Countryside Flower Shop and Nursery is celebrating 50 years!  It all started in 1960 when Bill and Katherine Hameder opened a business to share their knowledge and passion for flowers, shrubs and trees with local patrons.  In 1973, present owners, Richard Harms and James Riedl purchased Countryside and expanded the nursery from 13 to 28 acres. To satisfy customer needs, Garden Valley Greenhouse was purchased in 1985.  This growing facility supplies the retail complex with high quality, locally grown seasonal plants such as poinsettias, fall mums, spring bedding plants, geraniums and annual hanging baskets.  In 1990, Countryside added the Garden Center store to offer year-round shopping for gardening enthusiasts.

"We want our customers to be successful in their gardens and landscaping. We want them to continue to pass on all the wonderful things nature has to offer to their children," Richard Harms said.

Countryside has been honored by Northwest Herald readers with the Best of The Fox Readers’ Choice Award for Best Florist, Best Nursery & Garden Center, Best Landscaping, and Best Feed & Seed Store.

"Although we continue to grow to improve our customers' shopping experience, we never want to lose that 'Mom & Pop' feeling. Our staff is sent for training on the newest products, plants and techniques to ensure our customers are getting the best customer service available," Jim Riedl said.

Countryside has remained committed to their customers and community by offering seminars, group tours and other educational opportunities.  Countryside Flower Shop and Nursery is located at 5301 E. Terra Cotta Avenue in Crystal Lake on Route 176, ½ mile west of Route 31.  To reach them, call (815) 459-8130 or visit www.countrysideflowershop.com. They are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.