I have enjoyed walking this Garden Center in Darboy for 3 seasons now. My focus is on the trees, Their cultural habits and so, their health, is very fine. Shade trees sold well for them this year. The trees' relative placements caught my eye. When the Garden Center is in full bloom, both the displays, and knowledge of staff, of the annual & perennial selections are impressive. Good street side 'curb appeal' renovation of Garden Center. My sister, a lifelong resident here, says that Schmalz' is the only place in the Valley where the annuals still look good at the end of their season. If it's higher in price, you will still get what you pay for.
Schmaltz also has a vigorous Landscaping business. I have only seen one site of theirs, but I have seen many of their trucks at the Garden Center! That site is The Houdini Plaza in downtown Appleton. Nice use of curves, as appears to be the case throughout Appleton. Interesting choices of trees. Good blocks of evergreens for the winter, and trees whose leaves are falling now for the summer. There are Sycamores! They take a long time to mature, and are not often planted. They are placed right next to the annual variegated Spider plants used quite effectively as a massed bedding plant.at this year.
My critique? The same as what I heard at the other Garden Center I worked a this year. The price. And what do you get for it? Here, you get clean, you get variety, you get help.
Perhaps on the down side is the emphasis on 'product', such as root simulator or fertilizer, by placing it right next to the Easy Elegance roses, which are supposedly known for not needing this much life support. Why not place garden hoses next to half of your stock instead, in order to suggestively sell? Just sayin'.
Me, I have walked through this place many times this year, with coffee cup in hand. It has been such a pleasure. read more
