Certified Arborist Laural Hardin is bringing Petree Garden Center to Los Alamos in early April. Courtesy photo

Just to clarify, Laural Hardin of Los Alamos has partnered with Mike Petree of Taos to bring Petree Garden Center to Los Alamos. The company is leasing space in the former De Colores building at 2470 East Road, which Craig and Rachel Wehner recently purchased and from where they are operating their landscaping business.

“While Petree Gardens and Los Alamos Landscaping & More are not partners, we share the same goals in serving Los Alamos and are excited to be able to offer a wide range products and services at one location,” Hardin said. “Our two businesses support each other because we are both in the green industry and share a vision to grow in Los Alamos.”

Hardin is the general manager at Petree and a certified arborist and Integrated Pest Management Specialist. She is the face people will see when they go into the garden center to shop. She is preparing the space now and anticipates opening in early April in time for the spring growing season.

“We will be fully stocked with flowers, perennials, trees, shrubs and everything else one would expect at a garden center … that includes soils and amendments, ceramics, fountains, statuary and a full line of gift items such as cards, bird houses and garden art,” Hardin said. “If it can someway be related to gardening – it will be here.”

Hardin explained that people will get the whole package when shopping at her garden center.

“Along with our many products, we will provide excellent service,” she said. “Our shoppers really will be getting expert gardening advice and that is what separates us from the big box garden centers. Petree Nursery and Greenhouses in Taos is our supplier for premium high-elevation plants.”

Hardin has local experience in the gardening business having worked with Dave Fox for two seasons at his Pajarito Greenhouse in White Rock.

“Dave has closed the gate on his greenhouse after 18 wonderful years and we look forward to serving all of his former customers,” she said.

Hardin has lived in Los Alamos for five years. She is married to Jeremy Smith and the couple has two sons.

“My family looks forward to being part of this community for many years to come and I am very excited for the opportunity to serve the community through Petree Garden Center,” Hardin said. “I also look forward to employing people from right here in Los Alamos.”