Nestled in the picturesque town of Easton, Connecticut, Gilbertie’s Herb Gardens stands as a verdant sanctuary for plant enthusiasts and casual gardeners alike. This family-owned establishment has blossomed into the largest herb plant grower on the East Coast, offering an impressive selection of 100% organic herbs that will transform your home cooking and garden spaces. You’ll find a delightful experience awaiting at their Westport Garden Center location, where the combination of extensive greenhouses, themed gardens, and expert guidance creates an irresistible destination for anyone looking to add fragrant, flavorful herbs to their life.
When you visit Gilbertie’s, you’re not just shopping—you’re immersing yourself in a sensory adventure that celebrates the beauty and utility of herbs. The garden center on Sylvan Lane in Westport welcomes visitors with seasonal hours and weekly arrivals of fresh herb varieties, while their growing farm in Easton ensures quality selections year-round. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just beginning your herb journey, Gilbertie’s provides both the organic products and knowledge you need to succeed.
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Gilbertie’s Herbs and Garden Center
Nestled in Westport, Connecticut, Gilbertie’s Herbs and Garden Center is a family-run treasure that has been serving gardeners for four generations. This 100% organic garden center offers everything you need to create your perfect garden, from herbs and vegetables to annuals and perennials.
What makes Gilbertie’s special is their commitment to organic growing methods. All their plants are grown in soil—never hydroponically—and without chemicals, just as nature intended. Their dedication to quality is evident in the 300+ varieties of herbs and 100+ types of vegetables they grow each spring.
When you visit Gilbertie’s, you’ll find not just plants but knowledge too. They offer lectures and seminars to help you prepare, maintain, and enjoy your garden year-round. Their specially formulated, nutrient-rich soil ensures your plants will thrive just like theirs do.
The Gilbertie family takes pride in their microgreens too, which are soil-grown in their custom-blended, USDA certified soil. These microgreens are packed with nutrients and flavor that chefs and food lovers throughout New England and New York have come to appreciate.
Rating: 4.7 (170 reviews)
Location: 7 Sylvan Ln, Westport, CT 06880
Contact: (203) 227-4175
Website: Visit Website
History of Gilbertie’s Herb Gardens
Gilbertie’s Herb Gardens has deep roots in Connecticut, spanning over a century of family dedication to organic growing practices and quality plants.
Founding and Early Years
The story of Gilbertie’s begins in 1901 when Antonio Gilbertie arrived in the United States and settled in Westport, Connecticut. Antonio started what would become Gilbertie’s Herb Gardens as a cut flower farm in 1922. This humble beginning marked the first chapter of what would grow into a Connecticut institution.
Antonio worked alongside his two brothers, bringing their Italian farming knowledge to New England soil. Initially, they focused on growing cut flowers for the market, later expanding to include potted plants in their offerings.
The family business became a fixture in the Westport community. Antonio’s hard work established a reputation for quality that would serve as the foundation for generations to come.
Growth and Development
After Antonio’s death, his son Salvatore Gilbertie took over the family business and steered it in a new direction. In 1958, Sal introduced herbs to the farm’s offerings, a decision that would define Gilbertie’s for decades to come. This pivot to herbs happened when Sal first took the reins of the business.
Under Sal’s guidance, Gilbertie’s expanded dramatically. The business grew from a small local farm to a respected organic grower offering more than 200 varieties of potted herbs, vegetable plants, and cut greens across their 20+ acre operation.
The year 2022 marked a significant milestone for Gilbertie’s as they celebrated 100 years in business. This centennial celebration highlighted their remarkable achievement as a family-owned business that has adapted and thrived through changing times while maintaining their commitment to quality and sustainable practices.
Exploring the Herb Gardens
Gilbertie’s Herb Gardens offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a world of fragrant plants and beautiful displays. The gardens showcase over 300 varieties of herbs and numerous themed areas that change with the seasons.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring at Gilbertie’s brings an explosion of fresh herbs and vegetables. You’ll find more than 300 varieties of herbs and 100 types of vegetables all grown organically. The herb house receives new arrivals weekly, so there’s always something fresh to discover.
Summer visitors can enjoy the full splendor of the themed gardens. These special areas provide inspiration for both casual gardeners and herb enthusiasts. The sage plants are particularly impressive – they’re often featured as the “herb of the week.”
Fall showcases cold crops, with about 50 different varieties available. The changing colors in the garden create a beautiful backdrop for your visit.
Winter hours begin in January, with the center closed Mondays and Tuesdays through March 20. Even in cooler months, you’ll find plenty to explore in their greenhouse spaces.
Guided Tours and Experiences
You can enhance your visit to Gilbertie’s with their guided experiences. As the largest herb plant grower on the East Coast, their knowledgeable staff provides warm, friendly service and expert advice during your tour.
The themed gardens are designed to create a complete experience rather than just a shopping trip. You’ll walk through various garden settings that demonstrate how different herbs grow together and complement each other.
Staff members are always ready to answer questions about organic gardening techniques and plant care. Their prompt attention makes even beginners feel comfortable asking for help.
Gift shop visits round out the experience, offering unique herb-related products to take home. The reasonable prices mean you can bring a bit of Gilbertie’s expertise back to your own garden without breaking the bank.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Connecticut! Look for deals here:
Connecticut Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs