Lake and Ashtabula counties' top greenhouses

Extreme Northeast Ohio - parts of Lake and Ashtabula Counties - is blessed with a unique microclimate, ideal for growing wine grapes, trees, shrubs and perennials. A plethora of nurseries and greenhouses thrive in the region between Lake Erie and Route 84 (dubbed South Ridge locally), most of which grow their own tree and plant stock. Before you reach for that plant catalog, make a trip east of Cleveland. You'll save money, support the local Ohio economy, and, best of all, get to see your plant before you buy. Below are just a few of the excellent plant and tree retailers in the area:

Girard Nurseries
6839 N. Ridge Road E. in Geneva
440-466-2881

Located just east of Geneva on U.S. Route 20, Girard Nurseries is one of the best - and most affordable - places in the region to buy trees and shrubs. The nursery, in business for 60 years, has acres and acres of trees. Some are already cut and balled, or you can pick out your own and the staff will dig it up for you. Because they grow their own stock, prices at Girard are 30- to 40-percent less than nurseries that buy their trees from a wholesaler. In November and December, this nursery also has an excellent selection of live holiday trees. Girard Nurseries is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Saturday year-round.

Secor's Nursery and Farm Market
4940 N. Ridge Road in Perry
440-259-3487

Secor's, also located on U.S. 20, this time just east of Perry, is a small family-run nursery that's best known as a "pick-your-own" produce farm. However, the nursery also offers one of the best selections of bare-root fruit trees, berry bushes and perennial vegetables (like asparagus and rhubarb) in the area. When the weather warms slightly in May and June, Secor's offers excellent annual warm-weather vegetable plants, all grown in their own greenhouses. For produce, the market displays an ever-changing array of fresh-picked produce from May through the end of October. Secor's Nursery is open seven days a week from March to October from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Martin's Nursery
3478 N. Ridge Road in Perry
440-259-4556

Another Perry nursery on U.S. 20, Martin's has been in the plant business since 1934. They offer a variety of trees, shrubs and perennials, most of which are grown at the nursery. If they don't have what you're looking for, they'll even call around to try to find the plant at a nearby nursery. Martin's is open year-round Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m, and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kelly's Gardens & Landscape
4220 N. Ridge Road W. in Ashtabula
440-969-1114

Just west of Ashtabula, Kelly's is worth the stop just for the scenic location. But you'll find more than just a nice spot for pictures. In the spring and summer, the site is filled with potted trees and shrubs, and the lot's greenhouses are loaded with perennials and annuals of every size, shape and hue. Be sure to visit the inside shop. Kelly's has one of the best selections of quality wind chimes in the area.

Middle Ridge Gardens
6559 Middle Ridge Road in Madison
440-428-3857

Located between U.S. Routes 20 and 84, Middle Ridge Gardens specializes in flowers and herbs - both annuals and perennials. They grow most of their own plants and boast that they introduce 100 different varieties each year just for fun. In April and May, the rows and rows of colorful plants are spectacular. Established in 1990, Middle Ridge practices green and sustainable gardening. They also grow organic produce on the 40-acre farm, which they sell at nearby markets. Middle Ridge Gardens is open from April 1 through the end of June, seven days a week. The nursery opens at 8 a.m; closing times vary during the season.