Not only are we the premier garden centers in Kankakee and Bourbonnais, we are also one of the most established landscapers. We have been creating beautiful and long-lasting designs for over 33 years! Our customers find that with our experience we are very knowledgeable about what trees and shrubs do well in each town that we service. We have learned from years of customer input, which trees tolerate the heavy clay soils of Bourbonnais or the lean sandy soils of St. Anne. For that reason, we experience very few problems with plants from improper sighting. To make an appointment with one of our designers please contact: Steve Tholen or Chris Tholen at our Kankakee store at 815-939-9670 or Laird at our Bourbonnais store at 815-939-6445.

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Over the years we have also learned the best methods of installing beautiful walls and patios. Tholens' began installing brick paver patios around 1994. Since then the products have evolved greatly, allowing customers to get better colors, shapes, and textures. We install approximately 40 patios and walkways in a season. Our four man crew is lead by John Thompson, who has been with us for 15 years. We are proud that John and Chris Tholen recently became certified with the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute.

So what are the hot trends in patios right now? Seat walls are the must have addition to any patio for a few reasons. One, the wall provides a sense of enclosure, making the patio feel like an outdoor room instead of just a floor. Second, the wall provides additional seating. We find that at outdoor parties, the women tend to sit at the table and the men congregate at the wall. We are also installing more outdoor kitchens and grill enclosures than ever before. Our customers love having the extra "counter space" that the grill enclosure affords them. The enclosure can be topped with a solid stone, such as granite, or finished with block. And firepits! No one can build a patio these days without a firepit. It is a great asset for entertaining or just for a summer evening with your kids. What better childhood memories can be made than a family night around a fire making S'mores?

Tholens' Floral Shop is located in our Bourbonnais store at 1401 N. Convent. Our florist, Gina Collins, loves making beautiful arrangements for all occasions. Gina has more than 20 years experience transforming your sentiment into a tangible gift. When you have a special occasion, we are just the florist to call.

Having created beautiful bouquets and arrangements for hundreds of weddings, Gina knows what an important role flowers play! Each bride is special and unique, and she believes that the flowers should reflect her personal tastes. Gina strives to impress every bride and to help make her special day memorable!

Next to a wedding, get well flowers and flowers for the new mom are the most cherished. They help lift our spirits when we are down, or celebrate a new life. A beautiful arrangement will let your loved one know you are thinking of them. We are happy to deliver your flowers to the hospital or home, and can�t wait to make someone�s day brighter!

We are always available to create a lovely arrangement for any occasion you may have, birthdays, anniversaries, funerals, or dances. We are excited to express your sentiment in flowers! You can reach Gina at 815-939-6445. Or you can order your flowers after hours at www.tholensgardencenter.net

Some people struggle every year to design and maintain beautiful mixed planters. Our employees have been gardening for years and know all the tricks to having flowing healthy containers well into August! All you have to do is pick out a container, talk to a member of our greenhouse staff about the color scheme you want and the budget to work within, and voila! Your friends will want to know when you got so handy, and how you still have a perfect manicure!