SEATTLE — When August and Selma Swanson traded their farm in California for 10 acres with a dirt road in Ballard and started growing flowers, they had no idea Swansons Land of Flowers would become a beloved destination nursery. Swansons Nursery is celebrating a century right now. Their secret to keeping business blooming for 100 years?
“It all goes back to the founders and this core principle of kindness and respect, and doing business in a very particular way that is timeless,” said Brian Damron, Swansons Nursery CEO.
Timeless traditions include a koi pond with fish nearly as old as the nursery, a dinosaur named Humphrey who celebrates each of the seasons, playhouse for little gardeners and a decent chance of spotting Seattle's favorite gardener here.
Ciscoe Morris can often be found in the "rare and unusual" plant section.
“So, it's about gardening. It's about the joy of watching things grow, taking care of things. It's good for the soul,” Damron said.
Swansons doesn't just grow plants — this long-lived nursery grows gardeners too.
“Well, we just finished our 100th year and the plan is to add another 100 onto that. So, we're not going anywhere,” Damron said.
KING 5's Evening celebrates the Northwest. Contact us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Email.