Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Nonprofit Plant Nursery in Columbia MO
For over five decades, our organization has dedicated itself to fostering personal and professional growth for individuals with disabilities through meaningful employment opportunities. This commitment to empowerment led to the creation of CMSE Giving Gardens, a retail nursery that combines horticultural excellence with social impact. Our nursery showcases vibrant annuals, perennials, mums, shrubs, tropical plants, succulents, and native Missouri species, all cultivated with care by our dedicated team. We prioritize creating a therapeutic work environment where employees find joy in nurturing plants and assisting customers. Since 1969, we have combined our mission-driven approach with horticultural expertise to provide both high-quality plants and gardening advice.Our unique model allows customers to support a cause while enhancing their outdoor spaces. We remain committed to continuous improvement in both plant selection and inclusive employment practices. Our team eagerly anticipates each growing season, ready to share their passion for gardening with the community. Located in Columbia, Missouri, we serve as a testament to the transformative power of combining business with social responsibility. Through seasonal events and educational programs, we strive to cultivate connections between people, plants, and purpose.
Services
Retail Nursery
Plant Sales
Therapeutic Horticulture
Gift Cards
Donation Programs
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- We provide meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities through horticulture
- Our nursery offers over 50 years of combined horticultural expertise
- We cultivate a therapeutic work environment for our employees
- We offer expert gardening advice with every purchase
- Our plant selection supports both aesthetic and ecological needs
Services
Retail Nursery
Our retail nursery offers a comprehensive selection of seasonal and perennial plants cultivated through sustainable practices. Customers access expert gardening guidance while supporting meaningful employment initiatives. The nursery features both decorative and functional plant varieties suitable for various landscaping needs.
Therapeutic Horticulture
Structured horticultural activities provide therapeutic benefits and skill development for individuals with disabilities. Participants engage in all aspects of plant cultivation while gaining valuable work experience. This program combines vocational training with mental and physical wellness benefits through gardening activities.
Native Plant Conservation
Specialized native plant collection promotes regional biodiversity and sustainable landscaping practices. We offer Missouri-native species that support local ecosystems while providing low-maintenance gardening solutions. Our conservation efforts focus on preserving regional flora through responsible cultivation and education.
Gift Card Program
Flexible gift card options allow customers to share the joy of gardening with others. Recipients may select from our complete range of plants and gardening supplies. This program supports both gift-giving needs and our mission of inclusive employment.
Community Donations
Donation programs support community beautification projects and gardening initiatives. Contributions help expand our horticultural therapy offerings while benefiting local green spaces. Donors receive recognition while supporting meaningful employment and environmental stewardship.
Questions
What makes Giving Gardens different from other nurseries?
We combine horticultural excellence with social impact by providing meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities through our nursery operations.
Do you offer gardening advice with purchases?
Yes, our experienced team provides expert gardening guidance to help customers select and care for their plants.
Are your plants grown locally?
We grow many plants on-site and source native Missouri species from local partner farms like Prairie Hill Farms.
Can I donate to support your mission?
Yes, we accept donations that directly support our horticultural therapy programs and community beautification initiatives.
Do you accept gift cards for purchases?
Yes, we offer gift cards that can be used for any nursery purchases during our operating seasons.
When are your operating hours?
We operate seasonally, typically opening for fall sales and offering Friday hours in December - check our website for current schedules.
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