Thank you for being part of this journey
Last June, I decided to send this email once a month instead of weekly. At the time, I honestly thought it was just a little break for me, and come September, I would be back at it weekly. Of course, as you have seen, it has stayed monthly. I have spent these last few months thinking of what I should do in the future. I was leaning toward keeping it to once a month, but these previous three emails have taken a lot out of me. By not doing them weekly, I forget the little tricks for putting them together, and then the company I use to send them out raised the price. I deleted the names of those who do not open the email, which reduced costs, but I also lost many of the features that made it easy to put together.
So after all of that and conversations with my husband and, of course, the other two men in my life, my good friends Larry Hurley, who edits and writes for me, and Larry Bristow, who takes care of all things IT, I have decided it is time to say goodbye to this email.
Gosh, that was a lot of explanations, but you have all been with me through so much that I really wanted to explain why. I just spent the last month going through over six thousand photos I have used in this email since 2007. I know one day my family will wonder just why I kept them, as I am sure they are somewhere else on my computers.
My plan going forward with Beyond Behnke’s is to keep our website going. I hope to write a few times a year for the blog, and maybe Larry Hurley will write about some of his upcoming adventures. Follow Beyond Behnkes on Facebook for the most up-to-date news, articles, and events.
I will keep all our articles, and Behnke’s history will remain on the website. I also plan to keep our social media accounts active on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. I will also do some craft shows in 2026. I cut way back this year, but I love seeing everyone, so keep checking our event calendar as the year goes on to see where I will be. Plus, I hope to share other events at all the great garden centers in our area on the calendar.
I really do want to thank each of you for all your support and comments on these ramblings I have shared over the years. What started in 2007, when I first went back to work at Behnke’s and put together this email to let you know about plants and what was happening at the nursery, has become my way of saying goodbye to the place I will always consider my home. Behnke Nurseries and Beltsville.
You have all read my thoughts on pretty much everything, and I feel so blessed that I was able to share my love for this amazing company that my grandparents, Albert and Rose Behnke, started in 1930, and so many made it the best darn garden center around. From the hundreds of ‘Behnke Best Employees’ to the thousands of our customers who supported our small business.
This last message from me is getting rather long, but there is so much I want to say to you and so many stories I have yet to share.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
With love always, and my warmest goodbye, my friends.
~ Stephanie
Thank you for your lovely newsletter. I missed Behnke’s Nursery but the newsletters filled that void. Your monthly notes have helped me become a better gardener. I will miss your loving efforts appearing in my “in box”.
Thank you for this wonderful newsletter. One of my favorites was the one that mentioned Joe Festerling. Our yard is full of his plants, including happily spreading violets, that came from his cart. We lived in Beltsville for 32 years and our son worked at Behnkes as a teenager in Woody Plants with Helmut, so we also have great memories. One time our son had permission to dumpster dive for discarded plants. He brought home so many that I laid out a lot of them across our front yard with a “free” sign. They were quickly snatched up. I miss our Beltsville garden where plants thrived and I was able to share the bounty. Enjoy this new stage in your life!
Susan, this message truly took me back. Joe, Helmut, and those early days in Beltsville hold so many memories for our family, and it’s wonderful to hear how those years touched yours as well.
Thank you for sharing your story, I will let Joe know you mentioned him when I see him this weekend. ~ Stephanie
Kathy, thank you for sharing this. I’m so glad the newsletters brought you some of what you missed from Behnke’s and even helped in your garden.
I’ll miss sending them, but I’m grateful we got to share this space together for so long.
Thank you so much for helping to ease the pain of Benhke’s closing by your weekly/monthly conversations. I moved into my current home in 2001. Almost every planting I now have in my yard (which is the envy of my neighbors) was born at Benhkes. Thank you for all the beauty and joy you have brought to me.
Thank you for this lovely message. Hearing that so much of your garden was #BornAtBehnkes truly touches my heart. 💚
That phrase was shared with us by a customer’s daughter when we closed, and it still means so much. Knowing those plants continue to bring you joy feels like the best legacy we could hope for.
