Grandma’s Gardens: 2025 Innovator of the Year
What year was your garden center founded?
Grandma’s Gardens first opened up shop in 1979. We were a much different operation then — a few acres, a small staff … and founders Doug and Paulette living upstairs in the Victorian farmhouse that now houses our gift shop. Today, we’ve grown to over 14 acres with a seasonal staff of about 60 of the most wonderful people around.
What is your garden center known for?
We’re a family-owned and -operated business, so the theme of family is very close to our hearts; much of our marketing centers around this. We have train rides in the fall, a large following for classes and workshops like Perennial Gardening with Kids, or events like the Great Scarecrow Festival, which features a highly competitive community scarecrow-making contest.
How do you set your store apart from the big boxes?
We’ve always taken pains to create spaces that feel charming and unexpected. Far from the concrete grid of a big box store, our grounds emulate a park-like setting — meandering pathways, plantings and lawns dotted with old farm equipment and plenty of spaces to sit and relax.
But our greatest asset has to be our staff. We’re fortunate to have people who love plants and genuinely care for people. When hiring, we always look for the latter and cultivate the former.
How do you ensure teamwork among employees?
When we hire, we do so with our culture in mind. We’re looking first and foremost for a person that’s a good fit for what we do and how we do it. Among our managers we encourage a culture of listening, positivity, respect and care — and it’s amazing to see the impact that their leadership has on those around them. When we’re all going the same direction, everyone’s on board.
How is your store involved in your local community?
We take every opportunity to partner with local nonprofits — especially for events. Brigid’s Path, Humane Society of Greater Dayton, Noble Circle Project, and Oasis House are just a few of our favorites. We’re also blessed with countless local food and craft vendors that are a joy to work with: Hartman Lavender Garden, Rebecca Noel Designs, Kindly Grown Designs, among others. We’ve found these partnerships extremely beneficial, especially from a collaborative marketing standpoint.
Photo courtesy of Grandma’s Gardens.
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