History

1889

When it all started

John's first venture in sunny California was to purchase a few acres of property where he began growing Eucalyptus and Olive trees. His success as a nurseryman grew and he soon expanded his operation. Around the turn of the century, he opened his first retail garden center at 408 Euclid Street in Ontario.When John Armstrong stepped off the train in Ontario, California little did he realize that he was beginning a journey that would make his name synonymous with roses around the world.

Although roses eventually became the driving force in his success, John Armstrong also was an industry leader in the development of a wide range of ornamentals and fruit trees. He also became an innovator in growing and marketing citrus, berries, grapes, avocados and tropical fruit trees. He devoted production to flowering perennials as well.

a vintage photo of a man

1900s

Armstrong introduces catalog standards

The first Armstrong catalog was introduced in the early 1900s and soon became a treasured fountain of information throughout the United States and Canada. This extensive catalog was to become an industry standard and is a forerunner of today's wholesale nursery catalog and the foundation for the merchandise selection at Armstrong Garden Centers today.

a close up of a sign

1920s

Famous for roses

In the early 1920s, Armstrong introduced his first series of roses. The first offering was a listing of varieties from a wide range of resources. Breeders in Europe were more than willing to provide their varieties and each year, the listing increased in numbers.

an old photo of a truck

1930s

New research and development department

With an eye to the future, Armstrong created a research and development department. Dr. Walter Lammert led this department and soon became world-famous with his hybridization of such famous roses as 'Chrysler Imperial' and 'Charlotte Armstrong'. Following in Lammerts' footsteps were Herb Swim, Dr. David Armstrong, Jack Christenson and Tom Carruth.

a group of people standing in front of a crowd

1940s - 1950s

World-wide introductions

John Armstrong's strong leadership and attention to excellence led to hundreds of new rose varieties, and a wide range of other plants. These introductions included the Boysenberry, the Babcock Peach, the Seedless Valencia Orange, Robertson Navel Orange and the Snow Queen Nectarine, the Red Baron Peach and the first genetic dwarf peach, Bonanza, followed by Bonanza II.

a large purple flower is in a garden

1960s

Continuing the Armstrong Family Tradition

John Armstrong passed away just short of his 100th birthday. Armstrong Garden Centers was then led by John's son, J. Awdry Armstrong followed by John's son, John S. Armstrong Jr.

a colorful flower garden

1970s

New Leadership

In 1974, the board of directors appointed Don L. Rogers the new president. Soon after becoming president, Mr. Rogers bought Rosedale Nurseries adding three more stores for a total of eight garden centers.

a group of bushes in a garden

1980s

Becoming employee owned and adding a new division

In 1989, Don Rogers retired and Mike Kunce became President. It was Mike Kunce who established Armstrong Garden Centers as an employee-owned company. In an ongoing effort to maintain high horticultural standards, a growing division was added, Armstrong Growers. This allows for full control of plant quality from start to finish.

a little girl sitting on a bench

1990s

Expanding locations and expertise

Under Mr. Kunce's leadership Armstrong Garden Centers continued to expand and in 1998, bought San Diego-based Nurseryland. Out of the fifteen Nurseryland garden centers acquired, six were closed and nine were remodeled. Armstrong Garden Centers currently has 29 locations in Southern California and 2 locations in the Bay Area.

a group of people in a field

2000s

Expanding East

Armstrong Garden Centers became the majority shareholder of Pike Nurseries in Atlanta, Georgia. With an established leadership team at Armstrong Garden Centers, Mike Kunce moved to Atlanta to provide leadership and oversee the day-to-day operations at Pike Nurseries. Monte Enright was promoted to President of Armstrong Garden Centers.

a close up of a flower garden

Today

A Bright Future

The employee owners of Armstrong believe our rich history in plant breeding, retail excellence and wholesale growing places us in a unique position to support the local garden center shopping experience. We know what people see in the landscapes of resorts and public places are what inspire them to seek out horticultural beauty in their own space at home. With that in mind, we see a bright future for our industry and will continue to serve homeowners, landscape professionals and resort destinations.

a group of people posing for a photo