Hello Stephanie, as much as I miss Behnke’s I will also miss your emails. Although I didn’t read them all right away, I always saved them for when I could read later. The ones that had information pertaining to interests of mine, I tucked away in a folder for future reference. So good to know you will keep them on the website too! I don’t know how often you write in your blog, but I will have to make a note to check in from time to time. All the best to you in your future endeavors and HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Marie – Greenbelt MD
Marie, thank you for such a kind message. Knowing you saved the emails and kept the ones you loved means more than you know.
I’ll continue to keep the website and blog updated, even if it’s at a gentler pace, so check in anytime.
Thank you for being part of this journey, Stephanie
Thank you, Stephanie, for the years of inspiration for all things garden. When Behnke’s closed I spent years trying to find a replacement nursery. All these years later, there is still no go-to nursery. I enjoyed reading your emails and remembering the stories about Behnke’s and reading the articles you and Larry wrote. May God bless you in this new chapter of life.
Dear Anne, Thank you so much for sharing this. It warms my heart to know the emails and stories brought back good memories of Behnke’s. There will always be a special place in my heart for the people who kept coming back year after year. 🌿
I’ll pass your kind words along to Larry, too; he will appreciate them.
And thank you for the blessing. It truly means a lot.
As always..the Behnke family is amazing…and when talking to new neighbors about gardening and plants, the Behnke name always comes up….and the history is told
And so everywhere the Behnke name lives on and on
We thank you so much for everything you have done…and still do
With much love and appreciation
Charlotte T
Charlotte, your message truly touched me. It’s lovely to know the Behnke story is still being told in your community. That connection has always been the heart of it all.
Thank you for everything you’ve shared with us, then and now. ~ Stephanie
Thank you Stephanie. I have enjoyed your newsletters. Your newsletters kept the memories of Behnke’s alive. Your newsletter will be missed. I wish you and your family all the best in the future.
Alana, thank you for your kind words. I’m glad the newsletters helped keep some of those Behnke memories close over the years.
I appreciate you taking the time to write, and I wish you and your family all the very best as well.~ Stephanie
For what it’s worth I have enjoyed this newsletter since the store closed a few years ago & appreciate your dedication to it.
Rick, thank you. It means a great deal to know you’ve been reading since the store closed. I appreciate your kind words.~ Stephanie
Dear Stephanie, Thank you for all you have given to our local gardening community. So many of us have benefited from the information you provided, but maybe more important, from your kind and open heartedness. You and your Behnke’s world will always have a place in my heart.
Mark
Mark, I appreciate your note more than you know. Sharing these stories and information has been a joy, and I’m touched that it has meant something to you.
Thank you for holding a place for Behnke’s in your heart, that means a great deal. ~ Stephanie
Thank you so much for your e-mails. I will truly miss them, the stories, the photos, the guidance. Most of all I will miss the connection.
Take care and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
I hope to see you at a craft fair soon.
Bebbie
Bebbie, thank you for such a kind message. I’ve loved sharing the stories and photos over the years, but the connection with all of you has truly been the heart of it for me as well.
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas, and yes, I have one last show this coming Sunday, Dec. 7, at Turf Valley from 11 to 2, then next spring! Watch for them on our events calendar ~ Stephanie
I have enjoyed reading your regular emails–so full of information and memories. I really miss Behnke’s for all of my gardening needs. Good luck to you as you move to a new chapter.
I have found you on Instagram and will continue to follow there
Sam, thank you. I’ve really enjoyed putting these emails together, and it means a lot to know they’ve been meaningful to you.
And thank you for finding me on Instagram. I hope to post a little more regularly (and share more photos!) in 2026.
Take care, Stephanie
This feels like Behnke’s closing all over again. But thank you; I’ve learned so much from you! I wish you all the best! Have a wonderful Christmas to you!
Joycelyn
Joycelyn, thank you. I understand how this moment feels; it really was a hard decision to make.
The emails may be ending, but I’ll keep the website running and stay active on social media.
