen hostas planted, 2 large display ponds, and one Pondless waterfall feature that will all help you visualize the magic you can create in your own little paradise!

One of Mary's favorite roses, Morden Sunrise
One of Mary’s Top Ten favorites,
rose Morden Sunrise

We’re located near the intersection of I-80 and I-55 (see us on a map!) To get to our farm and nursery from Chicago and suburbs, take Interstate 55 south to the Route 52 exit and go west (towards Shorewood). We are approximately 7 miles from that point. Once you reach the intersection of Route 52 and Ridge road (a 4-way stop), keep going straight. We are exactly 1.7 miles west, on the north (right-hand) side of Route 52. Our phone number at the Farm is (815) 521-9535.

Certified Aquascape ContractorsWe of course are continuing to offer our landscape consultation service, consulting services, and a full line of pond supplies available. We are Certified Aquascape Contractors! Call us at (815) 521-9535 or e-mail us to find out more about how we can help your landscape come to life with fabulous perennials and maybe even a water feature!

As always, we are grateful for your support and patronage.we sure couldn’t do it without you! Come see us at the farm, and meet our THREE official canine greeters and new crew of weeders! Keep smilin’, and think green!!!

Jamie
Mickey
Duncan the teenager
Contrary Mary

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Contrary Mary’s Plants and Designs
2735 Route 52
Minooka, IL 60447
Ponds and Water Gardens
(815) 577-7800
Perennials, Shrubs, and Trees
(815) 521-9535