Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Garden Center in Lynden, WA
Vander Giessen Nursery has been a cornerstone of Whatcom County's gardening community since 1938. Founded by James Vander Giessen, our family-owned business has thrived through three generations, maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality plants and customer service. We specialize in cultivating a diverse selection of annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, and edibles, all grown in our on-site greenhouses to ensure optimal health and adaptability to the Pacific Northwest climate. Our expertise extends beyond plants to include comprehensive garden care products, from fertilizers and pest control to premium soils and mulch.We take pride in offering unique features like our Lynden Basketscustom-grown hanging baskets that have become a regional hallmarkand an extensive collection of fountains to enhance outdoor spaces. With over 85 years of horticultural experience, we combine generational knowledge with modern techniques to provide both novice and seasoned gardeners with the tools and guidance needed to create thriving landscapes. Our historic Lynden location, recently upgraded with state-of-the-art facilities, continues to serve as a year-round destination for garden enthusiasts seeking expert advice and premium products.
Services
Plant Sales
Garden Care Products
Lynden Baskets
Soil & Mulch Supply
Fountain Installation
Details
- Year established: 1938
Highlights and features
- We have over 85 years of experience in regional horticulture.
- Our family-owned operation maintains three generations of expertise.
- All plants are grown on-site in controlled greenhouse environments.
- We offer expert garden care solutions tailored to Pacific Northwest conditions.
- Our Lynden Baskets feature exclusive, custom-grown hanging plant arrangements.
Services
Plant Sales
We offer hundreds of plant varieties suited to Pacific Northwest climates, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, and edibles. All plants are grown in our on-site greenhouses to ensure quality and adaptability. Our selection combines proven classics with innovative new cultivars for diverse gardening needs.
Garden Care Products
Our comprehensive garden care inventory includes fertilizers, pest control solutions, and specialized tools for maintaining healthy landscapes. We provide premium soils and bark mulch available in bulk or bagged quantities. These products support optimal plant growth while simplifying maintenance tasks for gardeners.
Lynden Baskets
Our signature Lynden Baskets feature custom-grown hanging arrangements cultivated entirely in-house. Customers can choose from three purchasing options: custom planting, basket reservations, or ready-made selections. These high-quality baskets maintain freshness longer due to our controlled greenhouse growing process.
Fountain Installation
We offer the largest fountain selection in Whatcom County, with options to complement various garden styles. Our experts help customers choose appropriate water features based on space and aesthetic preferences. Fountains provide both visual appeal and soothing ambient sounds for outdoor environments.
Soil & Mulch Supply
Our premium soil blends and bark mulch products enhance garden bed quality while improving moisture retention. Available in bulk quantities for large projects or bagged for smaller needs, these materials support healthy root development. We recommend specific formulations based on plant types and soil conditions.
People
James Vander Giessen
Founder
Established the nursery in 1938 after leaving his job at Darigold. Built the original greenhouse in Lynden and laid the foundation for three generations of family stewardship.
John Vos
Co-owner
Joined the business through marriage to Ada Vander Giessen. Expanded services to include commercial spraying operations and barn whitewashing. Helped rebuild after the 1953 fire that destroyed key facilities.
Ada Vos
Co-owner
Worked alongside her father from the nursery's inception. Managed greenhouses and floral operations. Retired from floristry in the 1990s to focus on plant cultivation, maintaining hands-on involvement until her later years.
Alvin Vos
Third-generation Owner
Took over landscaping division in the 1970s. Revitalized the nursery after his father's 2003 accident, overseeing major renovations and transitioning to year-round operations in 2005.
David Vos
Current Operator
Joined full-time in 2008. Led significant facility upgrades including construction of a modern glass greenhouse in 2013, enhancing both growing conditions and customer shopping experience.
Questions
What makes Vander Giessen's plants different from other nurseries?
Our plants are grown on-site in controlled greenhouses, ensuring better quality and regional adaptation compared to transported stock.
Can I customize my hanging basket order?
Yes, we offer custom planting options from November to mid-February with pickup windows in spring.
Do you sell gardening supplies year-round?
Yes, while our seasonal inventory varies, we maintain essential garden care products and soil amendments throughout the year.
How does the nursery handle large orders?
We provide bulk pricing for soil, mulch, and plant purchases. Contact us directly for commercial project consultations.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards, cash, and checks for in-store purchases. Payment options may vary for special orders.
Is the nursery accessible for customers with mobility challenges?
Our main facilities feature accessible pathways and staff assistance to accommodate all customers' shopping needs.