Wishing you a beautiful Christmas and all the best. ~ Stephanie
Thank you Stephanie-I really enjoyed reading your informative newsletter. Though I have moved four times since the closing of Behnke’s; I still use many pots with “Behnke’s” on them and my Behnke’s pond accessories finally found a permanent home. Just interesting how the purchases and information I learned from Behnke’s employees are still part of my garden. Thanks again. Doug K.
Doug, thank you. I love hearing that your Behnke pots and pond pieces are still going strong after all your moves.
I’m happy the emails have meant something to you over the years. Thanks again for taking the time to write. ~ Stephanie
We appreciate you continuing this so long and I’m glad the website will continue. Behnke’s became a part of my life when we moved to Laurel in 1980 and Behnke’s was recommended to us as a wonderful nursery. We used it until it closed and I enjoyed my daily commute past the seasonal gardens along Rte 1 every day that I commuted to BARC. Thanks for many wonderful plants, Christmas trees, professional advice, and friendliness over the years!
Linda, thank you for this lovely message. Hearing how Behnke’s fit into your life for so many years, from visits to your daily commute, really means a lot.
I’m glad the website will continue to be a place you can come back to. Thank you for all your support along the way. ~ Stephanie
I will miss your monthly e-mails as much as I miss your garden center! I’ll have to look into your suggestions on following Behnke’s.
Have a Merry Christmas! I still have my Behnke nutcracker and put it out each year!
Regards,
Pam
Pam, your note made me smile. Those Behnke nutcrackers have certainly made their way into many homes. We still put ours out every year, too, and both of my children do the same. We even did a, Where in the World is The Behnke Boy Nutcracker” once, as people sent in photos of where theirs were.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the emails, and I appreciate you following along in all the ways you can.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! ~ Stephanie
Stephanie, thank you so much for a long and wonderful run. I remember my mom taking me to Behnke’s all the way from Herndon, VA, because it was the best around when I was a kid in the 90s. When moved to Maryland after college, I filled the tiny yard of my townhouse in Savage with plants from Behnke’s. Later I started to improve the mess around my now-husband’s home in Bowie with more plants from Behnke’s. I’ve loved reading the blog and hearing about your family, travels, and gardens, for both you and Larry, and still have the occasional starred email with tips on the right shade plants.
I wish you and yours a very wonderful holiday and the very best as you move into the next chapter.
With fond memories,
Karen
Karen, thank you for this beautiful message. The journey you described, from childhood visits to creating gardens in your own homes, is exactly the kind of story that made our work so meaningful.
I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the blog and the pieces of family and garden life Larry Hurley and I shared.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and much joy in the years ahead. ~ Stephanie
Dear Stephanie, I have so enjoyed your posts and just want to wish you well. Your decision, while many of us will regret it, is completely understandable. You have such a talent for touching the heart, this will be missed.
Fondly
Cheryl
Cheryl, thank you. Your words mean more than you know, and I’m grateful for your understanding and support.
I’ll miss writing these, but I’m thankful for the connection we’ve had through them. ~Stephanie
Stephanie – thank you for keeping Behnke’s alive for all of us loyal fans. I grew up going to Behnke’s with my parents when we lived near the Beltsville store and continued to go there after I married, had kids and moved a little farther away. I remember my children asking what I wanted to do on Mother’s Day and I always answered – “I’d like to go shopping at Behnke’s for a new plant”. It became a new family tradition! I will always have fond memories of my favorite nursery that your Grandparents started.
Best of luck to you on your new adventures.
Robin
Robin, thank you for this lovely note. Knowing Behnke’s was part of your family’s traditions, and that it followed you through so many seasons of life, means a lot to me.
I appreciate your kind wishes, and I’m so glad those memories will always be part of your story. ~ Stephanie
Dear Stephanie,
Over the years I have enjoyed and learned from your email newsletter. As you have now posted your final edition of the Beyond Behnke’s email, I want to thank you for the significant time, effort, energy, thought, and care you’ve devoted over such a long time to keep the Behnke’s Nurseries memory alive for the many who treasured it as I did. And for creating and supporting a community of gardeners and plant lovers. I have many fond recollections of strolling through the Beltsville center across the years and seasons. It truly was a special place, and I still miss it. My sweet former home and garden in Cheverly thrived and were beautiful and abundant thanks to Behnke’s!
