Ruhlig Farms has been a fixture in the community for decades, providing a wide variety of locally grown bedding plants, hanging baskets, potted plants and fresh produce to southeastern Michigan.

In 1970, founders Dave and Rose Ruhlig established their farm in Carleton. The couple, both from Michigan farming families, first crossed paths at Detroit’s Eastern Market. They got married and had four children: Kristine, Robert, Tammy and Jason, who are all still actively working with the business.

The success of Ruhlig Farms paved the way for the family to open a retail center, Ruhlig Farms & Gardens, in Brownstown 15 years ago.

“We have 25 acres of greenhouses on the wholesale side, and we farm over 2,500 acres of fresh produce as well,” said Tammy (Ruhlig) Diedrich.

The business is located at 24508 Telegraph Road, and has a large selection of flowering annual flats, hanging baskets, perennials and decorative planters. Their nursery is stocked with trees, shrubs, small fruiting bushes and fruit trees. Customers can also find a variety of vegetable seeds and plants available for purchase along with fall mums, Halloween décor, fresh-cut Christmas trees, wreaths and memorial pieces.

Ruhlig’s hosts several seasonal community events, including a holiday spotlight in December for a Christmas weekend featuring pictures with Santa, a live nativity and a Christmas Market with local craft vendors.

Due to the success of the Christmas Market last year, Ruhlig’s is introducing a Fall Market this year during the first weekend of October, continuing their commitment to supporting local businesses and the Downriver community.

“It’s been absolutely wonderful being a part of this close-knit community,” Diedrich said. “Everybody kind of looks out for one another, and shopping local is so key.”

The Ruhligs make a point to give back to the community, frequently donating to local schools and organizations and helping out wherever they can.

New to the retail center is Ruhlig Home, a boutique-style shop offering a curated collection of clothing, jewelry, home décor, gifts and seasonal finds. Each item at the home store is hand-selected in limited quantities to ensure shoppers can find one-of-a-kind treasures.

“We purposely only buy so many of each style so you can show up to an event and you’re the only person wearing that top or that dress,” Diedrich explained.

Ruhlig Home is the perfect place to treat yourself or shop for specialized gifts for loved ones.

Ruhlig Farms & Gardens is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Ruhlig Home is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.ruhligfarmsandgardens.com or search Ruhlig Farms & Gardens on Facebook.