In The Country Garden & Gifts began in 1998 by the mother and son team, Sue and Josh Spece. The one-of-a-kind nursery is located in rural Eastern Iowa between Independence and Quasqueton.

In The Country is best known for the plants. Josh has a love for the unusual and out of the ordinary, which is reflected in their plant offerings. The greenhouse and shadehouse are bursting with many new and unusual plants. In The Country often hosts workshops and special events throughout the year. The 'Spring in the Country' Open House kicks off the season in May. The Hosta & Dessert Social is an annual event that draws hosta-holics from across the state.

Possibly the most unique aspect of In The Country Garden & Gifts is the setting. The name is very fitting, as it is nestled away on the family dairy farm. The nursery blends into the display gardens that surround the Spece's home. Customers are encouraged to meander through the ever expanding garden which features three ponds with streams and waterfalls, over 900 varieties of Hostas, rock gardens, trough gardens, ornamental grasses, dwarf conifers, unusual trees and shrubs, and many uncommon sun and shade perennials.