By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Tim Polega owner of God's Green Earth which is located at 2824 S. 11th St. in Niles, was quite surprised when his business received the small business of the year award at the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting two weeks ago.
Polega who is originally from the Niles and his wife Suzi, who is from the Detroit area, are both Master Gardeners. The couple purchased the business 10 years ago from Gleason's Nursery, and the business has been thriving ever since.
God's Green Earth Nursery Center has any product customers would ever need to garden or landscape their yard. They have plants of all types including 700 varieties of perennials, supplies to build ponds, many types of rocks and stones, wood chips, and gifts for the garden.
God's Green Earth isn't only a place where customers can purchase garden supplies, they also offer classes which last about two hours and clinics which are about a half an hour long, in the spring and fall to give people tips and show them how to do things in their own yards and gardens.
Outside of the business the Polegas keep busy with their six children, who attend St. Mary's School and are home schooled.
Polega is also a member of the Berrien County Michigan State University Extension board.
Polega added that when stores like Wal-Mart and Lowe's come to a town, family owned businesses often get worried about them taking business away from them, but he wasn't worried when this happened.
For people who are looking to get involved with gardening, Polega says to not be afraid of what your doing.