History

Gertens, 1934: Frank Gerten and Family, 1934.

Gertens: A History of Excellence

Humble Beginnings
Frank Gerten’s vision of quality garden goods in the early 1900’s began with a simple motto: “Buy from the Grower.” That vision was reflected in both product and service through his hard work and dedication on his few acres of land in South Saint Paul.

Frank began Gertens as a small truck farm, selling the produce he grew on his beloved land primarily to the local residents. Because of Frank’s passion and dedication to providing people with quality, locally grown plants and produce, Gertens continued to fulfill the desires and needs of the patrons. Frank eventually handed his quickly growing company over to his two sons, Bob & Jerry. With that small garden center and truck farm, they gradually and devotedly grew the business into a 12,000 square feet retail store and greenhouse during their time as primary owners. Frank’s vision of quality, home grown goods was quickly expanding.

The Vision Grows: Passion for Our Customers

In 1989, the third generation of Gertens became primary owners: Bob Gertens two sons, Lewis and Glen, and Bob’s son-in-law, Gino Pitera. This new generation exuded the same passion for local growth, keeping their grandfather’s vision close to heart; a vision that could not help but spread to people in Greater Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.

During the summer of 1996, Gertens began a massive expansion project to increase from 12,000 square feet to more than 40,000 square feet of retail space. In May of 1997, the new Gertens opened and drew people for its new and exciting variety of offerings: 1,500 square feet of Retail Gift Shop space, 1,200 square feet of Grill Zone space, 2,000 square feet of Water Gardening and Outdoor Living space, as well as extensive growth in the production and wholesale areas.

To better enhance and fulfill our customers needs, Gertens has also added a huge landscape supply yard, a commercial sales center, website, and a variety of educational seminars and clinics throughout the year. In addition, you will find a collaborative wealth of knowledge and articles on our website to provide you with all of the knowledge you need during every season, for any reason.

Personal attention has always been the focus here at Gertens, and it is a philosophy that will never diminish.

True to Our Roots

Despite the many changes Gertens has undergone during its history, one thing has remained constant: our belief in Frank’s vision to “Buy from the Grower.” We strive to provide our customers with the best product, for the best price. With more than 80 full time employees, 10 certified nursery personnel, 5 landscape designers, 2 master gardeners and several horticulturalists on staff, Gertens can provide you with first hand knowledge of plant growth, care and maintenance throughout the seasons.

Not only does Frank’s vision and pride live on in the hearts of Gertens employees, we are also reminded of the heritage every day – and so can you! We have preserved some of the original buildings and greenhouses in order to remind us of our values and those of Frank Gerten. The next time you stop in, be sure to walk through the Outdoor Living and Pond Barns – perhaps you will feel the sense of pride and nostalgia we experience each day we come to work.

With the widest selection of annuals, perennials and nursery stock in the Twin Cities, Gertens is only one of a handful of garden centers that grows the majority of the goods we sell, making your entire experience unlike any other. We invite you to come and Discover the Wonder of Gertens today!