As you’ve written so eloquently, the flow of time brings many changes along with the constants of nature’s seasons and growth of gardens. Some of those changes are unexpected, some a bittersweet relief, some sad and tough, others welcome, exciting, and delightful. Through the ups and downs, good memories of special people, places, and experiences provide an anchor and comfort as we continue “growing forward”.
I wish you happiness as you close the chapter on the Beyond Behnke’s email and embrace what calls you next, and next, and next …
Warm regards,
Cynthia — a Behnke’s fan forever!
Cynthia, your message was such a gift to read. Knowing Behnke’s played a part in your garden, and in so many memories across the years, means more than I can say.
Your reflections on change and continuity are beautiful and true. I will carry those words with me as I head into the next chapter.
Thank you for your support. ~ Stephanie
Thanks so much for Beyond Behnke’s. I’ve been going through my own retirement transition over the last few years, and this blog has been an anchor for me. It’s a reminder of so many trips every year, starting in December 1987 with a very small blue spruce Christmas tree for our newly built house in Clarksville, through 1988 as I bought foundation shrubs and perennials in spring, bulbs and more shrubs and perennials in fall, an Alberta spruce Christmas tree in December, and on through the years. The Christmas trees got planted out in spring (those were the only two live ones we did though).
My daughters looked forward to our annual trips for Easter lilies and potted narcissus and hyacinths, which also were planted out as they went dormant. That was also a scouting trip for perennials to fill spots in the established beds, and for new beds in planning. The post-Easter trip was for those perennials, as well as annuals for the containers and veggies for the kitchen. One year the girls each had a spot about 12’x12′ which they planned out for their secret gardens in the pines. That was another fun trip for hostas and more. As time went on, we shifted to planting more natives, and Behnke’s was there for us.
As I told you in Behnke’s final days, when my daughters found out you all were closing, the younger one replied “NOOOO!!! BUY ALL THE PLANTS!!!” Beyond Behnke’s has been a valuable buffer for me through this interim. Best wishes to you and yours on the next phase!
Katie, your note was a joy to read. The way you described those years, the trees, the lilies, the secret gardens, and all the planning and planting, captures exactly what made Behnke’s such a special place for so many families.
I’m happy that Beyond Behnke’s offered a bit of continuity for you during your own transition. Thank you for sharing these memories, and for being part of this community for so long. ~ Stephanie
Thank you for writing as long as you have! I remember Behnke fondly and often think about how wonderful it was and how much I miss it.
Betsy, thank you. It means a lot to hear that you have such fond memories of Behnke’s. I’m happy you’ve been part of this community for so long. Take care, Stephanie
Dear Stephanie, It has been such a journey and I have really appreciated your weekly and then monthly messages which have been informative and fun and kept alive the wonderful legacy that was Behnke’s When this time of year rolls around, I honestly miss selling poinsettias to our 140 customers to raise money for our local Camp Fire council. We bought Behnke’s poinsettias right to the end. I have a picture of my 10 year old son (Camp Fire became co-ed in the 1970s) holding one of them! i look forward to the occasionally blog posts and the wealth of information on the website. If I could figure out a way to do it, I would send you a piece of my mother’s African Violet which I have terribly abused, but is now 27 years old. Stay well!
Eileen, thank you for this lovely message. Your memories of the poinsettias and your Camp Fire days capture so much of what made those years special for so many families.
And your African violet made me think of my mom’s old violets, more than 50 years old and still going strong under her husband’s care. Even after these three years without her, they keep blooming.
I’m happy you’ll continue stopping by the website and blog. Stay well, and thank you for all your support over the years. Merry Christmas, Stephanie
I miss Behnke’s Garden Center, and will miss you! What an amazing family!
All best wishes,
Beth
Beth, thank you. It means so much to hear that, and I truly appreciate your kindness.
All my best to you as well. ~ Stephanie
Thank you so much for writing this every month. I grew up with my parents taking me to your wonderful garden center even though we lived in Baltimore. Thanks for giving us all that you have done.
