The history behind it:
In June 2000, Ray and Stacy Greenstreet purchased a greenhouse operation in southern Anne Arundel County, Lothian, MD, to grow some plants and raise their family. But Greenstreet’s roots actually began in the mid ’70s on the existing 65-acre farm. At that time, a small rooting station was established to grow plants for Ball Seed Company wholesale customers. As the years passed, neighbors and locals bought the extra plants for their gardens.
Word-of-mouth referrals helped build the landscaper and homeowner side of the business. In the summer of 2000, the Greenstreets expanded the property to the ever-evolving business of today. Greenstreet Growers, Inc., home of Greenstreet Gardens, is a dynamic complex, located around the corner from Prince George’s and Calvert counties.
What it’s like today:
Greenstreet Gardens in a family-owned business open all year round. They provide annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs, and native plants. They provide green wall plants for both exterior and interior spaces. They also offer garden tools, home décor, a landscaping service, tools for birding, and plants that would thrive in an aquatic garden.
Greenstreet Gardens is both a retail and wholesale garden center. They have three retail locations in Lothian, Md, Alexandria, VA, and in Del Ray, VA, where they sell their products and host events such as gingerbread decorating for the holiday season and live music. Their wholesale shop is located in Lothian, MD. They own a 65-acre farm in Maryland and grow most of their products that they sell there. They also have 23 greenhouses in Maryland.
What makes it special:
Greenstreet Gardens is dedicated to supporting local businesses. They sell local meats, jewelry and even local popcorn at events such as their fall festival. They also run a local farmer’s market during the summer.
The garden center also offers unique events all year, including hosting Santa every weekend during the Christmas season.About the Author
Joelle Lang, a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park, is a multi-platform journalism student in the Philip Merrill College of Journalism. This autumn, she is also an editorial intern for Washington Gardener Magazine.
"Local First Friday" is a weekly blog series profiling independent garden businesses in the greater Washington, DC, and Mid-Atlantic region. Washington Gardener Magazine believes strongly in supporting and sourcing from local businesses first!
