Homestead Gardens: 2025 Innovator of the Year
What year was your garden center founded?
Homestead Gardens (Davidsonville location) was founded in 1973, with two additional retail locations established in 2010 (Severna Park, Maryland location) and 2021 (Smyrna, Delaware, location)
What is your garden center known for?
At Homestead Gardens, we’ve intentionally cultivated more than just a garden center; we’re an experience-driven destination where inspiration grows. While we’re known for our exceptional selection of indoor and outdoor plants, garden supplies, home accents and outdoor living furniture, what truly defines us is our role as a community resource. Through expert staff, in-store guides, lectures, workshops and seasonal events, we foster lifelong learning and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Our campus reflects this broader vision. Guests can grab a coffee (separately owned and operated onsite) or craft beer (we own) onsite, visit our barnyard or attend one of our many fall or holiday events. Our identity is rooted in joy, discovery and meaningful community experiences.
How do you set your store apart from the big boxes?
From a brand standpoint, authenticity and expertise are key differentiators for us. We don’t just carry plants — we grow them, and we partner with local growers who share our commitment to quality and sustainability. This gives our customers access to healthier, better-adapted plants and fosters a sense of local pride.
We also prioritize education and empowerment. Our team receives ongoing training through our education director to ensure they provide expert advice tailored to each gardener’s needs. For us, it’s not just about transactions, it’s about cultivating success, joy, and a lasting relationship with every customer who walks through our doors.
How is your store involved in your local community?
Community is at the heart of the Homestead Gardens brand. Through the work of our dedicated community relations manager, we build meaningful partnerships that extend our mission beyond our walls. We regularly host fundraisers, donate plant materials and support local projects and gardens.
The launch of our barnyard has opened exciting new opportunities to serve as an educational hub. Through school field trips, summer camps and youth programs, we aim to inspire the next generation with hands-on experiences in homesteading, agriculture and sustainability. It’s a natural extension of our mission: to grow good things and share them generously with our community.
Photo courtesy of Homestead Gardens.
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