Van Wilgen’s Garden Center, North Branford, Connecticut

Van Wilgen’s Garden Center is a colorful oasis nestled in Connecticut. With multiple locations from North Branford to Milford and Old Saybrook, this family-owned garden center has been helping Connecticut residents beautify their outdoor spaces for years. You’ll find everything from seasonal flowers like pansies to fresh herbs and garden supplies all in one convenient place.

The garden center offers special sales throughout the year, making it easier for you to transform your yard into a personal paradise. Their greenhouses burst with vibrant plants and their knowledgeable staff can help with all your gardening questions. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Van Wilgen’s provides the perfect place to find inspiration for your next outdoor project.

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Van Wilgen’s Garden Mart

Van Wilgen’s Garden Mart in Milford is a plant lover’s paradise. This family-owned garden center brings together four generations of plant expertise, with the fifth generation just starting to get their hands dirty too. Their passion for plants shines through in everything they offer.

You’ll find an impressive selection of plants for any project. From vibrant annuals that add color all season long to perennials that return year after year. Their nursery yard team is ready to help you select the perfect trees and shrubs to form the foundation of your landscape.

Don’t miss their houseplants that can bring the outdoors into your home. They also offer organically grown herbs and vegetables for a healthy home garden. Van Wilgen’s even creates their own soil mixes with locally sourced natural and organic ingredients that they’re proud to put their name on.

Need some gardening help? Van Wilgen’s provides gardening guides with “Van Wisdom” to share their knowledge. They regularly run special promotions too, like their mulch and delivery sale that gives you a fifth bag free when you buy four.

Rating: 4.4 (33 reviews)
Location: 320 Boston Post Rd, Milford, CT 06460
Contact: (203) 298-0716
Website: Visit Website

History of Van Wilgen’s Garden Center

Van Wilgen’s Garden Center has deep roots in Connecticut’s gardening community, spanning multiple generations and nearly a century of growth. The business has evolved from humble beginnings to become a cornerstone of horticultural expertise in the region.

Founding and Early Years

The story of Van Wilgen’s Garden Center began in 1920 when a Dutch immigrant arrived in the United States with horticultural knowledge and ambition. This founding figure established a modest trade in plants and gardening supplies in North Branford, Connecticut.

Little did he know that his small venture would blossom into a thriving family business that would span five generations. The early years were focused on building a reputation for quality plants and reliable gardening advice.

The Van Wilgen family brought with them traditional Dutch gardening expertise, which helped them stand out in the local market. Their commitment to quality and customer service created a strong foundation for future growth.

Growth and Expansion

In 1976, the business experienced a significant transition when William Van Wilgen (Bill for short), the founder’s grandson, took over leadership. Under Bill’s guidance, the company placed greater emphasis on enhancing their landscaping services, which helped diversify their offerings.

Over the decades, the garden center continued to grow, adapting to changing gardening trends and consumer needs. The fourth generation of the family, including Ryan Van Wilgen who serves as Vice President, has further expanded the business.

Today, as Van Wilgen’s approaches its 100-year anniversary, it remains family-operated with the fifth generation beginning to “get their hands dirty” in the business. The garden center has embraced modern retail concepts, including creating a “store within a store” concept for Proven Winners plants.

Gardening Tips and Advice

Van Wilgen’s Garden Center offers expert guidance to help your garden thrive. Their team shares valuable “Van Wisdom” through various resources including guides, FAQs, and videos.

Seasonal Planting Tips

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your garden. Start by cleaning up winter debris and adding fresh compost to your soil. Van Wilgen’s recommends waiting until after the last frost before planting tender annuals.

For fall gardening, consider adding perennials as Henry from Van Wilgen’s suggests in their video guides. Fall perennials add beautiful late-season color to your landscape.

When summer heat arrives, focus on consistent watering, especially in the morning. Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

Winter is ideal for planning next year’s garden. Browse Van Wilgen’s catalogs and attend their workshops to get inspired for spring planting.

Sustainable Gardening Practices

Choose native plants for your Connecticut garden. They require less water and maintenance while supporting local pollinators and wildlife.

Create a composting system to recycle kitchen scraps and yard waste. Van Wilgen’s offers guidance on building effective compost bins that will enrich your soil naturally.

Practice water conservation by installing rain barrels. You’ll save money while providing your plants with chemical-free water.

Consider natural pest control methods before reaching for chemicals. Van Wilgen’s staff can recommend companion planting strategies and organic solutions for common garden pests.

Use biodegradable pots when starting seedlings. These can be planted directly in the ground, reducing plastic waste and preventing transplant shock.