In the Press

VOYAGE HOUSTON "Hidden Gems: Meet Marian Cates of Bellflower Garden Center"

February 25, 2026

Hi Marian, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I was raised in an environment that focused on the spaces in which we live. My father, Doyle Beard, was a builder and developer in Houston. His work made a lasting mark on the architectural landscape of Houston and is regarded as exemplary to this day. I absorbed a continual lesson in committing to one’s craft.

My introduction to horticulture came from my mother. As an avid gardener/collector, she influenced my interest in plants and the nuances within each variety. The pioneer native plantsman, Lynn Lowrey, was a close family friend and a tremendous resource.

As an adult, I worked for the highly regarded grower, Joe Tocquigney, furthering my education and interest in propagation and growing. From there, my husband and I opened our own growing facility, expanding it one greenhouse at a time. We made an attempt at retirement after two decades, but it didn’t suit us. We like having something to do, so we took everything we had learned, and in 2021 opened Bellflower Garden Center, the retail nursery we now own and operate.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Every journey has a few rough patches, and the nursery business is always affected by outside influences, from climate change to tariffs affecting production costs to changing desires from our retail shoppers. We try to stay aware of these factors and make our decisions as growers and retailers based on reading the tea leaves and adjusting our products accordingly.

Two years ago, a massive hailstorm devastated our nursery and much of Bellville. The storm came so hard and so fast that we could do little to prepare. All the greenhouse roofs had to be replaced. Our vehicles and trailer were totaled. Our stock was decimated, and we had to throw out some 400 plants. This happened in early spring, a season in which every nursery makes or breaks its year, and we had to close for a week to make repairs and restock. The outpouring of support from the community was incredible. Customers immediately offered to come assist with the cleanup, and when we reopened, they showed up in droves. It was one of the most trying moments, yet it reaffirmed that we had chosen the perfect place to open our nursery. Our customers are so kind and generous, and we never take that for granted.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?

I hope that Bellflower Garden Center is recognized for its consistency in several areas. Our goal is to provide quality plants in a pleasant environment. We have lovely, polite, and knowledgeable staff who help us meet our goals. Our greenhouse selections include a myriad of choices for the collectors among our customers. We offer a wide variety of plants, many of them unique and often rare, along with the garden workhorses that provide the backbone for any Texas garden.

What matters most to you? Why?

A solid reputation helps ensure repeat customers. We want folks to feel appreciated and to feel comfortable asking for suggestions and information. The recognition that we offer healthy, well-sourced plants fosters success for all of us.

BOLD JOURNEY "Meet Marian Cates"

March 26, 2024

Marian, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My father, Doyle Beard, was a builder and developer in Houston. His work ethic was tireless, and I believe that is something he passed on to all of his children. His time working for someone else after college was brief; he wanted to be in charge of his own business. He was quick to make that happen and quite successful. To this day, I see Houston real estate listings that include the phrase “built by the renowned builder Doyle Beard,” and that legacy is a result of his commitment to his craft.

Being a small business owner requires attention to detail and an understanding that all decisions are your own. For me, this is a challenge I enjoy, knowing that it’s up to me whether I succeed or fail. I learn from my mistakes and celebrate my successes, but with the awareness that the next decision is directly in front of me and needs my attention. Growing a thriving business is the motivation.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I began my nursery business with my husband following a period of time working for a large nursery/garden center. Preferring entrepreneurship, we began building a wholesale business one greenhouse at a time. We also sold our plants at various market days and developed a loyal following. Seeing customers lined up before a market opened to buy your plants was an amazing feeling.

After 20 years in business, Jimmy and I made an attempt at retirement. But for two people accustomed to working together for the entirety of their four decades of marriage, having nothing in particular to do simply didn’t suit us. There were only so many strolls on the beach we could take, and the thought of a permanent retail nursery location was always on our minds.

During a visit to Bellville, where my mother lives, we took a drive around town and noticed how much care the residents took of their gardens. It’s such a charming community, one that we have always enjoyed. We have family in nearby towns and in Houston, so we thought, “Why not start a new business?” We could be close to our children and relatives and put our skills back to work. From our point of view, there wasn’t anything but upside. With that, the seed for Bellflower Garden Center was planted.

We have had amazing community support from Bellville. Our customers consistently thank us for being here and are dedicated to shopping locally. Being surrounded by beautiful plants makes for a lovely career. The nursery is a happy place. Spring holds the promise of renewal every year, with new plants available and new faces discovering our boutique garden center.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

My journey in the nursery business began with a background of personal experience. My mother particularly influenced and encouraged my interest. Her dear friend, Lynn Lowrey, was a pioneer in native plants and their use in landscape situations. His knowledge was always available as a resource.

My opportunity to continue my hands-on education continued with my employment at a retail nursery and growing operation, learning from one of the most esteemed growers in the state of Texas, Joe Tocquigny. The relationships I developed there have continued throughout my career. I am fortunate to have access to this knowledge and am grateful for the mentorship they provided me. Working side-by-side with talented, knowledgeable, innovative people is the best education I could possibly have had.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

The nursery business requires your constant attention and willingness to accept it for what it is. If I find myself feeling overwhelmed, I am quick to ask my husband and business partner for his perspective on the circumstances to double-check myself. A bit of latitude also helps to ease the stress, so I make an effort to step away even if it’s only for an hour or two. It’s important to allow yourself time to recharge. 

The folks who help at the nursery are sincerely interested in its success and I value that to the fullest. Everyone works together, pitching in when and where needed, and they do so with good humor. Surround yourself with positive influences and you’ll reap the benefits of an optimistic environment.