After more than a quarter century of a quality tradition for vegetable and flower plants at Camp Creek Gardens, located at the southwest side of McDonough County, health problems forced its owner, Garrett Van Beck, to retire. Area gardeners and floral enthusiasts expected to lose a critical local resource. But that never happened.
His son, Jess, and wife, Jessie, were determined not to let that happen. They moved the entire operation to Bowen, rebranded it as Great Start Gardens, on their property at 102 South Walnut Street. Yes, the name changed, but the techniques started with his father will now live on as a legacy through his son.
Completing their second year at the location, they are already looking to be “bigger and better” in 2027. The emphasis will continue to center on what they do best, growing top quality plants for their expanding clientele. Van Beck stressed that the varieties of plants were similar to those grown by his father. Tomato plants in various varieties will continue to be featured, along with other vegetable plants.
Well-known for their flowers, the evidence of quality is seen in the plantings outdoors, cascading petunias and many others, along with the hanging baskets which were a continuing legacy of their father.
“Dad doesn’t get around as well anymore,” Jess observed. But his son has kept that tradition going with his efforts.
When the greenhouse season concludes, Van Beck also operates a lawn service throughout the summer. “No, I don’t get into snow removal during the winter,” he said, noting that the need for such services isn’t large due to a lack of snow.
For further information on their business, their variety of plants, or their future plans, you can reach them at (217) 242-0090 or from their Facebook business page at Great Start Gardens.
