Business Details
36 Years
experience
Your Trusted Garden Destination in Millsboro, DE
East Coast Garden Center was founded in 1990 by the Cordrey family to address a local need for unique, high-quality plant selections. Our mission is to provide exceptional landscape materials while creating an educational and inspirational destination for Southern Delaware residents. With over 80 greenhouses and partnerships like Proven Winners, we offer diverse plant varieties and expert guidance for both homeowners and professionals. Our team includes certified nursery professionals and award-winning designers who have transformed landscapes across the region. We host gardening classes and community events to foster environmental stewardship and horticultural knowledge.Our sister company, RSC Landscaping, extends our expertise to full-service landscape design and installation. We maintain rigorous quality standards through partnerships and continuous staff education. Our commitment to customer satisfaction includes a one-year plant guarantee and transparent service policies. Located on 30366 Cordrey Road, we operate year-round with seasonal hours to accommodate our community's needs. This integrated approach has earned us multiple Delaware Nursery Landscape Association awards for landscape excellence.
Services
Plant Sales
Landscape Design
Gardening Classes
Plant Installation
Delivery Services
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1990 with three generations of horticultural expertise
- Award-winning landscape designs recognized by Delaware Nursery Landscape Association
- Hosts educational gardening classes and community events annually
- Maintains 80+ greenhouses with nationwide plant selections
- Offers integrated nursery and landscaping services under one roof
What people say
Amazing plant selection
Expert staff knowledge
Helpful gardening classes
Beautiful display gardens
Professional installation services
Services
Landscape Design
Our sister company RSC Landscaping provides professional landscape design solutions tailored to residential and commercial properties. With award-winning expertise and decades of local experience, we create functional outdoor spaces that enhance property value. Our designs incorporate sustainable practices and regionally appropriate plant selections.
Plant Sales
We offer extensive plant inventory including trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and specialty plants from 80+ greenhouses. Our Proven Winners partnership ensures top-quality selections with expert care guidance. Seasonal availability includes native plants and exclusive cultivars for Southern Delaware landscapes.
Gardening Classes
Regular workshops cover topics from basic pruning techniques to advanced landscape maintenance. Led by certified horticulturists, these classes empower homeowners with practical skills. Current offerings include 'Pruning 101' and seasonal gardening webinars available through our online calendar.
Plant Installation
Professional installation services include delivery, soil amendment, and proper staking with a one-year plant guarantee. Our team handles projects from single specimen trees to complete landscape transformations. Additional charges apply for bed preparation and debris removal based on project scope.
Delivery Services
We deliver plants, mulch, stone, and topsoil within 20 miles of our Millsboro location starting at $75. Bulk material deliveries include volume discounts with minimum charges applying. Delivery zones and pricing details are available through our customer service team.
People
Rick Cordrey
President and Co-Owner
University of Delaware graduate with over 20 years in landscaping. Transformed a 16-acre farm into Delaware's premier landscaping company. Featured in multiple industry publications for innovative design approaches and ongoing professional education.
Stephen Cordrey
Vice President and Co-Owner
Heavy equipment specialist with expertise in hardscaping. Holds Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute certification. Plays critical role in operational execution of large-scale landscaping projects while maintaining hands-on involvement in daily operations.
Valery Cordrey
Co-Owner
30-year industry veteran who developed East Coast Garden Center's educational programming. Former DNLA president and radio show host. Created the garden center's destination concept featuring display gardens and enrichment programs for community engagement.
Katie Short
General Manager
University of Delaware landscape horticulture graduate with pesticide certification. Oversees daily operations while maintaining hands-on involvement with plant inventory and customer education programs. Brings extensive grounds management experience from Salisbury University.
George Malin
Head Grower
50+ years nursery industry experience including 20 years as Azalea expert at Frank J. Smith Nursery. Established our shrub program with 21 dedicated growing houses. Recognized for expertise in perennial cultivation and plant selection.
Questions
What is your plant guarantee policy?
We guarantee purchased plants for one year from installation date with original receipt. Replacement provided as gift card equal to plant value, excluding labor costs.
Do you offer delivery services?
Yes, we deliver plants and materials within 20 miles starting at $75. Bulk stone deliveries begin at $100 for 3 pallets with pricing increasing by distance.
Are gardening classes available?
We host regular workshops like Pruning 101 and seasonal gardening tips. Registration available online, by phone, or in-person with payment due at sign-up.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express for purchases and services.
Do you provide landscape design services?
Yes, our sister company RSC Landscaping offers professional design services. Contact them directly at (302) 945-5853 for consultations and project estimates.
What are your operating hours?
We're open Monday-Saturday 8am-4pm and Sunday 9am-4pm. Winter hours may vary - check our website or call for current schedule.
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