Business Details
48 Years
experience
Premium Wholesale Ornamental Plants in Salem, OR
Alpha Nursery has been a trusted provider of high-quality ornamental plants since 1978. Founded by Doug Zielinski, a fourth-generation farmer and Oregon State graduate, the nursery began as a single greenhouse on the family farm in Salem, Oregon. Over four decades, it evolved into a 150-acre operation serving retail garden centers, landscapers, and re-wholesalers across North America. Our commitment to innovation is evident through early adoption of retractable-roof greenhouses, satellite-controlled irrigation, and advanced potting systems. We pride ourselves on personalized service, product diversity, and a dedicated workforce, many of whom have been with the company since its early years. As a family-owned business, we maintain strong ties to our roots, with Doug's wife Jamie and sons Josh and Scott actively involved in operations.Our focus on employee well-being, year-round employment, and comprehensive training ensures consistently high service standards. With 11 sales representatives covering diverse regions, we combine regional expertise with nationwide reach. Our extensive product line includes hundreds of plant varieties grown in multiple container sizes, featuring retail-ready conifers, broadleaves, shade trees, ornamental grasses, perennials, roses, topiaries, and specialty grafted items. Alpha Nursery's continuous investment in production efficiency and plant quality has kept us competitive in the horticulture industry. We remain dedicated to sustainable growth through innovation, customer relationships, and adherence to core family values that have guided us since our founding.
Services
Ornamental Plants
Shade Trees
Perennials
Roses
Topiary Plants
Grafted Trees
Container Shrubs
Ornamental Grasses
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of horticultural expertise and nursery innovation
- Our diverse product line includes hundreds of regional plant varieties
- We pioneered retractable-roof greenhouse technology in Oregon
- Our trained workforce provides year-round reliability and expertise
- Family ownership ensures personalized service and long-term commitment
Services
Ornamental Plants
Our extensive ornamental plant collection features hundreds of varieties grown specifically for commercial landscapers and garden centers. We cultivate both common and specialty cultivars suited to diverse regional climates. Every plant undergoes strict quality control to ensure retail readiness and transplant success.
Shade Trees
Alpha Nursery offers a comprehensive selection of shade trees including native species and hybrid varieties. Our trees are grown in multiple container sizes for immediate transplant success. We maintain strict production standards to ensure strong root development and structural integrity.
Perennials
We provide extensive perennial collections featuring drought-tolerant and hardy zone-specific plants. Our inventory includes both traditional favorites and new cultivars for modern landscaping needs. Plants are grown for commercial availability with consistent color and bloom cycles.
Roses
Our rose collection combines disease-resistant varieties with classic cultivars for commercial growers and retailers. Plants are grown in multiple sizes with proper root development for successful transplantation. We maintain quality standards for bloom production and winter hardiness.
Grafted Trees
Specialty grafted trees are produced using advanced horticultural techniques to combine desirable rootstocks with premium cultivars. This method enhances disease resistance while maintaining superior ornamental characteristics. Our grafting program ensures consistent growth patterns and transplant success.
People
Doug Zielinski
Founder
Fourth-generation farmer and Oregon State graduate established Alpha Nursery in 1978. His vision transformed a single greenhouse into a 150-acre operation while maintaining family agricultural heritage. Continues guiding business strategy as co-owner.
Jamie Zielinski
Co-Owner
With nearly 30 years as co-owner, Jamie Zielinski has been instrumental in developing Alpha Nursery's operations. Her leadership contributes to business strategy and customer relations while managing day-to-day office operations effectively.
Josh Zielinski
Nursery Manager
Second-generation nurseryman Josh Zielinski oversees farm operations and plant production. His hands-on management ensures quality standards are maintained across all growing areas while implementing modern cultivation practices.
Scott Zielinski
Farm Operations
Scott Zielinski manages agricultural operations with deep knowledge of regional growing conditions. He focuses on optimizing production efficiency while maintaining the family's commitment to sustainable nursery practices established in 1978.
RJ Tancredi
General Manager
Longtime employee RJ Tancredi leads daily nursery operations with over three decades of experience. His leadership maintains production standards and manages workforce development, ensuring consistent service quality since joining in the early years.
Questions
What products does Alpha Nursery offer?
We provide ornamental trees, shrubs, roses, perennials, topiaries, and specialty grafted plants in various container sizes for trade customers.
Are you a wholesale-only business?
Yes, we exclusively serve garden centers, landscapers, and horticultural re-wholesalers throughout North America.
What regions do your sales representatives cover?
Our 11 representatives serve regions spanning all U.S. states from Oregon to New Jersey and Canadian provinces.
What innovation sets Alpha Nursery apart?
We led Oregon's horticultural innovation through early adoption of retractable-roof greenhouses and satellite-controlled irrigation systems.
How long have you been in business?
Since our founding in 1978, we've grown from one greenhouse to a 150-acre operation while maintaining family values.
Do you offer year-round employment?
Yes, all employees receive full-time positions with comprehensive training for multiple nursery operations roles.
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