New owners Dan and Laurie Roberts are excited to announce the grand opening of the Blue Moose Garden Center in Grand Marais next month.
Laurie worked at Blue Moose in 2023, the last season the business was open. Bill and Marybeth Doucette started the Blue Moose years ago, perched on a slight rise on the inland side of Highway 61 on the west side of town. Teri Chilefone and James Coleman acquired the business and property in 2022.
“I thought I knew a lot about plants,” Laurie said about taking a job at Blue Moose. “Renee was manager then, and I learned a lot that season.”
The previous plant supplier moved on to different markets, and the Roberts searched for a new grower to supply the Garden Center. They found a grower in northwestern Minnesota specializing in plants that thrive in our northern climate.
On the Blue Moose Garden Center Facebook page, the Roberts wrote, “Great news! Our supplier has informed us that our plants are already growing and will be ready in early May. We can’t wait to see the plants when they are bigger and get them to our customers!”
Laurie said inventory would include annuals and perennial flowers, vegetables, and shrubs.
Dan said, “We are focused on high-quality plants at moderate costs.”
To keep costs down and quality up, the Roberts will be on-site at the growers early in May to select and handpick the plants for their first order, saving on picking and packing charges. Rest assured, they’ll find the best plants, pack them carefully, and handle them gently when they arrive.
“Customers can expect all the ‘old favorites,’” Laurie said.
The Roberts were both science teachers in Twin Cities schools. When retirement beckoned at the end of the school year in 2022, they moved permanently to Cook County, where they had spent most of their summer breaks.
Dan discovered the North Shore when Gene Glader, a friend of his parents, purchased the Cascade Lodge along Highway 61 next to Cascade River State Park. While still in high school, Dan spent his summers working at the Lodge, doing all the jobs a young man would be expected to do at a resort.
After meeting Laurie in college, the pair came to the North Shore together, working in resorts, restaurants, and lodges. By 1991, shortly after marrying, they bought a seven-acre parcel of land bordering the Cascade River State Park. Over the years, they began developing the property and eventually built their retirement home.
Laurie says, “After retiring, with two kids grown and flown, we made Cook County our home.” This year, their daughter, who lives in the Twin Cities, had a serious medical emergency, and they’ve spent a significant part of the winter helping with her care. “She’s made a remarkable recovery,” Dan said.
“The Blue Moose is such a tradition in Grand Marais,” Laurie said. She’s hearing from local folks that they are excited that Blue Moose will open again.
The Roberts also operate Cascade Creek Company, a successful business they started a couple of years ago to help fill the need for what might be called “handyman” work in Cook County. Dan is skilled in all aspects of construction and repair. Laurie specializes in interior design, helping customers coordinate a decorating theme, including wall coverings, window treatments, and tile work. She is especially gifted in
organizing and designing storage solutions to reduce clutter and make homeowners comfortable. Laurie says that a priority is helping people in Cook County who want to age in their homes. Their needs could include anything from handrails to ramps, making the house accessible as needed. The Blue Moose Garden Center is at 1301 East Highway 61 in Grand Marais. Its opening day is the Friday before Mother’s Day, May 9, at 9:00 a.m. The business is open seven days a week in season, and you’ll meet Dan, Laurie, or both working there every day. Laurie concluded, “Blue Moose is back, and we’re excited to be your garden supplier.
