Tennessee Governor Bill Lee will visit Cookeville’s Johnson Nursery and Garden Center Wednesday as part of his America 250 Tour of the state.
Co-owner Sarah Johnson said her family has been growing plants for over 100 years. As a result, the Chamber of Commerce recognized Johnson Nursery as a centennial business.
“We’re truly honored that the Governor is coming to see exactly what we do at Johnson Nursery and Garden Center,” Johnson said. “And for us to be able to share our plants and products with him, and to welcome him to this beautiful part of the state of Tennessee.”
Johnson said her husband Chuck is a fourth generation planter, and her two children are the fifth generation of nurserymen in the family. Johnson said she learned of the visit in February, when the Chamber honored Johnson Nursery with the legacy of excellence award. Although Johnson Nursery has only been in business since the fall of 1969, the family legacy of planting made it eligible for recognition.
Johnson said it is important for Lee to visit so he can learn more about the history behind these centennial businesses.
“The Governor is always interested in that,” Johnson said. “But also, to see the part that every business that has been in business for any length of time, how we contribute to the whole area where we live and the entire state.”
Johnson said there have been separate family businesses spanning the generations. She said Chuck’s grandfather started selling trees and shrubs across the state by horse and buggy. around 110 years ago.
Johnson said Chuck’s father and uncle then had a nursery growing shrubs and trees. She said they sold a lot of bald and burlap trees. Johnson said the current nursery still sells shrubs and trees, but they typically are grown in a container.
“I think one of the most significant aspects of growing plants and trees and gardening or any kind of farm work is the ethics of hard work,” Johnson said. “And the willingness and the ability to see joy and pleasure in being able to produce, and to use your body and your hands to grow what God has allowed us to.”
Johnson said people from the Chamber of Commerce and local officials will be on hand for the Governor’s visit Wednesday morning.
“We’re always delighted to be able to share what we’ve been blessed to do with anyone who comes through our doors,” Johnson said. “But when they come, it will be a joy and a pleasure for them to see just the beauty that surrounds all of us in this area.”
