Sun Country Homes & Gardens is a local garden center that offers bedding plants, trees, shrubs, perennials, houseplants, succulents, and native and xeric plants.
In addition to fertilizers, pest control products, and seeds, they also offer outdoor furniture, home decor, gifts for gardeners, and more.
Sisters Marty Pettus and Nora McCaw White bought the business in 2021. When Marty and her husband Scott moved back to Artesia in 2020 after he retired from the Marine Corps, they had the idea to purchase the garden center. Marty has a background in Interior Design working in Fallbrook, California and in North Carolina. With a degree in Agricultural Biology, Nora has worked for retail and wholesale nurseries both in Tucson, Arizona and Las Cruces, New Mexico. Her experience includes using beneficial insects and Integrated Pest Management to control weeds, insects, and diseases in the landscape. Their combined experience has resulted in a great collaboration. A true family business, their parents, Norbert and Susie McCaw, as well as their spouses, children, and friends can often be found helping out around the store. Excited about the start of their fourth year in business, they continue to look for new ways to expand their offerings and services.
This sister duo brings both scientific knowledge and a creative knack to the table. Marty has a passion for color and making homes look their best and function well. She is especially helpful in the selection of gifts and creating one-of-a-kind gift baskets. Nora’s love is finding the best plant for each customer and encouraging more people to try native plants. She also enjoys the challenge of solving various pest and disease problems. Last but not least, Nora loves to grow amazing New Mexico chile varieties.
Sun Country stays active in the community by being a member of the Artesia Chamber of Commerce and providing flowers for decoration to Artesia MainStreet, the Eddy County Fair, and other local events. Marty’s husband, Scott, is the pastor of First Church Artesia, and they are also active in Artesia 4-H. Nora keeps busy with various volunteer activities from helping her husband Ben at the Artesia High School Auditorium to teaching workshops for various groups.
Besides offering both indoor and outdoor products, Sun Country buys as many products as possible from local or regional growers and suppliers. They strive to provide products that do well in the southeast New Mexico climate while supporting local artisans. Their model of personal service is geared towards helping customers succeed in their endeavors. Sun Country also enjoys hosting meetings for groups like the Yucca CowBelles, homeschool co-ops, 4-H groups, and the Artesia Garden Club as they share their expertise in growing plants in New Mexico.
Sun Country does its best to bring in products that will satisfy the needs and wants of customers and community members. Expansion plans are underway for several areas including a space to offer classes, demonstration gardens, a party and event venue, and, hopefully, a “you pick” chile garden.
As you prepare for spring and warmer weather, be sure to stop by Sun Country Homes & Gardens. While the business is open during all four seasons, spring is the perfect time to start exploring all they have to offer. Make your home and garden bloom with the help of their expertise!
Photos by Mikayla DeHoyos Photography
Sun Country Homes & Gardens
2707 South 1st Street
(575) 746-4857
suncountryartesia.com
marty@suncountryartesia.com
nora@suncountryartesia.com
Article written by Nora McCaw White and originally published in Focus on Artesia 2024 Spring edition.