Michelle
Michelle, thank you. I love hearing that your family visited us, even from Baltimore. I am always amazed at how far folks traveled to visit our garden center.
I appreciate you reading along and for taking the time to write ~ Stephanie
Another sad transition for all of us who loved (and still miss) Behnkes. No other nursery in the DC metro area even comes close to the quality and service you offered. I have enjoyed your emails as a reminder of all that we miss– but as a recently retired person myself, I do fully understand wanting to let go of all the ‘must-dos’ in our lives. I wish you well!
Margaret, thank you. Your note captures what so many have felt, and I’m happy the emails offered a small connection to what we all remember.
I appreciate your understanding about this next step, and I wish you well in your own retirement, too. ~ Stephanie
Dear Stephanie,
Since the launch of the Beyond Behnke’s email and the prior newsletter, I’ve enjoyed and learned from the many editions. Thank you for the time, effort, energy, thought, and care that you’ve devoted to keeping Behnke’s Nurseries memories alive for the many who treasured it as I do! And, for creating and supporting a community of gardeners and plant lovers.
I hold many fond recollections of strolling through the Beltsville center over years and through every season. My sweet former home and garden in Cheverly were beautiful and abundant thanks to Behnke’s, and I still have lovely pots and other items happily purchased there.
As you’ve written so eloquently in your emails, the flow of time brings many changes amid the constants of nature’s recurring seasons and growth in gardens. Some changes are unexpected, some a bittersweet relief, some sad and tough, others welcome, exciting, and delightful. Through the ups and downs, memories of special people, places, and experiences provide an anchor and comfort as we “grow forward”. I feel fortunate to have memories of all three from Behnke’s.
I wish you happiness as you close the chapter on the Beyond Behnke’s email and embrace what calls you next, and next, and next …
With warm regards,
Cynthia – a Behnke’s forever fan!
Cynthia, it looks like your message was posted twice, but I wanted to thank you again for your kind words. I truly appreciate them. ~ Stephanie
I can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed your articles and tips regarding gardening. Although I am only a part-timer, I used all of your tips to help me with my raised garden, this year harvesting cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, green beans, and this fall kale & mustard greens and cabbage is still in the ground. I loved the photos of the old place, and I was one of the customers that frequented the Upper Marlboro location. Also, the monthly ‘To Do List’ gave me the expert edge for my husband, (he’s retired) to get to work in the garden, while I was at work.
Thank you for sharing your memories with me, because it was a breath of fresh air. I am also receiving the email at work, the church, and began forwarding it to me at my personal email. Thank you for all you have done. Even some of the events you have promoted became listed on my personal ‘To Do List’.
Thank you again for sharing your time effort and love of gardening, I am also a fan of the African Violet. May God bless you richly, wherever you land and may your garden flourish with the love you pour into it.
Tanya
Tanya, thank you for this wonderful note. I loved hearing about your raised-bed harvest and how the “To Do List” helped keep things moving at home while you were at work.
Your memories of the Upper Marlboro store, and the way you made sure the emails found you no matter where you were, mean so much to me.
And as another African violet lover, I enjoyed that connection. I just need to get mine to live. Of course, now that my husband has taken over their care, they are doing so much better.
The gardening tips, monthly checklists, and resources will all remain on our website, so you can still return to them anytime.
Thank you for your kind blessing. May your garden and your days continue to flourish. ~ Stephanie
Best wishes. Behnke’s will be missed, but never forgotten. For over 30 years I celebrated the seasonal rights of garden passage with Behnke’s bounty. I’m in NC now but I still garden, and I have enjoyed staying connected through your column. Behnke’s will always have a warm place in my heart and garden.
Stephanie, thanks so much for the last few years of. these newsletters. i have so many plants from Behnkes in my garden and so many ornaments from Behnkes on my tree. It has truly been a privilege being a customer and learning from you and your staff over the years. thanks again to you and the two Larrys and everyone who worked at Behnkes over the years.
