Iconic photographer Annie Leibovitz, who knows a thing or two about art and beauty, once said, "I feel a responsibility to my backyard. I want it to be taken care of and protected." In observing World Landscape Architecture Month this April, our real estate agents take inspiration from these words and visit these fully stocked local garden centers for plants, supplies, and advice.

• The Green Thumbers - 3030 Brady St., Davenport, IA 52803
  Don't take the name of The Green Thumbers literally. Staff members sport perfectly normal appendages, but they're superheroes when it comes to advice about the care and feeding of your yard. The family-owned business provides a wide selection of products and services, including home decor and gift items, and a landscaping department. Onsite Aroma Coffee & Cafe makes a nice pit stop during a day of viewing Davenport homes for sale. Hours are 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.
• Riverside Greenhouse & Gardens - 3635 4th Ave., Moline, IL 61265
  Members of the community surrounding Moline homes for sale prioritize the beauty of nature so much that the Parks & Recreation Department maintains Riverside Greenhouse & Gardens. On its own, the dog-friendly park is a wonderful place for a leisurely stroll to admire the stunning flowers and greenery. Purchase your own plants from the greenhouse or take part in one of their gardening classes. Riverside Park is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. Check the website for seasonal greenhouse hours. 
• Wallace's Garden Center - 2605 Devils Glen Road, Bettendorf, IA 52722

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In the 1950s, local farmer Warren Wallace opened a modest roadside stand to sell his produce near Bettendorf homes for sale. More than half a century later, the Nelson family has greatly expanded the business, offering thousands of flowers and plants, but Wallace's Garden Center still bears the founder's name. Hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.

• Theisen's Home Farm Auto - 316 E. 11th St., DeWitt, IA 52742
  Incredibly, when Theisen's Home Farm Auto was opened in 1927, the store sold only tires and batteries. Founders Leo and Kathryn Theisen would hardly recognize the thriving business their succeeding generations have built, only minutes from DeWitt homes for sale. Family values motivate Theisen's support of 4-H, Habitat for Humanity, Boys & Girls Club, and other non-profit community organizations. Hours are 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.
• Blain's Farm & Fleet - 1600 Lincoln Way, Clinton, IA 52732
  Getting your car in tip-top shape for those summer road trips around Clinton homes for sale? Find all your auto and garden needs at Blaine's Farm & Fleet. Have your vehicle checked out in their full-service auto repair center while you shop for fertilizer, seeds, rakes, and other gardening supplies. Don't forget to pick up food and treats for Fido and Fluffy in their pet supply center. Blaine's is open from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily except Sunday, when hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Cornerstone Nursery - 401 Pennsylvania Ave., Dubuque, IA 52002

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Jake and Joey Bohr's custom curbing business paid their way through college and paved the way to a full-time career with Cornerstone Nursery. In addition to providing a one-stop shop for homeowners looking to develop curb appeal, the brothers are committed to supporting the local community. Plants and supplies for the store are sourced from growers and vendors near Dubuque homes for sale, while the store follows sustainable practices designed to protect the environment. Cornerstone Nursery is open year-round. Visit the website for seasonal hours. 

• Iowa City Landscaping & Garden Center - 520 Highway 1 W, Iowa City, IA 52246
  Like all of us, Iowa City Landscaping & Garden Center has gone through numerous changes over its 30+ years down the street from Iowa City homes for sale. Brothers Paul and Dennis Dykstra, along with sister-in-law Linda Dykstra, opened their modest retail location in 1982. After quickly outgrowing that space, the business was relocated to a larger facility across the street, where it remains to this day. The garden center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Taylor's Market & Garden Center - 2637 Stewart Road, Muscatine, IA 52761
  Local entrepreneur George Taylor, a lifetime resident near Muscatine homes for sale, shared a passion for farming and gardening with his wife, Jan. Taylor's Market & Garden Center carries on the legacy of this wonderful couple, who operated the store for 48 years. Along with hanging baskets, flowers, and houseplants from the greenhouse, Taylor's sells fresh fruits and vegetables based on the current season. Follow them on Facebook for information about their opening date and hours.
• Earl May Garden Center - 5155 Northland Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

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For more than a century, Earl May Garden Center has played a major role in the beautification of yards throughout Iowa. During the early days, Earl May operated as a catalog business, filling mail orders across the United States for clothing, tires and batteries, and baby chickens, along with seeds and other gardening items. Today, their location just minutes from Cedar Rapids homes for sale carries a comprehensive selection of trees and shrubs, flowers, houseplants, grass seed, and home and garden decor. Hours are 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.

• Zaiser's Florist & Greenhouse - 2400 Sunnyside Ave., Burlington, IA 52601
  It's a family affair at Zaiser's Florist & Greenhouse, right down the street from Burlington homes for sale. After beginning his landscaping career at the tender age of 12, son Scott followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, while mom Carol and sister Vicki use their skills assisting customers in their florist shop. Whether you're looking for the right floral arrangement or you're seeking flowers for your own garden, you'll find them at Zaiser's. Hours are 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekdays. 

Spring is a time of beginnings. Is a new home in your future? Contact us for more information.