Contrary Mary’s Plants & Design

There are many reasons why I like to visit Contrary Mary’s. The owner knows her stuff and loves to share what she knows about her plants in language I understand and without making me feel silly for asking questions. Her passion for plants clearly comes through and she wants her plants to thrive in their new homes! She is quite good at finding the right plant or plants for my latest project while encouraging me to trust my own instincts. I find her prices very reasonable and her plants are very reliable which is very important to me. I love to walk around and see her display beds although I am jealous that she has much more space than I do. I like that this is a small locally owned business that offers plants grown on site. Veggies, perennials, grasses, hostas, peonies, succulents and who knows what else can be found here so take a drive to the country and met Mary… pack a lunch, there is a forest preserve right down the road!

We just got back from our Spring trip to Contrary Mary’s. The flood waters have receded and Mary opened for business this past week. They had some damage. I’m glad is wasn’t any worst than it was. We go there for her heirloom tomatoes and peppers. We have been going there for a few years so we have some favorites that we get. In addition, each year she has some new varieties for us to try. when I told her that I had a very small vegetable garden she said (as only she could), «Do you still have grass?»
Check out her website. If she has anything at all that you are interested in, it’s worth a trip out to see her. She’s about 5 mi. West of Route 59 on the North side of Route 52.

During the winter, they’re open by appointment only and I believe they only sell honey around that time. They have bees on the property with an actual beekeeper in charge of making the honey. Its some top notch wildflower honey. It took 3^rd place in a state fair. 2 pounds was $ 13.95 or $ 14.95 and a pound was $ 6 – 95 or $ 7.95. Mary herself was there and was very nice to chat with!

If you are looking for a good variety of Peonies; Contrary Mary’s is the place to go. The owner is very knowledgeable and friendly which is a big plus. They also carry over 200 different types of Hostas as well many other interesting plants and vegetables.
And don’t forget to pick up their award winning honey too; it is very good!