Business Details
42 Years
experience
Your Trusted Garden Center in Milwaukee
Custom Grown Greenhouse has been a cornerstone of Milwaukee's horticultural community since 1984. Founded by Paul Budzisz, our family-owned business began as a small plant stand and has grown into a trusted wholesale and retail garden center. With over 40 years of combined experience, our team specializes in cultivating high-quality annuals, perennials, and seasonal plants tailored to Wisconsin's climate. We serve both residential customers and local businesses, providing personalized plant selection, expert care advice, and community beautification projects.Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our repurposed greenhouses and energy-efficient growing practices. As active members of the Garden District Neighborhood Association, we contribute plants for public spaces and support local nonprofits through plant donations. Our 2024 relocation to Layton Fruit Market expanded our retail presence while maintaining our core values of quality, expertise, and community engagement. We pride ourselves on offering unique plant varieties and custom container solutions that set us apart from big-box retailers.
Services
Hanging Baskets
Plant Nursery
Greenhouse Rentals
Gardening Advice
Christmas Trees
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of horticultural expertise from our founding family
- Our team provides personalized plant selection and care advice
- We cultivate unique plant varieties not found in big-box stores
- We support local community beautification through plant donations
- Our energy-efficient greenhouses utilize repurposed structures and sustainable practices
What people say
Expert plant advice
Beautiful hanging baskets
Community-focused business
Unique container options
Knowledgeable staff
Services
Hanging Baskets
Our premium hanging baskets feature custom-designed plant combinations that thrive for 5+ months with proper care. We use durable containers with specialized soil blends to ensure long-lasting blooms. Customers receive care instructions for optimal maintenance throughout the growing season.
Plant Nursery
We cultivate a wide selection of annuals, perennials, and seasonal plants including mums and poinsettias. Our inventory includes both common favorites and unique varieties not found in chain stores. Plants are grown from cuttings and seedlings in our climate-controlled greenhouses for optimal hardiness.
Greenhouse Rentals
Commercial growers can rent greenhouse space in our historic 100+ year-old facility. Our structures feature temperature-controlled environments with both glass and plastic coverings. Renters benefit from our HVAC expertise and maintenance systems that ensure optimal growing conditions year-round.
Gardening Advice
Our experienced team provides personalized guidance for plant selection and care. We offer recommendations for climate-appropriate species and maintenance tips tailored to specific growing conditions. This service includes seasonal planting schedules and troubleshooting for established gardens.
Christmas Trees
We offer fresh-cut Christmas trees and holiday greenery during November and December. Our selection includes various sizes and species grown locally. We also sell wreaths, poinsettias, and ornamental plants for seasonal decorating, with expert advice for proper care.
People
Paul Budzisz
Owner
Paul founded Custom Grown Greenhouse in 1984 after working in horticulture since his teens. He combines formal HVAC training with practical growing experience to maintain our historic greenhouses. Paul actively participates in community beautification projects and serves on the Garden District Neighborhood Association.
Sue Budzisz
Co-Owner
Sue has been instrumental in the business since 1988, managing operations and customer relations. She previously co-owned a separate garden center for ten years. Sue works closely with local municipalities to provide climate-appropriate plants that enhance public spaces throughout Milwaukee.
Jeannie
Operations Manager
Jeannie has contributed to the business for over 35 years, overseeing day-to-day operations and staff training. Her expertise in plant care and customer service helps maintain our high standards. She plays a key role in developing our seasonal product offerings and community outreach programs.
Questions
What makes Custom Grown Greenhouse different from big-box stores?
We offer personalized plant selection, expert care advice, and unique varieties not found in chain stores. Our family-owned business provides community-focused service with 40+ years of local horticultural experience.
Do you offer gardening advice to customers?
Yes, our experienced team provides personalized guidance for plant selection and care. We offer recommendations for climate-appropriate species and maintenance tips tailored to specific growing conditions.
When is your peak selling season?
Our main season runs from May through late June for annuals and summer plants. We also sell mums in fall and poinsettias, wreaths, and Christmas trees starting in late November.
Do you accept credit cards?
We accept major credit cards for purchases at our Layton Fruit Market location. Payment options may vary for special orders and wholesale accounts.
Can I rent greenhouse space?
Yes, we offer greenhouse rental space for commercial growers. Our facility includes both glass and plastic-covered structures with climate control systems to support various growing needs.
Do you provide plants for community events?
Yes, we regularly supply plants for local fundraisers and community beautification projects. We've decorated events like the Taste of the Gateway and support nonprofits through plant donations.
