Molly and Garth Heggenes began their Venture Out Nursery in 2016 with the goal of creating a nursery that would have a more of a park-like feeling than just a place that sold lots of nursery items. Garth had a landscape business, but he wanted to have a different kind of business that would highlight his landscaping skills.
Venture Out Nursery, at the corner of Highway 525 and Maxwelton Road, consists of two acres that provide a feeling of walking in a beautiful park, not like a traditional nursery you’ll find in a city. The nursery is unique not only for the feeling that is created as soon as you enter, but for the selection of plants including old specimen trees that have been on the property since the business was created, a lovely pond with special features, and rock designs (the latter were created by Garth).
A special service offered at Venture Out is the knowledgeable staff willing to spend time with visitors, some who come to find some particular plants, and some who just enjoy the experience of coming in and wandering.
All of the employees enjoy helping people with their questions and interests regarding their own gardens. The majority of the staff (10 in the winter and 15 in the summer months) are knowledgeable about plants and gardening and make sure the customer gets the right plants for their garden.
There are several horticulturists on the staff. The current employees include Whitney Heitzman, who has been working at Venture Out for over two years and has been the General Manager for a little over a year. Tobey Nelson is the head buyer and garden consultant . All of the employees share the same enthusiasm for working at Venture Out.
There are year-round classes and workshops offered every month at Venture Out. Also, there are seasonal items including Christmas décor and Christmas trees in December, fruit trees in January and February, and gardening classes that are appropriate to each of the seasons.
A visit to Venture Out with children is also a special experience. There is a turtle pond with lots of frogs and an elf house on one of the trails plus garden gnomes and kid-themed items throughout the year.
To learn about current classes, or to get more information about Venture Out items and services, visit their website: or just stop by the nursery at the corner of Highway 525 and Maxwelton in Clinton. You can also give them a call: 360-321-9931.
Current hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; closed Tuesdays.
