Childhood memories are in plentiful supply each day for Tonya Jenkins and Brian Clark, whose family backgrounds blended perfectly to form their own business — Lakeside Mulch & Stone and Lakeside Farmers Market in Sherrills Ford.
In business for the past three years, they have 30 years of retail experience between them.
“Lakeside Mulch & Stone is based on the core values we want to offer our customers every single day,” says Tonya. “Along with 11 employees (full-time, part-time, and seasonal) our team includes our boys, Lucas and Levi, and Brian’s mom, Valerie. They make deliveries, cover when we are out-of-town, and keep everything clean and ready for our customers.”
If you’re feeling creative, September and October are great months for outdoor projects!
“Outdoor fireplaces are a nice addition for the fall,” says Tonya. “We have installers who can make this home dream come true, along with wonderful outdoor kitchen areas. We have also been stockpiling firewood all summer to be sure it’s perfectly seasoned for fall weather.”
With a goal of providing a wide range of products to suit every size project, Lakeside Mulch & Stone carries aggregates, mulches, sands and gravels, river rocks, pavers and walls, hardscapes, sod, topsoil and compost, pine needles, and straw — along with grill and fireplace kits.
“There are lots of new homeowners in the area, and our services help to inspire others to make their house a home,” adds Tonya. “Our products can truly help you transform a living area, creating a home others can be a part of, one where you can relax and enjoy time with your family and friends.”
While your outdoor space is well on its way to a new look, you can also feel good every time you visit, by supporting local farmers at the Lakeside Farmers Market.
“From seasonal strawberries and other local fruits and vegetables, dairy products, fresh eggs, and ice cream, to tomatoes, sauces, Amish butter, Elderberry syrup and honey sourced from local farmers and orchards, there’s no shortage of fresh options at affordable prices,” says Tonya.
“Since childhood, I have had a passion for homegrown and farmer-grown local produce,” she explains. “Growing up, I spent many days and nights in the garden with my grandparents picking fresh vegetables that later ended up in the freezer and in canning jars. My summers were spent gathering rocks from the garden, baling hay and picking fruits and vegetables off the trees and vines. We preserved most of our fruits and vegetables each year, and had a produce stand where we sold farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to the community. That has continued to mold who I am today.”
Their Farmers Market inventory is now grown all over, she explains, with produce from Cooksville, China Grove, Mount Ulla, Lawndale, Lincoln County, and from right there in Sherrills Ford.
“We just started selling grass-fed beef from Catawba County, and we sell local coffee from Mooresville Black Powder, which is a very popular item!” says Tonya. “We’ve also picked up Pies and Sides out of Mt. Holly, and the very popular Hershey’s ice cream.”
Lakeside Mulch & Stone offers propane and firewood for the winter as well. Plus, you’ll find garden center gift ideas, such as Evergreen flags and Simply Southern items.
Brian also hails from a farming family in Lincolnton, surrounded by apple orchards, which meant time well-spent harvesting apples and apple cider each year.
“My favorite memories as a child were helping my grandmother make apple cider,” tells Brian. “We raised livestock, and I spent my time in the fall and winter helping my dad sell pumpkins, Christmas trees, and wreaths. We would drive hours to pick up trees to bring back — providing beautiful mountain trees to the community.”
Customer service is also huge for both Tonya and Brian. “Without our loyal customers we would not be here. We owe our success to them.”
As a one-stop shop, you’ll also love their same-day delivery. If you can’t make it during normal hours, simply give them a call, to have the materials waiting at your house by the time you get home from work.
Be sure to check their Facebook page for details on Lakeside Mulch & Stone and Lakeside Farmers Market’s annual Fall Festival this October. Located at 4141 Rhynland Drive, Sherrills Ford, NC, 828-478-1321, hours are Monday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Visit them online at .lakesidemulchstone.com for more information on their services and to contact them about your specific home project!
