3 Reasons To Keep Gardening During Illinois Stay-At-Home Order

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL — The Clarke's Garden Center & Stone Depot has been a mainstay at 2061 14th St. in Chicago Heights for nearly a half-century. Opened in 1971 by Don Clarke, the business has been run by the same family the entire time.

As their manager, Mike Schutz, puts it: Clarke's has been around since fruit trees were popular the first time around.

"Fruit trees were the thing in the 70's, then not so much in the 80's and 90's, but now we've seen a comeback and fruit trees are a thing again."

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Indeed the crew at Clarke's have endured a number of changes over the past 49 years, including the coronavirus crisis that was declared a worldwide pandemic a month ago.

"We are still open. We are an essential business because we cater to landscapers," Schutz said. "That has really helped us stay alive and keep business."

But what's offered at Clarke's benefits more than just landscapers, according to Schutz. Even with a shelter-in-place order intact, it has still been encouraged to go outside on your own property. Clarke's, Schutz said, can help make the most of that.

"When you are locked down in the house and need something to do... gardening is great exercise," Schutz said, noting that's just one of three main benefits the activity can provide in the current state of the world.

"Flowers can also bring an enjoyment to many people, more mental than physical, and there's the other aspect of growing your own food," he said.

Clarke's has shrubs, trees, perennials and other plants available. Their 10,000 square-foot glass greenhouse on site is where they grow their annuals. They are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Delivery and curbside pickup are available.

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The coronavirus shutdown has "hurt some" of the business at Clarke's, Schutz said, "because people don't know whether you are open or not, and some people are staying away."

But it's their loyal customers, the ones that have kept Clarke's in Chicago Heights for nearly 50 years, that have kept them going.

"They've been very supportive over a long time, and we've seen things change quite a bit," Schutz said. "And just remember: Spring is not canceled."