A little backstory

From Manhattan to Rhinebeck in 1979, we laid claim to 11 acres, built our first greenhouse, and spent the next 12 years growing rare and tropical collectable plants sold mail order across the U.S. and into Central and South America under the name Mobile Gardens. When a fuel crisis forced a pivot, we built a second greenhouse — mentored by Clifford Tine, a third-generation plantsman of the New Jersey Botanical Gardens — and found the passion that would define the next half century. A name change later, one that wouldn't confuse us with a campground, and Northern Dutchess Botanical Gardens was born. For nearly 50 years, we’ve grown what we think is a very unique little niche in the horticultural community.

The best thing about NDBG is that it breathes. This is a working, living greenhouse operation — 7 greenhouses on 70 acres — where the plants we sell are the plants we grow, right here, from seed, cutting, plug, root and division. Walk the property and you'll see exactly what we do to make the stock look the way it does: healthy, green and happy. Just watch out for the hoses. They're everywhere.

The sales yard sits outdoors, comfortably nestled between greenhouses and display gardens in as relaxed a setting as any nursery can offer. Every plant group has its own bench or dedicated area, arranged alphabetically with clear signage to help guide your selection. The result is an easy, satisfying and genuinely informative experience for gardeners at any level.

We're happy to lure the Plant Nuts and Garden Meisters with something obscure — but we're most proud of the customers who came in uncertain and left with a garden they're proud of.

Getting here is the hardest part. We know that. But first-timers always seem to tell the same story:

"This can't be right — there's nothing on this road." "I'm following the map." "Wait… there's a sign… turn here…" "…Ohhh. Honey. Look at this place!"

Once you're here, you're spoiled. That's intentional. Our roots run deep with two generations of our family making it all work — and with that comes a commitment to doing things the right way. 

To our loyal customers, thank you. To first-timers whose curiosity brought you this far — you're exactly who we built this for. Come find us.