100 Years
Swansons Nursery
& Growing
When the Swanson family first put down roots in this community. Since then, we’ve continued to grow, partnering with you to make Seattle more beautiful, one plant at a time.
A century later, we’re excited to continue our journey together. Join us this year as we honor our history and look eagerly toward the future.
We have some special surprises for you along the way. It’s our way of saying thank you to our customers and to our community.
a passion for plants
100 Years of History
& community
The story of Swansons has always been about a love of plants and a deep sense of community.
August Swanson’s journey from Sweden to America over a century ago marks the beginning of a remarkable tale. Funding his passage with earnings from a horticulture pamphlet, he settled in Minnesota where he started a greenhouse operation. He met Selma, a flower shop owner, and their union joined their lives and a shared passion for plants.
August, Selma, and their three children eventually settled in Seattle, finding the perfect spot - ten acres just north of the Scandinavian enclave of Ballard. They planted fields and built greenhouses alongside a new home. Swanson's Land of Flowers opened in 1924, a testament to their devotion to cultivating plants and community connections. The Swansons lived onsite and became an integral part of the community.
Through the hardships of the 1930s Depression, they persevered by supplying sought-after cut flowers to Seattle florists. In 1940, the reins passed to August's son, Ted, and his wife, Francis, who evolved the enterprise into a retail store selling potted and bedding plants, and gradually building a reputation as a haven for botanical treasures. A 1958 Seattle Times piece painted a vivid picture of daily life at the nursery, where customers were treated like cherished guests, often sharing cinnamon rolls and coffee as they perused the offerings.
Generations have worked and shopped at Swansons - some for nearly as long as we’ve been around! Swansons continues to be an extraordinary place where everyone is welcome to enjoy the beauty of plants, deepen their gardening knowledge, and connect with others in an atmosphere of warmth and kindness.
building the next generation
Growing our Community
of gardeners
We have strong roots in our community and are committed to sharing the joy of gardening with as many people as possible. For our 100th year, we have even more community projects in the works - with some pretty exciting partners, including the Seattle Seahawks!
What an amazing experience it has been partnering with the Seattle Seahawks to build a school and community garden at Twin Lakes Elementary in Federal Way. Three raised beds hold vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers, while a fourth bed is dedicated to indigenous plants of the PNW. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the staff at Twin Lakes Elementary, donations from local businesses, and the support of community volunteers, the new garden will not only teach and inspire the students, it will also be a gathering space where the whole community can help cultivate and enjoy plants.
special surprises
Centennial Partners
for our customers & community
Take a look at who we’re partnering with to make this year special for our customers and our community!
We were honored to partner with the Seattle Seahawks this Mother’s Day! Meeting the rookies and their families was amazing, and we’re thrilled that we got to help makes their Mother’s Day a little more colorful with a surprise gift of gorgeous hanging flower baskets!
Swansons Nursery offers flower baskets to Seahawks rookies so they can surprise their mom for Mother's Day!
We’re having a blast bringing our Swanmobile to the Ticketmaster Tailgate area before Hawks’ home games this season! If you’re headed to a game, be sure to stop by and play our game. Make your flower grow the fastest and you’ll win a planting kit with a soil mix straight from the VMAC, so you can grow an indoor herb garden.
a thank you
Centennial Celebration
to our customers
We couldn’t have done it without YOU, our loyal customers. Thank you for supporting us and for helping us celebrate a century in this amazing community. Here are a few of the special moments and memories we'll cherish from our Centennial Celebration on August 8th, 2024. We hope you enjoy them too!
Don’t worry if you missed it, there’s lots more happening this year at Swansons. Want to stay in the know? Become a Swansons Plant Partner for the inside scoop, notice of promotions and events, and other members-only perks!
we're your partners
Gardening Together
for an adventurous garden
At Swansons Nursery, you’ll find everything you need to transform your spaces into garden oases, from plants to patio furniture, plus the tools you’ll need for gardening success! Browse our Patio & Garden section for more.
French Fermob patio furniture and a wide selection of stunning pottery.
Seasonal flowers, colorful glass art, the best gardening tools, and unique garden accessories.
While you’re here, be sure to stop in and sample the treats at Swansons Café!
At Swansons, we’re your partners in making your space beautiful. How can we help? Ask us your questions in person, by email, or by messaging us on social media. We’re here to provide advice, inspiration, and support in all of your gardening endeavors.
Remember, gardening is an adventure - we know that not every plant thrives in the conditions they are planted in, but part of being a gardener means trying new things and taking risks. That’s why we guarantee everything here. We will gladly replace any plant or item, or issue a credit or refund (with receipt).
There’s lots more happening this year at Swansons. Want to stay in the know? Become a Swansons Plant Partner for the inside scoop, notice of promotions and events, and other members-only perks!
Become a Swansons Plant Partner and you’ll receive members-only perks, like plant care resources and helpful gardening tips, notification of new arrivals and promotions, invitations to special events, and exclusive member discounts. Sign up now to receive $5 off your next purchase!
By signing up below, you agree to receive member benefits through our digital newsletter, approximately 2-4 times per month. Phone numbers are needed for record-keeping only.
Our promise: we will never sell your personal information or use it to make unsolicited contact by email or phone!
