The Zimmerman name has been synonymous with the landscape and nursery industry in Traverse City since the late 1920’s.
It all started in 1928 when my grandparents, Del and Dawn, opened Zimmerman Nursery House and Garden Shop on the corner of Bay Street and M-72 where the Bayview Professional Centre is now.
In 1970, their son, my father John, purchased their business and changed the name to Zimmerman Landscaping, Inc. He moved the business about one mile up the road to its current location on M-72. After my father’s passing, my brother Matthew took it over and it still remains in the family.
Being the third generation landscaper naturally, I followed in their footsteps, working for my father for 24 years. There was an overwhelming urge to grow on my own, so I left the family business in 1996, developed and opened what is now Four Season Nursery.
When you walk through Four Season Nursery, I hope it feels like walking through a big garden, complete with water features, beautiful walkways and stone benches to sit down and take in the views of Leelanau County. I also hope you find a nursery staff of like-minded gardeners, whose love of plants give them the knowledge to help you make the right choices for your own garden.
Our staff are all self proclaimed ‘plant geeks’ and we cannot wait to share our knowledge and gardens with you.
The Team
Brian Zimmerman | Owner
I have been involved in the nursery business my entire life, being the third generation to carry on this profession. This long relationship with plants gives me the opportunity to visit many beautiful gardens and meet many gardeners. The common thread that runs through all of us is nurturing and my role is to help new gardeners see the beauty that nurturing plants can bring to their lives.
My special interest is to continue learning about soil biology and re-establishing native plants into our modern landscape. Coming to understand the connection between soils, plants and wildlife further strengthens my belief in the Plant Wide Web.
Jeri Megill | Nursery Manager
I am a Leelanau county native, born and raised in Suttons Bay. My love for nature and the outdoors started at a young age, growing up on a cherry farm was just the beginning. I graduated from Grand Valley State University with a BS in Athletic Training and Corporate Fitness. After college I knew in my heart an inside job was not for me. In 1996, Brian took a chance on me and here I am over 20 years later! I love helping customers better enjoy their gardens and yards.
I’m a Leelanau girl, proud mom of two boys, three if you count my husband. I love to be outside enjoying everything Mother Nature has to offer. I have a passion for natural healthcare and love teaching others, giving them alternative choices to assist them in a healthier lifestyle.
Tom Ford | Plant Geek
I have an education background in biology and fine arts as well as a passion for gardening with native plants. My wife and I enjoy great satisfaction in having our gardens attract pollinators, butterflies and other wildlife. These are the subjects that inspire my art, usually watercolor paintings.
We were honored to have our gardens featured during the July 2017 Friendly Garden Club tour. Visitors witnessed the life cycle of the Monarch Butterfly alive and well in our gardens.
I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm and gardening experiences with you.