Rooted In Experience - Scioto Gardens was founded in 1999 by Michael and Linda Johnson, who respectively hold bachelor degrees in Horticulture and Natural Resources along with lifelong fervor for gardening and nature. Scioto Gardens grows primarily perennials and shrubs with an emphasis on native plants. But their passion for plants couldn't be limited to just native species, so exotics became an important part of their work - provided they are not species detrimental to our environment. Michael has worked in every area of the green industry from garden centers to landscaping to large wholesale nurseries. He noticed that the nursery industry as a whole had moved toward aggressive 'factory style' processes that finish plants quickly but, he believed, at the expense of long-term plant health. His observations along with their combined academic training led them back to their current, more natural growing methods.

Scioto Gardens primarily grows plants proven to be hardy in Zone 5 climates (which includes the Central Ohio area) to insure their winter survival. Many popular plants are only marginally hardy in this environment, and may die during extremely cold winters.

• All plants are container-grown in a blend of local soil and compost, which provides a natural base of nutrients and reduces the need for additional fertilizer.
• Roots push out readily into the planting soil because it is so similar to the original growing medium.
• he plants are also inoculated with specialized mycorrhizae fungal spores, (mycorrhizae are living fungi that penetrate the root hairs of the plant). The fungi increase the absorptive ability of the root hairs to help bring in more water, nutrients, and minerals than they could otherwise.
• We judiciously use controlled-release fertilizers to provide a steady flow of plant nutrients and minimize leaching into the environment.
• We prune less drastically than most. Hard pruning can force a bushier top at the expense of root growth, which can compromise the long-term survival of the plant. We prefer to let our plants grow at a more natural pace, taking just slightly longer to be ready for market, to ensure a strong, healthy plant.

Our retail consumers are often Master Gardeners, members of local garden clubs, and other people with a passion for plants and the environment. We also sell to select local garden centers and landscapers