McCallister’s Landscaping

In their tenth year of business here in Benton, Matthew and Faith McCallister have a perfect little corner of Saline County that all ages can enjoy. 

Matthew began his horticulture career working for a landscape supply company in Hot Springs in 2007, before marrying Faith in 2011 and later deciding to settle in Benton. His love for the business fed his desire to open something similar here. Though his experience had focused mostly on supply materials, he also dreamed of offering plants and the like. Starting small with just a few “greens,” they later grew to require construction of a larger greenhouse in 2020.

Because of his sixteen years of experience in the industry, Matthew works hard and strives to find top-quality products at the most cost-effective pricing for his customers. He continually learns more and more in this ever-evolving arena. 

The McCallisters choose a carefully curated variety of landscape materials and garden plants, and they support local makers by carrying their crafted items and food goods. “We have always had the goal to become a family destination,” states Matthew, who has hosted an annual Community Christmas party since its opening in 2013. It is the perfect way “to celebrate both the town that we love and one of our favorite holidays.” 

During this event they offer s’mores, popcorn, and hot cocoa, and host live bands leading Christmas carols—all completely free of charge! It has become a cherished occasion, with plans to keep the tradition going.

In addition to their Christmas party, the McCallisters hope to begin other community events and activities to celebrate the changing seasons, finding more ways to be an inviting community place to enjoy while highlighting the talent of Saline County crafters and makers.

Matthew and Faith are raising three young boys, which has helped them to foster a safe place that is family friendly and fun for the littles, too! Their barn features a playground, and they pride themselves in offering fun activities for the kiddos. “Growing” their business is definitely a family affair, and you might catch their older boys, ages 6 and 4, and one day their infant son, helping to water the blooms, leading adventures around their pumpkin patch, and “watching the magic of Christmas come to life with [their] Christmas tree lot.”

Matthew shared with us, “One of our favorite parts of owning a small business is getting to know the people who live around us. For years we’ve had so many faithful customers shop with us, and even fostered many friendships from that relationship. We feel we are a business that seeks to empower our customers and give them knowledge about how to attain their project goals. We try to be a resource to everyone who comes our way, whether that person is a homeowner or a contractor. We love seeing people succeed and feel pride in what they’ve accomplished.”

Our community loves this special little family-owned business, also, which is evident in its having received Saline County’s Readers’ Choice “Best in Business” award in its division for five consecutive years! The McCallisters realize this honor and are so grateful. Their motivation remains their love for Saline County. “We love this town and want to be the business that we would enjoy visiting. We want to make what we offer become a family tradition, a resource, and a gem in the community,” says Matthew. Repeat customers are a joy to them, and they want to create a space to which customers choose to return time and again.

When asked if they would like to mention any individuals and their contribution to the success of their family business, their answer was a “be still my heart” moment. “We truly believe that our success and achievements would not be possible without our faith and dependence on Jesus Christ. 

“We founded our business on the Bible verse, Psalm 1:3, ‘He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.’ Our business was founded on a belief that if we are firmly planted in the truth of God’s Word and character, even in our seasonal business, He will sustain us and provide for us. This doesn’t mean we haven’t seen hard times, seasons, or circumstances, but even in them He has been unwavering and provisional.”

It has been said that a flower does not compete with another flower, it just blooms. McCallister’s Landscape & Garden Supply has grown into a unique destination store, where you can bring beauty to your home or business while entertaining your entire family. Located at 2719 Salt Creek Road in Benton, it is a little slice of heaven. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram, so you are sure not to miss any of their upcoming events.

Matthew and Faith McCallister and their sweet boys invite you all to “GROW” with them!