By Kate Wolf
   It’s time….gardeners everywhere are gathering their tools, getting their lawns and gardens prepped for spring, obsessively perusing garden catalogs and magazines, searching Pinterest for clever ideas to make their landscapes stand out from the simply ordinary, and carefully making lists of which plants shall grace their yards this season.
   Layne Ford, new owner and manager of Turtle Creek Plant Co., formerly Elyria Gardens along Highway 11 north of Ord, knows the signs and symptoms of “garden-itis”….that can’t-wait-to-dig-in-the-dirt seasonal urge his customers and landscaping clients are already experiencing.  Luckily, he’s prepared to offer a cure with the same quality and volume of flowering plants, vegetables, trees, perennials, shrubs, and the fabulous hanging baskets available under the previous greenhouse owner.
   “Not much will change this year,” Ford commented. “The weather has been great so my plants are a little ahead of schedule.”
   After a couple years of growth, some changes will be incorporated over time to make his vision of Turtle Creek Plant Co. a reality.  He has a great deal of experience in landscape design and installing underground sprinkler systems, with specific expertise in shrubs, perennial plantings and trees. Eventually an orchard is planned, moving in some more greenhouses, and turning the back room, formerly a gift shop, into a tap room serving wine and cider.
   “Eventually, I want to turn this into more of a venue setting where customers can come, sit, and enjoy a glass of wine or cider,” Ford explained.  He may also soon be carrying some products from Niobrara Valley Vineyards, located in the area where he grew up.
   Ford was born and raised on a ranch at Cody, NE, attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a major in Horticulture, and previously worked for Hilltop Gardens for 3-4 years. He also served as greenhouse manager for the past year and a half.
   “They are a great group of individuals at Hilltop,” Ford remarked.  “I’ve learned a lot from them.”  In addition, Jeff Boe, who has been with Elyria Gardens since the beginning, will be available to help in the transition over to Turtle Creek Plant Co. “I’ve got a good support group,” Ford added.
   For the future, Ford has some definite goals for Turtle Creek Plant Co.  “I’m trying to increase and up the volume.  If I can get more greenhouses, I can provide wholesale products,” he noted.  In addition to his wide variety of plants, trees and shrubs, Ford also offers various Nebraska grown lawn and garden necessities depending on individual needs.
   Besides all the effort involved in running a greenhouse business, Ford has also been creating “moss art” for the past five years, pieces that are visually stunning and totally one-of-a-kind. Some of those may eventually find their way onto the walls of Turtle Creek Plant Co.
   What many may not know is Layne Ford is married to local dentist, Dr. Brinkman, owner of Loup Valley Dental in Ord.  They have a lot in common.  “She pulls teeth and I pull weeds,” he noted.  The couple married in 2019 and have two daughters:  Ophelia, age three, and Ivy, who is six months old.
   An Open House is planned for Sat., April 27, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., as well as on Mother’s Day weekend with specials, drawings and refreshments provided. So, if you’re eager to get started on your garden or other landscaping projects, Layne Ford at Turtle Creek Plant Co. can provide all the inspiration you need.