Big E Nursery owner looks to the future

Published 12:44 pm Thursday, December 11, 2008

By Teresa Herriman

The Courier-Herald

After more than 18 years, Ray and Mary Miller have decided to get out of the nursery business.

"This is very bittersweet. It was a hard decision, but it was time to retire," Mary Miller said.

The Millers became accidental owners of the Big E Nursery on state Route 410 after Ray lost his job at Lucky Stores, Inc. Gardening had been a hobby when they decided to purchase the nursery from Don and Delores Elliott in the mid-1980s.

"When Ray lost his job, we basically started over again," Miller said.

But what seemed a setback at the time, turned out to be a blessing.

"I thank God every day that my husband lost his job," Miller said with a laugh. "I can't think of a sweeter way to finish my working career."

The Millers were no strangers to hard work or the capricious nature of running a business. When they bought the nursery, they had 65 years of combined retail experience in various businesses, Mary said.

"This has been, without a doubt, the nicest retail you can ever be in," she added.

Ray and Mary made a point of being hands-on owners of Big E, offering the kind of personalized service not often found these days.

"We tried to keep the service like it was in the '50s," Miller said.

The Miller's goal was to educate as well as sell. Miller often tells customers, "I'll take your money, but I'll take good care of you."

They also want to take good care of whoever buys the two-acre nursery. Miller said she and her husband want to ensure the new owner is successful.

"We are looking for someone who really understands the type of commitment it takes," she said. "I want to come back here in five years and see things doing well."

So far that elusive someone has not been found.

The Millers aren't joking about the hard work. They are at the nursery seven days a week, taking just three weeks off in the winter each year.

Despite the hard work, Miller said every day is special. Her attitude is the key.

"I'm going to meet someone today I didn't know yesterday," she said. "I find that exciting."

While the nursery is on the market, the Millers are reducing their inventory and saying goodbye to old friends.

"I was hoping to stay long enough to see them finish highway 410," she joked.

After they retire, the Millers plan to spend time together while their health is good, doing some of the things they haven't had the time to do. Miller also plans to write a book and do consulting work, sharing her extensive knowledge of local plants and landscaping.

"I love design and I love people so much," said the woman who calls everyone, "Honey."

"That doesn't make this any easier," she said. "We have the most wonderful customers. They will be in my heart forever."

Big E Nursery will be closed Friday through Jan. 14 for the Miller's annual holiday, but will reopen Jan. 15.

Teresa Herriman can be reached at therriman@cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/courierherald.