History

Growing Generations of Gardeners

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 seeds and garden 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, perennials 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-1990s Van Putte Gardens expanded again in the nursery, hard goods, and greenhouse growing areas, adding on another 10,000 sq. ft. of retail greenhouse space.

This third generation company has 75 years in the green industry. Carl and Sue are happily working alongside their son Kyle and daughter Holly who are now running the family business. Kyle is a graduate of Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Contracting. He is the President and CEO of the Company. Holly is a graduate of Oswego State University with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. She is the Vice President and CFO of the company.

With a team of over 90 employees during the growing season, Van Putte Gardens continues to grow year after year, while still remembering Bill, Grace, and the company’s history. Bill developed Countryside Grass Seed over 70 years ago, and it’s still sold in the garden center today! Visit today to take advantage of 75 years of garden experience, and community roots that truly run deep.