In 1968, Billy Hutto, Sr. opened the doors to a new business at 1320 Ellis Avenue that was created to serve the gardening needs of West Jackson’s residents.  This new company was named the Hinds Nursery & Garden Shop.

Forty-two years later, the company’s name has changed, its gasoline station that once fronted Ellis Avenue is now gone, but the business, now known as Hutto’s Home & Garden Center, remains. (Note: according to Mr. Hutto, the business changed its name to Hutto’s in 1983)

Billy Hutto, Sr. has turned the reigns of the business over to his son, Billy Hutto Jr., who describes the center as “the largest & most unique garden center in the South.”  Perhaps it is this uniqueness that keeps people from miles around coming back to West Jackson.  Hutto’s is particularly known for Ms. Hutto’s Bedding Mix–a soil mix that is bound to make even the frailest plants prosper. What’s better is the fact that if you have a truck, they can load the soil mix and/or various mulches right into your truck bed.  The benefit? No more fumbling with multitudes of little bags of dirt/mulch!  Simply back your truck up to the spot at which you are working and shovel away. (They also have bags if that is what you prefer)

The people at Hutto’s know their stuff too! Walk in the door and you are immediately greeted with “can I help you find anything?” Tell the staff what you are looking for and you are personally guided to the spot.  Need advice on planting tips? They can help you out with that too.  Gathered a yard full of pecans? Take them to Hutto’s and they can shell them for you.

That’s all for today’s WESTerday Trivia. Fall is a great time to winterize your lawn and plant trees & shrubs.  It is also a great time to add color to your lawn with mums and pansies.  So if you’re ready to get your yard in tip top shape for fall, shop locally by visiting West Jackson’s own Hutto’s Lawn & Garden Center.

We’ll be back with another WESTerday Trivia question next week!

Written by Curnis Upkins, III