Brad Mallow knows that it takes more than flowers to make a great mark on any landscape.

As owner of Carthage Farm Supply, Mallow recognizes the need for great customer service, a variety of farm products, flower and garden products or landscape products at affordable prices.

"I have been in this place for 16 years," says Mallow, "and I enjoy working with all the people who come to the store."

Mallow, an extension agent in West Virginia for eight years and an agricultural livestock extension agent in Moore County for four years, says he decided to change jobs because "I became excited about the challenge to control my own future."

Carthage Farm Supply offers complete farm, home and garden products, selling thousands of items for gardens, lawns and farms.

"We are an all-inclusive supplier for everyone," says Mallow.

Employing 13 fulltime and five-to-eight part-time employees, Mallow adds that the year has been a good one.

"We're a well-kept secret," he says. "Once people find us, they usually return."

Mallow says that because his is a locally owned business, he can select items designed for the soil and climate of the county.

"We have increased our organic materials," he says, "and the service we provide is exceptional. Our staff is very knowledgeable about our products. We assist customers in ways that no one else does. For example, we have a drive-through warehouse, where we also put items in the car for you."

Mallow adds that he sells to homeowners and "lifestyle farmers," which he describes as "those who own small acreage and are people who want to enjoy life."

"We also sell to large farms," he says.

Mallow speaks of the changing times.

"Farmers are aging out, and it is getting more difficult for them to make a living," he says. "This is a national trend. But it is also a great year for home gardens. We sell loose seed, which you don't find very often. We weigh out garden seed for people who just want a small amount or a large amount. We assist people in planning and planting. For example, we tell them which beans are climbers, and how many seeds are necessary for a 100-foot row along with fertilizer. We help people analyze and test their soil results. We offer boxes for soil testing, and when the test results come back, we help people interpret the needs for their particular landscape."

Carthage Farm Supply prices are competitive. And they offer a variety of potting oils, compost, hand tools and a rental department where tractors with tillers, spreaders and post hole diggers are available.

"We're a proud tradition of quality and service, and we always try to provide quality products," Mallow says. "We want our customers to be happy, and we do everything we can to make things right. We're not a big box store, but we try to give personal attention and treat people fairly."

The large garden center has a 2-acre warehouse and 15,000 square feet of showroom.

"In the fall, we transform the store to winter, offering hunting supplies, Wolverine boots and Carhartt -- rugged outdoor work clothing," Mallow says. "We still maintain seed sales, hay, grain and gift sections, along with bird seed and feeders. I suppose you might say that we carry anything that people want and if they don't find it in the store we will try to find it for them."

Carthage Farm Supply is located at 3710 U.S. 15-501, Carthage. For further information, call (910) 947-2213.

Contact Raleigh freelance writer and Master Gardener Anita Stone at writer7136@yahoo.com.