Welcome to the story of Olson’s Greenhouse, a thriving wholesale grower and distributor of plants serving the Intermountain West region, including Utah, Idaho, and Colorado. What started as a humble hobby under the name Olson’s Nursery has blossomed into a 4th generation family-owned and operated business. Our unwavering commitment lies in providing homeowners and landscapers with locally grown, acclimated bedding plants and exquisite living ornamental plants.
Our Facilities
With an extensive network comprising five growing locations and over 3.6 million square feet of environmentally controlled greenhouse space, Olson’s Greenhouse proudly supplies more than 400 retail locations spanning from Texas to Montana, and Nevada to Iowa.
Beginning a Legacy
A Humble Beginning Olson’s Greenhouse Gardens has its roots firmly grounded in the principles of hard work and integrity, tracing back to our great-grandfather, Roy Olson. In the early 1940s, Roy began cultivating tomato plants for area farmers from his backyard in Santaquin, Utah.
Back then, we nurtured our plants in hotbeds, cleverly utilizing decomposing pea vines to provide essential root heat. These hotbeds, covered with wood and glass frames and protected by canvas on the coldest nights, laid the foundation of our nursery. The early days saw tomato seedlings bundled in burlap and sold in lots of 100 for a mere 10¢ per plant!
Expanding horizons as time passed, Roy's passion shifted towards blossoms, marking the late 1950s as a turning point for the business. Roy and his son, Jack, expanded the enterprise by converting the top level of old, 2-story chicken coops into greenhouses. Soon enough, they were supplying tomato and bedding plants to garden centers across the area.
Growth Years
In 1963, Jack Olson took the helm and focused on year-round production of hothouse tomatoes in addition to the spring flower business. However, as demand for bedding plants surged, the family shifted their attention to rapidly expanding the bedding plant business.
With Jack leading the way alongside his wife, Nola Rae, and sons Don, Brad, and Bart, the business flourished. Over the next two decades, they expanded by adding growing space and streamlining shipping operations.
Expanding the Legacy
In 1987, a significant milestone was achieved when the business was divided into wholesale and retail divisions. Brad and his wife, Chris, spearheaded the Garden Shoppe, while Jack and Bart continued to oversee the wholesale operations through Olson’s Greenhouse Gardens.
A Flourishing Legacy
Olson's Greenhouse is still going strong, thanks to Bart and his wife, Yvonne, who assumed control in 1990. The entire family plays a crucial role in the day-to-day operations, with all five of their children and their spouses actively involved in the business. The future looks brighter than ever, as the younger generation embraces their heritage, poised to carry on Roy’s legacy for generations to come.
Olson’s Greenhouse stands tall as a testament to dedication, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of a family deeply rooted in the love for plants and their customers. As we look forward to new growth and exciting possibilities, we invite you to be a part of our story and experience the beauty we cultivate with each passing year.