Bordine’s, Grand Blanc - Ranked No. 18 in IGC Retailer’s 100 report with an estimated $24 million in sales, Bordine’s installed a biomass boiler at its Grand Blanc growing facility, decreasing the heating system’s reliance on fossil fuels by more than 60 percent. The garden center grows all of its annuals, which make up about 60 percent of the company's green goods sales. Other eco-friendly initiatives include a flood floor range that conserves water and fertilizer, heat-retention curtains that save an average of 35 percent in heating costs annually, automated watering booms efficiently programmed for specific plant needs, reusable plug trays that reduce plastic waste and a 10-million-gallon retention point for recycling water. 

Zingerman’s, Ann Arbor - Zingerman’s Delicatessen is the brainchild of beatnik turned wildly successful entrepreneur and author Ari Weinzweig, who started the business 20 years ago with a $20,000 bank loan, a staff of two, a small selection of speciality foods and a relatively short sandwich menu. Today, Zingerman’s is an Ann Arbor institution, drawing more than a half million visitors every year. During a special on-site ZingTrain seminar, “The Art of Giving Great Service,” tour-goers will learn the key elements Zingerman’s targets to build the culture of service that distinguishes its brand.

Farmer John’s Greenhouse, Farmington Hills - You’ll feel like you’re stepping into a scene from the Old West at this family business, where three generations direct operations. Founded in 1978, the garden center specializes in annuals, perennials, houseplants and other nursery plants. It deals in short-term plant rentals for weddings, corporate meetings, business conventions, movie and television production, private parties and more.

Plymouth Nursery Home & Garden Showplace, Plymouth - The store’s recent renovation introduced a brand new 12,000-square-foot greenhouse and a 5,000-square-foot glass atrium for more space, wider aisles, higher ceilings, improved entries and better checkouts. Plymouth is committed to sound environmental practices and has installed high-efficiency heating and insulation and motion sensor switches. The site's water runoff design is engineered to recycle irrigation and rainwater with maximum water quality and no negative impact. The garden center's staff includes degreed horticulturists, Master Gardeners and Michigan Certified Nurserymen.

Four Star Greenhouse, Carleton - This wholesale Proven Winners greenhouse’s expansive display gardens, hanging baskets and upright displays showcase new varieties for 2013 as well as ongoing favorites. Four Star Greenhouse, one of the largest Proven Winners growers, is widely recognized as a leader in the greenhouse industry, with Grower of the Year awards from the Detroit Metropolitan Growers' Association and the Michigan Florist Association. GCA tour-goers will enjoy refreshments and dinner in this spectacular summer setting.

The Henry Ford Assembly Plant Walking Tour, Dearborn - Watch from an elevated walkway as Ford F-150s are assembled in a new LEED-certified manufacturing plant designed to be lean and flexible. You’ll see the trim line for final assembly, which includes five trim lines, a box build line, a door build line and the final inspection area. The F-150s come into the plant as an empty shell and leave as a complete vehicle. Interactive kiosks located 

Planterra Conservatory, West Bloomfield - This new build features 11,000 square feet of boutique retail, showcasing unique botanicals in a spectacular enclosed European glass conservatory. The business strives to provide a "stylish shopping experience within a botanical garden-like setting." Available for event rentals, the conservatory accommodates up to 180 guests for seated or strolling dinners, and features a private green room for event hosts and bridal parties.

Detroit Garden Works, Sylvan Lake - Named one of America’s top 25 garden stores by Garden Design magazine, buyers travel the world sourcing garden ornamentation for the garden center. The retail shop grew out of Owner Deborah Silver's desire for more serious garden ornamentation for her landscaping clients. Detroit Garden Works was featured in Martha Stewart Living magazine's "The Garden 50:" 50 favorite products, projects and places inspired by the world of gardening.

English Gardens, Royal Oak - Ranked No. 14 in IGC Retailer’s 100 report with $28.6 million in sales, English Gardens designed this flagship store after European garden stores. It is one of the largest in the Midwest, located on 5 acres and featuring 81,000 total square feet of selling space, including a 46,000-sq.-ft. outdoor sales area, 22,000-sq.-ft. garden center and florist and a 13,000-sq.-ft. greenhouse/bedding plant structure.

Greektown, Detroit – Topping the day of exciting store tours, an evening of fun, good cheer and some the best Greek food to be found awaits at Detroit's historic Greektown. Music and laughter fill the air as the aroma of mouth-watering delicacies tempt you into one of the many welcoming eateries and bars that make this a vibrant spot of the city's nightlife. Get your game on at the Greektown Casino-Hotel, or just sit back and relax in one of its swank lounges. Catch the tour bus back to your hotel at 8:30 p.m., or extend the festivities by taking a quick cab back later in the evening. The night is yours!

Bordine’s, Rochester Hills - This flagship location features the Garden Store, a modern home and garden lifestyle showcase, designed with hardwood flooring and high black ceilings with exposed ductwork. The store is completely redone twice a year to inspire and dazzle customers. Everything changes, from the products to the wall color, furniture and lighting. Bordine's target customer is a woman, 35-55 years old, who wants her house to look good and wants to be successful with a very low time commitment.

Ray Wiegand’s Nursery & Garden Center, Macomb - Ranked No. 93 in IGC Retailer’s 100 report with $5.8 million in sales, this single-store operation has been a mainstay in the community for almost 70 years. The business, set on 25 acres, is comprised of five divisions with more than 100 full-time and 200 part-time employees. More than 30 of Ray Wiegand's employees are Michigan Certified Nursery professionals. The retailer's state-of-the-art 700-acre growing facility in Lenox Township nurtures more than 500 varieties of trees and shrubs, along with more than 600 varieties of perennials.

Deneweth’s Garden Center, Macomb - The store highlights local Michigan-made offerings, including speciality foods, body care products and artwork. Deneweth's Idea Center features custom potting, party centerpieces, custom gifts and plant accents and decorations. The retailer is committed to being a leader in creating a sustainable environment, and strives to teach customers to be successful gardeners as well as give back to the community. 

English Gardens, Clinton Township - The store, opened in 1987, added a 20,000-sq.-ft. greenhouse housing green goods and seasonal decor seven years ago. The 6-acre site includes a 19,000-sq.-ft. garden center and florist, a 133,000-sq.-ft. outdoor nursery sales area, the 20,000-sq.-ft. greenhouse and a 12,000-sq.-ft. warehouse. Ten second-generation owners oversee the day-to-day operations at English Gardens, which operates seven stores in the state.