Our History

How We've Grown

In 1948, Bill and Grace Van Putte opened Van Putte Seed Company and established the first Garden Store in the Town of Greece. They offered seed and supplies to area homeowners, as well as seed catalogs to farmers and local hardware stores.

As the population increased and new homes were built, the demand for seed, fertilizer, and nursery stock increased. Van Putte Gardens responded in 1960 by building a larger full service Garden Center. The focus shifted from farming to residential and commercial gardening and landscaping needs. Greenhouses were added to grow annuals and vegetable plants for home gardeners.

In 1976 Bill and Grace's son Carl, a horticulture graduate of Alfred State College, became the owner and President of Van Putte Seed Co. Inc. As the Town of Greece and the surrounding areas continued to grow, Carl and his wife Susan saw an opportunity to better serve their customers and they expanded both the Garden Center and the Landscape division.

In the mid 1990's Van Putte Gardens expanded again in the nursery, hard goods, greenhouse growing areas and greenhouse retail areas that includes over 10,000 sq. ft. of covered benches and displays.

This third generation company has over 60 years in the green industry. Carl and Sue are happily working along side their son Kyle and daughter Holly. Kyle is a graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Contracting. He is the President of the Company and oversees the Landscape Division an area of the company that is growing rapidly. Holly is a graduate of Oswego State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing. She oversees the business office and her take-charge attitude keeps the business running smoothly and efficiently.

The Garden Center and Landscape Division work side by side. They work hard at educating the home gardener to ensure success. They believe in selling quality products and only carry fresh and hardy plant material while using sound horticultural practices. These goals are met through their popular "Kids Grow" club, horticulture scholarships and through their educated and experienced landscape and garden experts on staff.

Some of Our Awards

We don't like to brag, especially when others do it for us. Below is a partial list of awards we have won:

• Today's Garden Center "Top 100 Revolutionary Garden Centers"
• Winner New York State Residential Landscape Award
• Sam Walton Business Leader Award
• Rochester's Top 100 Business Award
• Greece Business Person of the Year Award