Gertens has been a leader in the Twin Cities retail community for decades. In the early 1900’s, Frank Gerten settled on a few acres of property just south of St. Paul and started a small truck farm operation. He sold his produce to local residents in the southern area of St. Paul. Eventually, Frank’s two sons, Bob and Jerry, got involved in the business and under their direction, Gertens first began its change to a full-service garden center.

Gertens remained a small garden center and truck farm for many years, operating around 12,000 square feet of retail space and three greenhouses. Basing its business on the company motto, “Buy From The Grower”, Gertens quickly developed a reputation as a business that sold quality plants for less, supported by a friendly staff that was knowledgeable about their products. As word spread about the service and selection at Gertens, the company’s clientele was no longer just residents of the southern suburbs -- customers were starting to make the drive to Inver Grove Heights from all over the Twin Cities area.

In 1989 Gertens’ management passed to the third generation. Bob Gerten’s two sons, Lewis and Glen, and Bob’s son-in-law, Gino Pitera, became the primary owners and operators. Under their direction, Gertens expanded rapidly, both in physical space and customer base. A massive building project begun in the summer of 1996 and opened in May, 1997, created today’s Main Store, an impressive retail environment of nearly 40,000 square feet that includes a Gift Shop, a Grill Zone, and a Water Gardening & Outdoor Living Center.

In addition to the new retail space, the expansion project also increased the number of greenhouses from 3 to 19 and the acreage, including retail and production fields, from 3 acres to approximately 65 acres.

Currently, Gertens is undergoing another major expansion that will add 25 more acres to its operation. This expansion is directly across Blaine Avenue from the Main Store and includes new facilities for Wholesale Operations, expanded customer parking, and expanded Landscape Supply Yard facilities for better service and more in-stock retaining wall block, paving brick, natural stone, boulders, bulk mulches and other hardscape products for our retail and contractor customers.

Even with extraordinary growth over the past few years, the company retains its focus on delivering the very best personal attention and customer service – core values that were established when Gertens began as a truck farm. With over 50 full time employees that include certified nursery personnel, master gardeners, landscape designers, and horticulturists, Gertens provides customers with first-hand knowledge of plant growth, care and maintenance. Plus, throughout the year, Gertens provides a variety of educational seminars and clinics that cover everything from lawn care to creating perennial gardens to building a retaining wall.

Gertens’ motto is still “Buy From The Grower” and the savings are passed on to customers. At Gertens, you’ll find one of the widest selections of annuals, perennials, and nursery stock in the Upper Midwest. Visit Gertens and see why customers now come from all over the entire 7-county metro area, southern Minnesota, and western Wisconsin to shop the best!