Rebecca
When my husband and I were newcomers to the area, we were so delighted to find a real family nursery to get houseplants from. On weekends, I would often say, “should we go see if there’s any nice new plants??” and off we’d go. Behnke’s had closed by the time we bought our first house, or we would have spent thousands redoing the plantings around the house — instead, I’ve trial-and-errored my way around, and accidentally killed many blameless bushes in the process!
These emails, as others have already said, filled the void left by Behnke’s closing (I would never know when it’s safe to trim things without the monthly reminders, and my husband followed the lawn advice religiously). I loved learning about the family, and it maintained a little patch of sanity in an increasingly crazy world. Thank you so much for continuing it for this long! I hope you have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year, now and always!!
Deciding to retire (from work [even when it is because Benke’s closed], and now from your lovely emails) is always a bittersweet life transition. Thanks for your years of stories, photos, and garden hints.
Enjoy the spending extra time you’ll have with your family and in your own garden!
Best wishes!
Stephanie; I applaud your strong and emotional efforts to keep the Behnke’s name alive after decades and decades of providing good customer service to so many. I still encounter pople who recognise me as a Behnkes salesperson and the refrain I always hear is: “I am so sad that Behnkes is closed”.
Me and my family are well as I hope yours is too. Good luck in 2026. Sincerely, Christopher
Thank you so much for the newsletters since the nursery closed. I have enjoyed reading them, especially stories about your family. Most of the plants in our yard are from Behnke’s, and when I drive down Rt. 1 I always look over that way and remember shopping there (definitely not the same anymore!!).
I also am thinking of the Behnke’s – Eva Cassidy connection and perhaps you would enjoy listening to her now, singing Fields of Gold:
https://youtu.be/9UVjjcOUJLE?si=QnnuqMAlBU8-thnr
Best wishes and Merry Christmas!
Hi Stephanie,
I can’t believe the newsletter has been going since 2007. Wow, time sure flies and thank you for sharing countless stories about gardening, highlighting other small businesses, and sharing your memories with us. I have enjoyed Beyond Behnke’s, and again thank you for being part of our lives all these years. All the best to you and your family, and enjoy the holiday season.
Thanks Stephanie for continuing your newsletter and blog for these past years. I always enjoyed your and Larry’s guidance for what to be doing in the garden. And more recently I have looked forward to your descriptions of various nursery visits, though none will ever replace Behnke’s. You offered a program many many years ago to do a landscape plan for household yards. We had it done, loved it and have done our best to maintain it over the years, buying plants whenever we could from your nursery. Your family’s impact on the gardens and landscape of the DMV will live on. Enjoy spending more time with gardening and your family.
Stephanie, we are still residing in the home we chose for our young family in 1972. Thanks to Behnke’s, and lots of help from Jan Limmen, our property has evolved from kids soccer field to my/ “grandmom’s” garden. Jan delivered a sapling Bradford Pear from the 1st truckload that arrived at the nursery. It is sterile, which is a huge bonus, and its spread watches over both our patio and a backyard that continues to include favorites from Behnkes. Kudos to you for furthering the family passion for gardening and for providing the information essential to our enjoying that passion. The good times at Behnkes remain in my heart ❤️
The end of an era. Thank you, Stephanie, for all your helpful gardening info, guidance, running what still stands out as one of the best local nurseries ever and of course your strong support of the Potomac Rose Society. I’ll miss these emails, but glad we can keep up with you through other social media. Good luck!!
Stephanie,
Thank you for sharing valuable gardening information in the Beyond Behnke weekly and then monthly newsletter. I was fortunate to bid the highest offer for the Behnke sign that hung on Route One for many years. The sign is on my farm in Upper Marlboro along with many trees, shrubs and roses from the Beltsville business.
Since the closing in the summer of 2019 I have not found another garden center that meets the quality standards that Behnke had both for product and help.
The newsletter seemed to fill the void and your efforts were much appreciated. I wish you the best and thank you very much for the emails. Hope to see you at a craft show in the future.
I love reading the comments here. So many friends and neighbors! You surely have done the family proud with your way with words, pictures, and ideas. Although I will miss the newsletter too, I still have the website to admire.
Thanks for sharing all the memories,
Your cousin Jeanne