Since opening about two decades ago, Busy Bee Garden Center has grown as more Iowans embrace the joys, and frustrations, of gardening.

Chelsey Soder opened Busy Bee Garden Center in 2008. At the time, it consisted of one small greenhouse and one small garden out in the country, just south of Indianola. 

Today, Busy Bee is located north of town right off Highway 65-69 and includes more than 10 greenhouses, totaling almost 1 acre under cover. Soder has grown the business to include over 30 staff members. 

In 2020, she pursued another dream: building an event venue called The Hive, which is nestled right behind Busy Bee.

“We’re constantly adding new varieties of plants and adjusting our favorites,” says Soder, a Warren County Farm Bureau member. “We have many plans for the future as well.” 

Soder is currently readying for an exciting spring. Busy Bee opened for the season...