In-Focus Advertorial | Published May 23, 2025
OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — A splash of color can transform any yard or garden, and now is the time to plant bold annual flowers that thrive all season.
At Piechnik’s Garden Gate, customers will find a variety of plants suited for porches, patios and garden beds—as well as custom combo pots.
“Annuals are a versatile way to refresh your space with color and create a new theme every year,” said Rachel Zorn, who has worked in the industry for 25 years and joined Piechnik’s as general manager in March.
Popular picks this year include warm-toned blooms and textured foliage, like vibrant dahlias and richly colored coleus. “People are gravitating toward color and texture—something that brings something unique to their space,” Rachel said.
She also noted that Piechnik’s stocks some harder-to-find varieties, such as rare types of cuphea, coral bells, penstemon and tropicals. “You won’t see these in just any garden center,” she said.
Beyond flowers, the garden center offers one of the largest selections of yard and garden décor. “Right now, we’ve got a really fun frog display,” Rachel said. “And we always have oodles of wind chimes. It’s the largest selection around.”
While classes won’t resume until fall, including the popular succulent pumpkin workshop, customers can find inspiration among the displays and chat with knowledgeable staff. “We’ve got a fantastic team—whether it’s the friendly faces at the register or those helping customers with their selection in the garden center—everyone here really enjoys being part of the experience,” Rachel said.
Come out and get inspired! The garden center is open seven days a week: Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Piechnik’s Garden Gate is located at 1095 N. Rochester Rd. in Oakland Township. For more information, call (586) 336-7200 or visit piechniks.com. Follow @piechniksgardengate on Facebook and Instagram.