Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Johnston's Evergreen Nursery & Garden Center in Erie, PA
Established in 1953, Johnston's Evergreen Nursery & Garden Center has grown to become Erie County's largest nursery grower and retail garden center. Our family-owned business operates across 425 acres of field production, offering over 1,000 varieties of cold-hardy trees, shrubs, perennials, and specialty plants. With three generations of horticultural expertise, we combine traditional growing methods with modern techniques to ensure plant quality and customer satisfaction. Our 2.5-acre outdoor garden center features 4,800 potted trees and 175 cold-frame polyhouses, providing year-round growing capabilities. We serve both retail customers and green industry professionals through our wholesale division, maintaining strict quality control throughout our production process.Our team of 7 nursery employees and 11 family members brings decades of combined experience in plant cultivation and landscape design. We offer free landscape planning services and maintain extensive planting resources to support customer success. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through our 500+ plant species and 150 genera, grown specifically for Zones 5-6 hardiness. We prioritize customer education through our JEN Ed training programs, addressing common horticultural challenges faced by both professionals and home gardeners. Our seasonal operating hours accommodate customer needs while maintaining flexibility for weather-related adjustments.
Services
Plant Sales
Landscape Planning
Wholesale Nursery
Gardening Education
Plant Diagnostics
Details
- Year established: 1953
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1953 with three generations of horticultural expertise
- Operate 425 acres of field production with advanced growing systems
- Offer 500+ plant species specifically selected for Zones 5-6 hardiness
- Provide free landscape planning services with professional expertise
- Maintain 175 cold-frame polyhouses for year-round plant production
What people say
Great prices
Excellent service
Knowledgeable staff
Healthy plants
Largest selection
Services
Plant Sales
We offer over 1,000 varieties of cold-hardy trees, shrubs, and perennials grown specifically for Zones 5-6. Our inventory includes specimen trees, flowering shrubs, ornamental grasses, and specialty plants. The 2.5-acre garden center features seasonal displays and plant groupings for design inspiration.
Landscape Planning
Our free landscape planning service helps customers create effective outdoor spaces. We provide expert guidance on plant selection, placement, and seasonal considerations. The service includes design recommendations for both residential and commercial properties.
Wholesale Nursery
We supply green industry professionals with high-quality plants through our wholesale division. The program includes access to 1,000+ plant varieties and specialized growing resources. Account holders receive dedicated support and pricing information.
Gardening Education
JEN Ed programs provide horticultural training for professionals and home gardeners. Our courses cover best practices in plant care, landscape management, and seasonal maintenance. The program includes hands-on workshops and expert-led seminars.
Plant Diagnostics
Our experts offer plant identification and health assessment services. We help customers diagnose plant issues and recommend appropriate solutions. The service includes guidance on pest management and disease prevention.
People
John Johnston
Family Member
Third-generation nursery professional with decades of experience in plant cultivation and business operations. Actively involved in daily management and quality control processes.
Gary Johnston
Family Member
Experienced horticulturist specializing in cold-hardy plant selection and production. Contributes extensive knowledge of local growing conditions and plant hardiness requirements.
Henry J. Rafferty
Educator
Certified horticultural trainer leading JEN Ed programs. Develops educational content and conducts workshops on best practices in landscape management and plant care.
Questions
What services does Johnston's offer?
We provide plant sales, landscape planning, wholesale nursery services, gardening education programs, and plant diagnostics.
Do you have landscape design assistance?
Yes, we offer free landscape planning services with expert guidance on plant selection and placement.
Are you open year-round?
Our garden center operates seasonally with weather-dependent hours. The corporate office is available by appointment November-March.
Do you deliver plants?
We offer delivery options for both retail and wholesale orders. Contact us for specific arrangements.
Can I get plant care advice?
Our staff provides free plant diagnostics and care recommendations. We also offer educational programs for deeper learning.
Do you sell to other businesses?
Yes, our wholesale division serves green industry professionals with account-based pricing and support.
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