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Update 4/7/2025: A submitter sent in an obituary from Dec 1975 indicating that this motel was also owned by Mr. and Mrs. Jessie Yonkman from 1950 to 1963 (even though another article indicated it opened in 1952). Given that, we have conflicting information as an article from 1953 (see below) indicated Leslie Froman was an owner operator at that time. Perhaps it was a partnership? I also found an article that indicated the Johnson family bought the place in 1956 from Froman. Another 1956 article indicated Yonkman was affiliated with the motel. Sheesh! By 1975, it was owned by Richard Spencer. The place closed in 2003.
Update Sept 14 2023: I believe I have located where the Gardens was. I was actually trying to find another attraction and spotted the old motel on the 1955 aerial photograph. The shape of the building and driveway matches up. It appears the building on the lot is being used for apartments and may or may not be a remodeled version of the old motel structure.
A submitter named Jim Cance has given me some good information on this. There is a Comfort Inn in Plainwell so there is a motel in town. The Gardens was apparently north of town, perhaps on M-89. That got me curious so I renewed my research and found the name of the owner which was Leslie Froman. The 1950 Census indicated he owned a variety store also at that time. I also found a yearbook ad and another postcard.