Grown out of love, Down to Earth Garden Center was started by Ben Polzin, his father, and his cousin when Ben was just 12 years old. What started as a small mom-and-pop landscape has blossomed into the all-in-one garden center that the Chippewa Valley has cherished for more than 25 years. Ben is involved in many different local organizations and is extremely passionate about plants – if you see him on the street, feel free to ask him for plant-related advice! He is a self-proclaimed soil nerd.

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I feel like we have a great mix of everything here. There are so many great local businesses to support and encourage.

What’s your passion?

Plants! I love everything about plants, from how they grow to why they do what they do. I love indoor plants, outdoor flowers, and even growing giant pumpkins. I’m also a soil nerd.

What place in town considers you a “regular”?

My wife and I love Wissota High Shores. Close to home, great food, and a great view of the lake!

Death bed, one meal from a local restaurant, what would it be?

Filet Oscar from Max’s Bistro (in Chippewa Falls). Melts in your mouth! 

What is your favorite piece of local trivia?

Did you know that Wisconsin’s largest giant pumpkin ever grown in the state was grown this year right down the road in Eleva?!?  True story, it weighed 2,420 lbs!

South side or north side?

Southside. Down to Earth is there! Lol. I love commuting to and working from the South side. I am so glad we picked the Southside to grow our business.

If the Chippewa Valley were a movie, what would its title be? 

It would probably have to be a Hallmark movie – the small-town feel with fun always to be found.  Maybe a movie about growing giant pumpkins?! BIG Fall Fun!

What’s your favorite Oakwood Mall store?

Scheels. Hands down. They have everything you could ever need (besides groceries)! I feel like they designed the store to cater to my every hobby. It is dangerous to my wallet to walk inside those doors.

Water Street or Downtown?

Downtown. I love some of the small, local shops in that area.

Ben's Shoutouts

Carson Park. “The baseball field offers a great opportunity to keep semi-pro sports local and gives players a great place to start their careers. Young players, like my son, love getting the opportunity to watch a game in such a great environment. Carson is full of hiking areas to explore and is a wonderful place to spend family time.”

Ferguson’s Orchard. “Located out in the country, Ferguson’s is a favorite family fun destination for families throughout the Valley. My family loves going there every fall.”

River Prairie in Altoona. “The River Prairie area has been a great addition to the Valley, offering fantastic restaurants, concert venues, an event center, and, of course, the space we need to hold the River Prairie Ginormous Pumpkin Festival!”

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If you or someone you know would make a good candidate for Questioning the Locals, send us a message with their contact info and a little bit about them!