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ABOUT US

HOW IT ALL STARTED

The story begins in 1932 when, during a vacation Robert and Margaret Ross fell in love with the Poconos. They left their home in Morris County, NJ to start an herb farm in Paradise Township.

     The Rosses shared a passion for nature and healthy living. As an herbalist, Robert Ross cultivated herbs on his farm and sold them locally and shipped them to customers throughout the United States. He educated his customers about how herbs could be used as natural remedies for common ailments such as indigestion, colic, headaches, colds, and stomach cramps. Robert Ross' original list of herbs and their uses is framed and proudly displayed at the garden center today. The Paradise Township home in which Robert and Margaret lived and raised their family remains in the Ross family.

THE ROSSES

A local family dedicated to bringing beauty to the Poconos

Jefferson Ross

Robert and Margaret's son, Jefferson (Jeff) grew up alongside his father and took over the business in the early 1960s. Working with plants and trees, and designing landscapes and gardens became not just Jeff's profession, but his life-long passion. He expanded the business in the 1970s by building the garden center himself. His extensive knowledge and specialty in tree grafting earned Jeff well-deserved respect and recognition within the community. Jeff is always happy to see new customers at the garden center and takes special pride when they return. Some have been coming back for decades.

Wayne Ross

Wayne Ross also grew up working in his family's business. He, like his father (Jeff) and grandfather (Robert) developed a passion for design. He graduated from Temple University in 1985 with an Associate's Degree in Landscape Design and took over the family business from Jeff in 2012. Wayne's landscape designs often include hardscaping features such as rock walls, fire pits, stone patios, walkways and steps. He especially enjoys both the challenge and sense of satisfaction he receives from this aspect of landscaping.

Linda Ross-Besecker

Linda Ross-Besecker is a retired elementary school teacher. At the garden center, she blends her creativity and passion for teaching through garden-related classes and activities. She especially enjoys gardening in miniature and can often be seen at the garden center greenhouse tending to plants for terrarium and dish gardens. In honor and memory of her dear friend Ruth Henry, in 2017 Linda started Paradise Lavender Farm, located across the street from the garden center. Her hope is that the visual and aromatic beauty of the farm will evoke peace and tranquility to those that visit and become a local source of cut and dried lavender products for those who love lavender.

-ROS​S & ROSS NURSERY-

Landscaping the Poconos since 1932

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