On a overcast gray day, with the pansies gently nodding under the weight of raindrops clinging to their petals, following the early morning, much-needed and appreciated shower, customers to Marianne’s Garden browsed. Dwarf Alberta spruces stood like miniature green soldiers guarding the handicap accessible ramp leading up to the Garden Gift Shop. This building also houses work space and a somewhat cluttered office. After all, who has time to be neat when plants and outdoor activities are your mainstay?

     Established on part of an old family farm just about a mile west of White Stone, Virginia along Route 3, this plant nursery and garden supply business of the eastern end of the Northern Neck greets the visitor with an appealing sight. A pond with a small waterfall and appropriate plants was developed last year. With advice from the staff, supplies can be purchased here, and a similar pond can enhance your lawn. An electric pump and filter recirculates the water so a stream or other water source is not necessary once the pond is filled. A supplier from Caroline County offers all the necessary plants such as water lilies, cattails, grasses and other water-loving plant varieties that make such a water environment attractive to birds and amphibians. Last summer a small mound to the side of the pond was covered with brightly colored flowers until frost.

     Two entrances are available so that, as one enters the business from the east, the first drive allows one to see a farm produce shop. In season local farm products are available along with freshly baked breads, rolls and cinnamon rolls. Straight ahead is the main part of the business with a large array of both indoor and garden plants. 

     A new supply had just been unloaded so prices were not yet posted but experience shows that Marianne runs a very competitive business. Literally hundreds of plant varieties will be offered when the spring buying season gets in full swing in a few weeks. Small red children’s wagons await customers’ use as they walk through the row upon row of offerings—self serve, if you please!

     On rainy days like this, the Garden Shop is a cozy respite from the chilly breeze. Multiple gift choices greet the visitor. Decorative planters, books of garden advice, gardener supplies such as gloves and much more are neatly displayed on colorful shelves. 

     Marianne is aided in her endeavors by her husband of many years, Les. He runs the landscaping crew that does the backbreaking work of grading, planting and mulching. He will take any job that Marianne has designed and bring it to life to please the homeowner. To testify to his hard work, his hands are heavily callused and the areas around the ends of his fingers are often cracked and sore. Marianne showed her deep love for her partner when she described those hands with a grimace, as if she were feeling the pain herself. The handshake she offered at our meeting indicated that she, too, sports a few calluses of her own.

     The plant display is awesome. The varieties include fruit trees, ornamental trees and shrubs, tropical varieties that need to have indoor care in winter and flowers for both the lawn and garden as well as indoors. Vegetable plants will be available for the people who like to grow their own food. The plants are available only during the growing seasons but the business is open year round so even on the coldest days the heavy metal bars are open to allow the visitor in to see what Marianne has to offer or to get advice about plants or landscaping concerns. She has a vast knowledge of plant needs and variety names. Just a brief description of a plant will bring the variety name to her lips with a smile.

     The Keplingers have lived on the Northern Neck at Wicomico Church for 18 years. Previously they lived in Northern Virginia. Les grew up next door to a nursery so he came to love the idea of working with and around plants. Like Marianne, he has a quick smile and is ready with a joke at the hint of a kindred spirit. I have swapped a few jokes with him myself.

     The property the Keplingers bought in three purchases came to their attention when they visited the area a few years ago and saw the “for sale” sign. The adjoining strips of land were purchased when they wanted to expand the business and in order to access the rear of their first purchase more easily. They recently had part of the timber on the rear of the land harvested. One can only surmise what they may have in mind for expansion.

     This is a most inviting place to visit when one has a few minutes to browse. The front area of the plant shop has been tastefully arranged with shaded walkways paved with decorative paving stones to demonstrate what can be done with a patio or garden or lawn walk on one’s property. A low ground-level water fountain is most appealing. A huge arbor provides support for a giant climbing rose that shows what can be done on one’s own property. This setting is both relaxing and stimulating to anyone with a gardener’s heart.

     Come by this spring or summer and take a stroll. It is certainly good for the soul and you will no doubt be stimulated to make a purchase which is Marianne’s whole purpose in operating the business. Seek out Marianne or one of the eight employees one sees scurrying around the premises, for no one ever seems to be at a loss for something to be doing during a visit there.

     Are you feeling the pressure of a busy life? Come by Marianne’s Garden, take a relaxing walk under the majestic pines that shade the back lot and see the beauty of the world she creates with her offerings. You’ll be glad you came here. 

© 2002 Rev. Ronald Jones 2002.  All rights reserved. 
Ron Jones can be contacted vie email at