As a family owned and operated business, Stutler's Specialities knows what it means to offer something for everyone.
"We try to offer as many native species and rare varieties and colors of many different vegetables, flowers and herbs as possible. Later in the season, we offer produce and are hoping to have a "you cut" flower bouquet field. All our plants are hand grown, not purchased as "plugs" from other growers. This ensures we know that they have never been treated with any chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides," Joshua Stutler told The Parke County Post.
A year ago, Stutler's Specialities was unable to open after suffering a total loss. This year marks the third season in business.
"It will be amazing to open again. After last year's loss, I was afraid we might have to close for good, so it is a blessing to be able to open our doors again," Stutler said.
And, now that his business, which he runs with his wife, Kimberly, is ready to embark on their third year, Stutler has several hopes.
"It is my hope to encourage and educate the community about the importance of natives and the importance of eating a variety of foods in all the colors of the rainbow by offering these items locally," Stutler said.
In addition to educating the public, Stutler said his business also helps the public through donations.
"We will also be donating any overstock plants and produce to the local food pantry and have plans to donate American Legion poppies to our veterans," he said.
Stutler said his entire family enjoys being outside, and he helped his mother with her garden and flowers as a child.
"It is the legacy I want to pass down to my children. I also used to teach culinary arts and nutrition, so I understand the importance of good quality, fresh ingredients and how that affects our health. It is important to so many to be able to supplement their groceries and feed their families good wholesome foods. It is amazing to help them do that. I love knowing that we are not contributing to the growing invasive species problem and helping our many pollinators to thrive," Stutler said.
In addition, Stutler Specialities also raises chicken, ducks, turkeys and guinea fowl for their eggs. Stutler said with an abundance of greenhouses that produce on a massive scale, as well as big box stores, he takes pride in offering something different.
"After years of gardening, I realized that they mostly have the same things to offer, so we strive to be different," Stutler said.
Stutler's Specialities Nursery & Produce is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from Noon to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Three wanted people picked up by Lawrence County authorities
Three Lawrence County agencies get equipment grants
Counterfeit bills reported in southeastern Illinois
Rose appointed to state health workgroup
IDEM forecasts statewide Air Quality Action Day for Thursday
Illinois EPA takes action against Lawrenceville water superintendent
Governor Braun extends gas tax savings again
One killed in Wabash County grain bin accident
Unemployment drops in April across southeastern Illinois
Traffic stop in Lawrence County leads to multiple charges
Illinois DOT asks for public's help with expensive problem - roadside litter
Lawrence County Housing Authority announces capital and budget plans for 2026-27
Lawrence County Veterans Assistance Commission holds organizational meeting
Knox County truckers warned about county road limits
Fertilizer delivery waiver approved for drivers
Lawrence County honors war dead; Educator of the Year on Memorial Day
Driver admits to law enforcement that she drove car into a pond
