GREAT GARDENS: “We are set apart because we grow our own bedding plants, annuals, and perennials, and we have thirteen greenhouses. This is unusual today. And importantly, we are family-owned and operated.” Sarah Conte is the third generation to be part of Mazur Nursery in Lawrence Township, and her son Michael represents the fourth generation.

A family-owned and operated business for 85 years is almost unheard of in today’s world of quick turnovers, rapidly changing landscapes, and the “here today, gone tomorrow” mentality.

An exception is Mazur Nursery, still going strong at 265 Bakers Basin Road in Lawrence Township. Established in 1932 by George Mazur, it has become one of the area’s foremost garden centers.

“My grandfather started with bedding plants and vegetables, and these are still our specialty,” says manager Sarah Conte, who has been involved with the nursery full-time for 25 years. Before that, she helped out, even as a child, on weekends and in the summer. She is also manager of the family’s other location, Perna’s Plant and Flower Shop on Washington Road in West Windsor.

Hands-on ownership is an important part of the success of any business, and the Mazur family tradition continued when Ms. Conte’s parents Irene and Alfred Perna became the owners in the 1970s. The nursery flourished under their stewardship, as more and more customers came to rely on the quality and variety of the Mazur selection.

Stress Reliever

Interest in gardening has continued to increase, adds Ms. Conte, as many people enjoy it as an opportunity for relaxation and to create a beautiful outdoor environment. “Interest in gardening is on the upgrade now, especially for pots and planters on decks and patios. All ages enjoy it, including younger people, and even children.”

Many people find that is a stress reliever as well. Stepping away from the high-tech world for a while and preparing the soil, then planting seeds and watching them grow, can be very therapeutic.

Ms. Conte is a fan of the hands-on value of working in the garden and the magic that can result. “I like putting in the seeds and cleaning the plants, and it is amazing to watch them grow. I love to see all the new varieties of plants coming along all the time. It is also important to continue to educate yourself about all the new information. There is so much to know, and we are constantly learning.”

And Mazur is happy to educate customers about all they need to know to prepare and maintain a great garden. Does the plant do well in sun or shade, what are the appropriate soil conditions, how often to water, which plants are unattractive to deer. All of these are often-asked questions.

“Many of our customers appreciate advice about how to get the soil ready, when and where to plant the flowers,” says Ms. Conte. “Sun and shade, when and how often to water, can they withstand the heat, etc. — these are all important considerations.”

While “easy” maintenance is the wish of many new gardeners, it is a fact, however, that all plants need a certain amount of on-going care and attention. “There will always be watering and weeding,” points out Ms. Conte. “You can count on it!”

Hanging Baskets

At this time of year, all plants can be safely put in the ground or in pots and planters, she adds. Among the most popular annuals at Mazur are geraniums, impatiens, petunias, begonias, and zinnias. Vinca (the impatiens look-alike) is another favorite, especially because it withstands the heat so well. Hanging baskets are also always in demand.

Vegetables and herbs are popular with many customers who enjoy eating from their own garden. “Lots of people have vegetable and herb gardens,” notes Ms. Conte, “and we have 40 different kinds of tomatoes and 40 different kinds of peppers, hot and sweet. Rosemary and tarragon are very popular herbs, and we have 10 different kinds of basil.

Mazur also has a variety of rose bushes, which are another popular choice for many people.

Before planting anything, Ms. Conte advises customers to make sure the soil is properly prepared. “When planting in the spring, it is best to use all new potting soil and get rid of the existing soil in planters and pots. It won’t have the needed nutrients and also could have insects.”

She adds that bulbs, such as tulips and daffodils, should be planted in the fall.

An important tip for watering is the timing, she notes. “The best time to water is early in the morning or late afternoon. Never at the sunniest time or in the heat of the day. Also, it is best to give the plants a substantial watering every few days rather than a superficial watering more often.”

Full Selection

Customers with feline companions will be happy to know that Mazur does a big business with catnip plants. In fact, the nursery’s own cats (and perhaps neighboring kitties as well) love to stop and get a whiff of their favorite — and often irresistible — diversion!

Mazur provides a full selection of all gardening needs, including clay and ceramic planters, mulch, peat moss, potting soil, tools and supplies. Products to repel deer, such as Liquid Fence, are also available. Some plants, including marigolds and begonias, are less attractive to deer, but as Ms. Conte points out,” If they are hungry enough, deer will eat anything.”

Mazur offers a spacious setting in which to walk among the colorful vista of blooming plants, and everything is conveniently arranged according to category: annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, sun- or shade-loving plants, etc. In the latter case, ferns, hosta, lily of the valley, and astilbe grow well in shade.

Prices cover a range, with 4-pack plants at $2.69, flats at $18.99, geraniums $4.99 per pot, and hanging baskets at $21.99.

Ms. Conte has become more involved in the operation of the nursery since the death of her mother last December, and her father’s retirement from the daily business, although Mr. Perna continues as the owner. Ms. Conte is very proud of Mazur’s success and its place in the community. A loyal following of regular customers — some for 40 and 50 years — from all over the area continue to come to Mazur for all their garden needs.

“I love this place so much!” she says with a smile, “Growing up, some of my fondest memories are of my brother Steve and me running around and helping Mom and Dad. I raised all three of my children here. I wanted to share with them the family business and my love for plants. It has truly been, and still is, a labor of love. We look forward to continuing the family tradition and serving our customers for a long time to come.”

Mazur Nursery is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m, Saturday and Sunday 9 to 5. (609) 587-9150. Website: mazurnursery.com.