Built for Inspiration

Jennifer Polanz

It’s been just over a year since the newest Petitti Garden Center store opened in Bath Township, northwest of Akron, Ohio, so it’s about time I stopped in for a look around (scan the QR code for a slideshow). A stone’s throw from the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park and home to Cav’s legend LeBron James, the surrounding area of Bath Township already had some notoriety. Now it’s the home of the 10th Petitti Garden Center location.

Each new Petitti store seems to build upon the last and this one is just stunning. At 30,000 sq. ft. indoors and nearly 70,000 sq. ft outdoors, it—like others in the family-owned chain—is a repurposed building with the addition of retractable-roof greenhouses. This one was a vacant office building complex that was renovated inside to maximize the space and the natural light provided by the original skylights. It’s that natural light that makes a big difference in the shopping experience, as it creates a warmth to the whole store that’s enhanced by the natural flooring. The neutral colors of the interior benching in the houseplant department and the fixtures in gift and home all accentuate that warmth.

The store flows so well, too, leading you through naturally so you can wander, but you don’t get turned around or lost. You’re led down either steps or ramps to move you outside. And, if you’re a fan of plants, that’s where the fun really begins. They were pretty well stocked when I stopped by in late April, as we were nearing go-time in our area. Almost all of the plant material is grown either at the 32-acre greenhouses of Casa Verde in Columbia Station, Ohio, or at various Petitti Family of Farms nursery locations in Lake County, Ohio.

Spring deals at Petitti include:

• “Color Your Garden” colorful plant/pot offerings at 3 for $50 (or $19.99 each)
• 3.5-in. veggies and herbs at 3 for $15
• Buy One, Get One Free Hanging Baskets (a fan favorite)

The live goods were heavy on color, with lots of perennials to go along with annuals and mixed containers. The shrubs are displayed through the center with a few trees interspersed, as well as along the back fence. One other item to note about this location is the proximity to a Lowe’s store and by that I mean it’s literally next door. That’s bold and I like it.

Want to see it for yourself? This location, along with the Avon Petitti’s store, is on this year’s Cultivate Garden Center Retail Tour, Saturday, July 11. Visit cultivateevent.org for more details. GP