Earl May Garden Center

- 2857 N Ct St, Ottumwa, IA 52501

For generations of Iowans, the name Earl May has been synonymous with quality gardening, expert advice, and beautiful outdoor spaces. The Earl May Garden Center in Ottumwa, IA, is a local institution that serves a dual role: it is both a comprehensive retail garden supply store and a professional landscaping general contractor. This unique combination makes it a powerful resource for anyone in Southeast Iowa looking to enhance their property, whether through a simple DIY project or a full-scale landscape installation.

When a local user in Iowa plans a significant exterior home improvement, they often seek a general contractor who can handle complex projects, and the team at Earl May is fully equipped to do so, specializing in living landscapes. They offer everything from initial design consultation to the labor-intensive planting of large trees and shrubs. This means you can source all your premium, locally-tested plants and materials and hire the expert labor to install them—all under one trusted roof. This integration of supply and service is a major convenience for property owners across the region.

The Ottumwa location upholds the company's legacy of providing high-quality, regionally appropriate products and backing them up with unparalleled horticultural knowledge. They understand the challenges of Iowa's climate, ensuring that every plant they sell and install is prepared to thrive and enhance your home's curb appeal for years to come.

Earl May Garden Center in Ottumwa, IA, is recognized throughout the state as a premier destination for all things lawn and garden. Operating as a comprehensive garden center, landscaping supply store, and professional gardener/contractor, the business offers a holistic approach to outdoor living. Their expertise extends beyond simply selling products; they provide robust on-site services, including professional landscape design, consultation, and installation. This commitment to full-service execution qualifies them as a dependable general contractor for landscape projects.

The Ottumwa center focuses on providing Iowans with high-quality, durable plants, seeds, and gardening supplies that are proven to perform well in the Midwest climate. Their service model is flexible, catering both to the dedicated DIY enthusiast and to the homeowner who requires professional, start-to-finish project management. From installing a single shade tree to executing a complete home landscape renovation, the staff is known for being knowledgeable, helpful, and dedicated to client satisfaction. Customers rave about the quality of the nursery stock and the expertise of the people who help bring their visions to life.

The Earl May Garden Center is conveniently located in Ottumwa, IA, serving as an accessible hub for residents across Wapello County and surrounding Southeast Iowa communities.

The store is situated at:
2857 N Ct St, Ottumwa, IA 52501, USA

This location on North Court Street ensures easy accessibility with ample parking. Recognizing the needs of all Iowa patrons, the facility is designed with attention to accessibility features.

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Ensures all customers can comfortably enter and navigate the retail space.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Provides reserved parking spaces for easy access to the entrance.

For clients who prefer not to shop in-store, or for large orders of supplies, the Ottumwa location offers flexible service options, including Curbside Pickup and Delivery services, making it convenient to get large trees, bags of soil, or seasonal decor without strain. The center is known for facilitating a "Quick Visit" for patrons needing to grab a few items or a "Full Service" visit for in-depth design consultations.

As a general contractor specializing in the living elements of a property, Earl May Garden Center offers a comprehensive array of services, materials, and retail options for every Iowa gardener and homeowner.

• Full-Service Landscape Design & Installation: Professional planning and construction of entire landscape spaces, including plants, trees, and hardscape components.
• Onsite Services: General contractor services for exterior property enhancements, focusing on living elements.
• Planting Services: Expert labor for the installation of large nursery stock, including trees, evergreens, shrubs, and perennials. (Note: A customer review highlights the planting of a tree, including labor, indicating this is a common service.)
• DIY Dynamic Design Program: A unique service offering a one-on-one consultation with a designer to create a rough sketch and plant list for customers who wish to install the plants themselves, providing professional guidance at a lower cost.
• Custom Container Potting: Designing and planting beautiful seasonal containers for home or business displays.
• Delivery Service: Transportation of purchased plants, soil, mulch, and other heavy supplies directly to the customer’s property.
• Landscape Supply Store: Retail sales of garden seed, annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, lawn care products, fertilizers, soils, pet products, and garden decor.
• Curbside Pickup and In-store Pickup: Convenient options for retail purchases.
• Lawn Checks and Weed & Pest Identification: Expert consultation services to diagnose lawn health issues using local knowledge.

What truly distinguishes the Earl May Garden Center in Ottumwa for Iowa users is the marriage of high-quality retail products with professional, contractor-level services.

• Unmatched Product Quality: They are known for providing great-quality plants that are well-cared for, ensuring that everything purchased "grows great," a critical factor for successful gardening in Iowa's varying conditions.
• Knowledgeable Staff: Employees are frequently praised in reviews, described as "very nice and knowledgeable people," offering expert guidance that extends beyond mere product descriptions. Staff members like "Lila" are highlighted for being "so knowledgeable and helpful."
• Full-Circle Service Model: Clients can purchase premium, regionally-adapted nursery stock and immediately hire the experienced team to plant it, providing a hassle-free, guaranteed installation experience.
• Midwest Gardening Legacy: Earl May has celebrated over a century in business, establishing a deep-rooted history and understanding of Midwest gardening needs, giving customers confidence in their advice and products.
• Flexible Payment Options: For convenience, they accept a variety of payment methods including Checks, Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Investment in Quality: While products may be "pricey," customers acknowledge that "you get what you pay for" in terms of plant health and the quality of the on-site planting service.

To inquire about landscape design services, schedule a planting service, or simply check the availability of specific plants and supplies, you can contact the Ottumwa Earl May Garden Center using the following information.

Address:
2857 N Ct St, Ottumwa, IA 52501, USA

Phone:
(641) 682-5617

Mobile Phone:
+1 641-682-5617

The staff at the Ottumwa location is ready to speak with you and help plan your next garden or landscaping project, whether you are a local resident or visiting from "out of town" within the greater Iowa region.

For Iowans seeking a general contractor for their outdoor projects, Earl May Garden Center is worth choosing because it eliminates the risk and complexity often associated with landscape work. You are not just buying a product; you are investing in a proven success rate. The center’s value proposition is centered on the fact that they sell plants they know will thrive in Iowa and have the professional contracting team to ensure they are installed correctly. This is particularly valuable for significant investments like large trees, where a customer reported being "very happy" with the planting service, despite the higher cost.

The comprehensive "Full Service Landscape Design & Installation" is perfect for the homeowner who wants a professional, finished look without getting their hands dirty, while the "DIY Dynamic Design" offers a smart, budget-friendly pathway for the hands-on gardener, guided by the same expert staff. This ability to meet every level of need, from a quick supply stop to a major home renovation project, solidifies Earl May Garden Center's role as the premier, trusted general contractor and resource for beautiful, successful outdoor living spaces in the Ottumwa area and all of Southeast Iowa. Their consistent quality and knowledgeable, friendly team make them an irreplaceable local partner for any home and garden endeavor.

Earl May Garden Center

2857 N Ct St, Ottumwa, IA 52501, USA