While the nursery flourished there for 30 years, by 1980, Berridge found its forever home just down the street at Camelback and 46 th Street, where Jim’s granddaughters, Christine Fortman and Melinda Walton, continue to carry on the family tradition. “Melinda and I are the third generation of owners,” Fortman said. “Growing up, we both worked as cashiers. But after graduating from high school, our mom encouraged us to follow our own paths. ‘The nursery will always be here for you,’ she told us.” And so they did. Walton built a successful career in health and safety, while Fortman thrived in PR and events. But life has a funny way of bringing you back to your roots. Walton returned to the nursery 21 years ago, and Fortman followed about eight years later. WHAT BEGAN WITH JUST FOUR CHRISTMAS TREES AND A FEW BASKETS OF ORNAMENTS HAS SINCE TRANSFORMED INTO A MAGICAL WINTER WONDERLAND. While the nursery is focused on retail, offering carefully sourced plants from trusted growers — mostly in Arizona and some in California — it’s more than just a place to buy greenery. In 1980, the sisters’ mother, Meredith Walton, brought a touch of holiday magic to the business with Seasons, a Christmas-themed shop housed inside one of the nursery’s greenhouses. What began with just four Christmas trees and a few baskets of ornaments has since transformed into a magical winter wonderland featuring more than 30 themed trees, ranging from classic holiday charm to whimsical, creative displays. “Mom was ahead of her time,” Fortman said proudly. “She would travel to trade markets in Dallas, Atlanta and California to really get a foothold. No one else was doing anything like this in a garden center.” KEY TO THE GOOD LIFE 28 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE

KEY TO THE GOOD LIFE FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 29 FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 29