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Moving from the high plains of Wyoming to the small town of Perry would be a big change for anyone.
For Barney Barnett and his wife, Della, it was a change not only in their lifestyle but their vocation and plant focus as well.
The couple, who worked in the horticulture industry in Wyoming, moved to Perry in 1987 after buying a small nursery that had come on the market. The facility's owner, a retired chemist, had passed away.
"Mr. Chadwick (the owner) was always a step behind in mechanization and always a step ahead in the plants he grew," said Barney Barnett. The nursery, which was started in 1947, featured surplus barracks from World War II, greenhouses and perennial beds.
"At this time the highway in front of the greenhouse was the main route traveling north to south in this area. He (Chadwick) built a good clientele as people traveled back and forth. They stopped here, knowing they would find something unusual and fun to grow," he said.
"We had planned on a traditional nursery with trees, shrubs, etc.," said Barnett. But in starting Willard Bay Gardens, 7095 S. Highway 89, the Barnetts changed their focus, making the business one of the premier perennial nurseries in the state and a destination for garden enthusiasts.
"People would stop by after we opened and would ask for different perennials by their botanical name, and we didn't know them," Barnett said. "It took a couple of years to sort things out, but we knew that we wanted to be a perennial nursery. We got into them and started growing them. We learned by doing and have gotten into waterwise plants, ornamental grasses and other plants." Willard Bay Gardens now lists some 1,500 different perennials in its catalog.
When asked for a list of favorites, Barnett admits everyone has a different take on what appeals to them. "I first ask them if it (the plant) meets their sun and shade requirements. Is it attractive when it is not in bloom? Plants need interesting structure and texture, they need a good growth habit and good foliage. If you only like its bloom, you have to find other reasons to grow the plant," he said.
"Some perennials are great plants. Some perennials are great bloomers. Some perennials are great plants and great bloomers. Those are the plants that you should use to build a great perennial gardens."
Written by: Larry A. Sagers Extension Horticulture Specialist Utah State University
