Locally owned for more than 30 years, How Sweet It Is began as a neighborhood produce market and has become a regional destination on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Its 150-plus acres in production support a grower-led garden center, with much of its plant material raised by the company and additional selections sourced from trusted growers. The business also supplies the peninsula’s professional landscape trade while making room for products from local makers.
TOM's Farm MarketFamily-run TOM’s Farm Market grew from a humble Bartlett roadside stand founded in 1961 into a longtime Huntley community fixture. After relocating in 1976, the business expanded while retaining its farm roots, with homegrown produce and greenhouse-grown bedding plants at the center of its seasonal market.ASHLAND, OH
Lockbriar FarmsSince 1993, family-owned and operated Lockbriar Farms has grown fruit on Maryland’s Eastern Shore near Chestertown, pairing a working farm with u-pick fields and farmmade ice cream. The multi-generational Lockwood family also sells fresh produce and value-added foods through its farm stand and regional farmers markets, while using integrated pest management, cover crops, crop rotation and trickle irrigation to reduce inputs and protect the land.CHESTERTOWN, MD
Maria GardensThree generations of the Stopper family have grown Maria Gardens from a backyard greenhouse begun around 1970 into a family-owned garden center and grower serving the greater Cleveland area. With locations in Strongsville and North Royalton, the company grows its own plants and also provides landscaping services and landscape materials, carrying its long-standing wholesale roots into today’s retail operation. The business is now run by brothers Tim Jr., Mitch, and Tom with guidance from their father, Tim Sr.SHEFFIELD VLG, OH
Willow Oak Flower & Herb FarmFamily-run Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm has been rooted in the same family for more than 80 years, with the business operating since 1979. In Severn, the farm grows flowers without chemicals and crafts arrangements for everyday occasions as well as weddings and special events. Its preserved land is part of the Maryland Environmental Trust and Severn River Land Trust.SEVERN, MD