Natorp’s
Mason, Ohio — For many Ohio valley folks, the harbinger of spring is a visit to pet- and family-friendly Natorp’s Nursery Outlet in Mason, OH. The business began in 1916 with a small ad for landscape services posted in the front window of a Cincinnati florist. William Natorp, an industrious German immigrant, planted the “seed” that grew into today’s 330-acre plant nursery, managed by fourth-generation brothers Kyle and Craig, who continue the philosophy of sustainability through gardening.
Whether it’s landscape design ideas, trees, plants, mulch, or garden supplies, Natorp’s 3-acre outlet of well-organized aisles checks all the boxes. Edibles are customer favorites.
My personal domain is the herb section where more than 150 common and unusual varieties of culinary, medicinal, spa, everlasting, and tea herbs provide an eye-popping display. My fellow herb gardeners can pick up Tulsi basil for a healing tea, or Sweet Mimosa geranium for potpourri.
The diverse greens and vegetable section includes cut-and-come-again varieties along with slow-bolting Grazion lettuce. Round Eight Ball zucchini, a tidy bush variety, sits near Masterpiece peas. And the peppers! The selection numbers more than 100, from sweet California Wonder to blazing hot Carolina Reaper.
Choose from tens of dozens of tomato cultivars. Large, meaty Abraham Lincolns share space with Rapunzel cherry, whose cascading trusses of small orbs are a kid favorite.
An entire section is devoted to fruits and berries, including strawberries and raspberries that come in both determinate and everbearing types. There’s Chicago Hardy figs, goji berries, and more.
The bonus? Each section has knowledgeable staff, and bottled chilled water to keep you hydrated and cool.