Rosedale Nurseries: A Legacy of Growth and Community Engagement
Established in 1898, Rosedale Nurseries in Hawthorne, New York, has preserved its status as a family-operated enterprise for nearly 128 years. As a contributing pillar in the local horticultural community, Rosedale operates an extensive 160-acre farm in Gardiner and an additional 250 acres spread across two farms in Montgomery, Orange County. This legacy is particularly exemplified by its vast eight-acre retail garden center, recognized as the largest in the Westchester-Fairfield region.
Earlier this year, the nursery’s dedication to its craft and community was acknowledged with its inclusion in the New York Historic Business Preservation Registry. This registry highlights businesses that have maintained operations for over half a century, marking their substantial contribution to local history. In a recent conversation, Dan Taylor, who currently manages Rosedale alongside his wife, Catherine, shared insights about the business’s evolution and its role in the community. Taylor represents the third generation of his family to lead the nursery, joined by their son, Logan.
Taylor detailed that Rosedale’s customer base primarily consists of homeowners, estate owners, landscape contractors, and botanical gardens, all within a 60-mile radius of their Hawthorne location. The nursery has earned a reputation for its higher-end landscaping services, catering to private estates throughout Westchester and Fairfield counties, as well as various regions in the Lower and Mid-Hudson Valley.
Beyond local clientele, Rosedale also serves trade account customers who purchase field-grown trees and shrubs. It is noted for its ability to ship products across New England and the mid-Atlantic, with orders reaching as far as Michigan, Arkansas, and Texas.
The nursery’s workforce comprises approximately 90 employees, many of whom have longstanding ties to the business. Taylor expressed pride in the familial culture fostered within Rosedale, stating, “Some families have been employed with us across generations. Rosedale has put food on their tables and a roof over their heads, and that’s why we all work here together – as a family.”
Regarding seasonal variations, Taylor acknowledged that while business naturally slows during winter months, essential operations continue. The team is actively engaged in preparations for spring, which include pruning and inventorying trees and shrubs, alongside essential maintenance of equipment. Taylor noted that despite quieter retail activity in winter, the nursery continues to meet customer needs by selling houseplants, firewood, and garden tools.
In terms of product trends, Taylor highlighted a growing interest in native plants and innovative landscaping designs, influenced by contemporary designers such as Piet Oudolf, famed for his work on New York City’s High Line. He pointed out that there is a resurgent enthusiasm for traditional English gardens and topiary, blending classic and modern aesthetics.
For those seeking inspiration for their gardens, Taylor advocates for incorporating structural elements such as boxwoods and American hollies for privacy and deer-resistance, while ensuring a vibrant ecosystem by including plants that attract pollinators like hummingbirds.
As Rosedale Nurseries continues to thrive, its deep-rooted commitment to both horticulture and community sustains its legacy, making it not just a business, but a cherished landmark in the region’s agricultural and social landscape.
