Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Specialty Plants Since 1930
Handy Nursery was founded in 1930 by Glen E. Handy with a single batch of rose cuttings. Over nine decades, we evolved from a small operation to a respected nursery specializing in innovative plant introductions. Our history includes pivotal collaborations, such as with Edward H. Scanlon, which led to groundbreaking tree varieties. Today, Gary Handy continues the legacy on a 14-acre Boring, Oregon farm, focusing on container plants and specialty specimens while maintaining our commitment to quality and innovation. Our decades of experience in propagation and partnerships have established us as pioneers in the horticulture industry. Services
Container Plants
Contract Growing
Bare Root Trees
Specialty Plants
Plant Introductions
Balled & Burlap Trees
Mail Order Products
Details
- Year established: 1930
Highlights and features
- We offer over 90 years of expertise in plant propagation and nursery services.
- Our team specializes in introducing new plant varieties unavailable elsewhere.
- Family-owned since 1930, ensuring generational dedication to quality.
- We maintain partnerships with industry leaders for cutting-edge horticultural advancements.
- Our focus on contract growing meets diverse nursery production needs.
Services
Container Plants
Handy Nursery produces container-grown ornamental plants ideal for easy transplanting. These specimens thrive in controlled environments, ensuring robust root systems. Growers and retailers rely on our diverse selection for reliable landscaping solutions.
Contract Growing
We offer tailored growing programs for nurseries needing specific plant quantities. This service provides flexible options for cultivar production and supply chain support. Our expertise ensures quality crops that meet market demands.
Plant Introductions
Handy Nursery pioneers unique plant cultivars unavailable elsewhere. Our introductions include patented trees and shrubs developed through decades of research. These distinctive plants help landscapers create standout designs.
Bare Root Trees
Historically our core offering, these field-grown trees remain available in limited quantities. They provide cost-effective options for large-scale landscaping projects. Our expertise ensures proper root development and transplant success.
Balled & Burlap Trees
We provide large specimen trees with root balls wrapped for transplant stability. This method preserves mature root systems for immediate landscape impact. Ideal for urban plantings and commercial developments.
People
Gary Handy
Owner
Gary Handy has operated the nursery since 1995, continuing the family legacy started in 1930. He focuses on cultivating rare specimens and introducing new plant varieties to the trade.
Glen E. Handy
Founder
Glen E. Handy established the nursery in 1930 with rose cuttings before expanding into shade trees. His military service and postwar innovations shaped the company's early direction.
Edward H. Scanlon
Industry Partner
Industry leader Scanlon co-founded the International Plant Propagators Society. His 30-year partnership with Handy Nursery produced popular Scanlon Tailored Tree line cultivars distributed nationwide.
Questions
What unique plant introductions does Handy Nursery offer?
We specialize in exclusive cultivars like the Scanlon Tailored Tree line and numerous patented varieties including Acer saccharum 'Shawn's Pillar' and Cornus kousa chinensis 'Autumn Rose'.
Does Handy Nursery still grow bare root trees?
While we've reduced bare root production, limited quantities remain available for commercial landscaping projects requiring traditional planting stock.
Can other nurseries contract grow with Handy Nursery?
Yes, our contract growing program provides flexible options for producing specific plant varieties and quantities to meet nursery production needs.
What areas does Handy Nursery serve?
We serve growers, garden centers, and mail-order businesses nationwide through our nursery operations in Oregon's Boring area.
