Our Path
2020-Present
Since the start of Gardens Alive Farms in 2020, we have been dedicated to growing high quality plants to beautify landscapes and gardens across the country. With 1,200 acres of field, container, and greenhouse production, we are able to provide a variety of plant options ranging from houseplants and perennials - to shrubs, conifers and deciduous trees. We are located 5 miles off the shore of Lake Michigan on the beautiful western coast of Michigan in the township of Grand Haven- sometimes better known as Coast Guard City, USA! Our prime location provides us with a unique micro-climate that allows us to grow a wide selection of plants successfully while still raising them under cold hardy conditions. Lake Michigan moderates our weather conditions, giving us cooler summers and warmer winters, but don’t be fooled! The lake effect snow makes our plants tough against the elements! Paired with our sandy loam soil, which allows for vigorous and deep root growth, you have growing conditions perfect to produce beautiful, healthy and happy plants! Our team of devoted, passionate plant people focus on providing our customers with quality products that will bring you joy for years to come while continually enriching the environment around us.
1945-2020
Originally founded in 1945 by John Zelenka Sr, our farm eventually grew to operate on over 2500 acres of fertile land in beautiful West Michigan. In the early years, our main clientele consisted of retail and big box stores, enabling us to meet the diverse needs of customers across the eastern United States. As our reputation grew, so did our reach, and we soon became one of the largest growers of nursery and ornamental stock worldwide. Annually producing over 10 million nursery and ornamental plants!
In recent years, under new leadership, Gardens Alive Farms underwent a transformative period. With a fresh perspective and a renewed commitment to our core values, which include quality, customer satisfaction, and integrity, we have set out to elevate the horticulture experience for all! At Gardens Alive Farms, we believe in the pursuit of excellence and the advancement of responsible and sustainable horticulture practices. We take great pride in delivering an unparalleled experience to our customers, ensuring that every plant that leaves our farm is of the highest quality. Our dedication to excellence is matched only by our commitment to the environment and our community, as we continue to embrace and implement sustainable farming practices that promote harmony within the environment.
As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide top-notch nursery and ornamental plants while upholding the values that have shaped us into the company we are today. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or someone venturing into the horticulture world for the first time, Gardens Alive Farms is here to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
Join us on this journey towards a greener, more vibrant future!
Environmental stewardship
We take our environmental stewardship very seriously- it is important to protect our natural resources now to ensure our state will continue to produce beautiful plants for generations to come. In 2022, we were happy to receive our MAEAP (Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program) verification for our greenhouse and container operations. To qualify for this prestigious program growers must demonstrate their commitment to the environment through action- More specifically, action geared towards resource management & environmental protection on our farm. Environmental stewardship actions include identifying any areas that susceptible to erosion or runoff, tracking and reporting water usage, and maintaining proper soil and water health to minimize usage requirements. By taking these internal measures, we leave the smallest environmental footprint possible while at the same time being aware of what’s in our soil and water to give our plants the best growing conditions possible. We are very proud of this accomplishment as we join the ranks of the 5% of the farms in Michigan to be recognized for our environmental stewardship!