Transforming Concrete into Holiday Cheer:
Hogan’s Jewelers LiveWall® Gets Winter Greenery
When you think of downtown charm, a concrete parking lot probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. For Eryn and Darren Maertens, owners of Hogan’s Jewelers, that was exactly the challenge they faced during a major remodeling project in 2023. Their business is located in an older part of downtown Gaylord, MI, where space is tight, and options for beautification are limited. But Eryn had a vision—and it involved turning a plain concrete wall into a vibrant, living wall that would shine with colorful plants throughout the growing season and holiday magic thereafter.
Holiday Magic on the Wall
For Eryn, winter was never an excuse for a dull wall. Last year, she brought her vision to life by adding holiday greenery to the LiveWall®—all 66 planters! It was beautiful, and this year, she took it to the next level with help from North Star Gardens, and the team delivered a stunning winter display. Laurie Clear, Assistant Manager, led the assembly of fresh evergreens, while Elsa Wachter, Nursery Stock Manager, and Wendy Black, Creative Planting Mastermind, added creative touches like red twig dogwood, pine cones, and pops of color and string lights to make the wall sparkle through the holidays.
The result? A design that feels warm and inviting even in the coldest months, transforming the parking lot into a festive backdrop for downtown shoppers
Why LiveWall®?
Eryn’s inspiration came from an article emphasizing that parking lots should never be forgotten in a building’s beautification plan. When she saw LiveWall® at an event, she knew it was the perfect solution. The LiveWall® at Hogan’s Jewelers, now maintained by North Star Gardens, adds greenery and year-round interest to a small lot surrounded by concrete and brick.
The Benefits
LiveWall® does more than look beautiful; it solves a real problem. In a downtown setting where space is limited, it creates a lush, vertical garden that:
- Dresses up a plain, utilitarian parking lot.
- Adds greenery and cheer to a stark concrete wall.
- Provides seasonal interest all year long—including festive holiday décor.
Looking Ahead
The creativity doesn’t stop after the holidays. Elsa and Wendy are planning a “jungle wall” for May 2026, featuring a custom mix of LiveWall® White SunPatiens, colorful Coleus varieties, and bold accents like elephant ears and ferns. This approach will better suit the location’s sun exposure and the challenges of trimming and deadheading near parked cars.
Fun Fact
As far as we know, this is the only LiveWall® in Northern Michigan—a true standout feature! North Star Gardens hopes to become a demo site and information hub for LiveWall® in the region.
More Photos of the LiveWall® Winter Greenery Display at Hogan’s Jewelers
