You'll often hear me say, "It's worth the trip, no matter where you're coming from," when talking about several off-the-beaten-path nurseries or garden centers. I first used the line over 20 years ago, the very first time I got to do an ad for Maas Nursery in Seabrook.
Jim Maas (with me to the left) is a bit different than most nursery owners. So, as you might expect, his nursery is a bit different than most nurseries. Jim's interests are wide-ranging, from archeology and history, to math and science, to art and writing. His current projects include a series of children's books and the lyrics for a country album.
Jim is, by joking self-admission, afflicted with a low boredom threshold and is always needing to learn something. Maas Nursery reflects that, looking more like an eight-acre park than just another concrete garden center. This 67-year-old nursery has all the things a nursery is expected to have, plus extras that Jim has had an interest in, now or in the past. Things like bonsai plants and Japanese maples, Asian and African artifacts, bronzes, fountains and pottery. A lot of pottery!
On any given weekend, you might find local artists painting, Jim walking around giving away his extra Astros tickets (section 116, if you were wondering), stone carvers sculpting, gardening classes, musicians playing, individuals or groups praying, or once-a-month Prayer in the Garden church services led by Jim. And it all takes place in Jim's back yard … he lives on the property in his remodeled childhood home.
Maybe you've also heard me say, "If you can't find it at Maas, it probably doesn't exist." And maybe now you know why I've said such things about this awesome nursery and garden center.
Take it from me, and anyone else who makes it out to 5511 Todville Road in Seabrook. It's worth the trip, no matter where you're coming from!