Nestled near the vibrant border of Jersey City and Hoboken, the 14th Street Garden Center has been a beloved local institution for over 25 years. This family-owned business, located at 793 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City, NJ, isn’t just a garden center; it’s a community hub where quality plants, expert advice, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere flourish. For nearly two decades, they’ve also been spreading holiday cheer with their exceptional selection of Christmas trees, making them a go-to destination for seasonal beauty.
Exterior view of 14th Street Garden Center in Jersey City
A Family Tradition Rooted in Jersey City
To understand the heart of 14th Street Garden Center, you need to know the Giordano family history. Mike Giordano Jr., the current owner, shares a story that stretches back to the 1940s when his father, Michael Giordano Senior, started selling produce in Jersey City. From humble beginnings with a wagon, Michael Sr.’s entrepreneurial spirit blossomed into Giordano’s Produce, a market on Henderson Street. Life in Jersey City, however, took an unexpected turn when the development of the Newport Mall necessitated a relocation.
Undeterred, the Giordano family adapted and evolved. December 23, 1993, marked the grand opening of the 14th Street Garden Center. Tragically, just months later in August 1994, Michael Senior passed away. Despite this profound loss, his legacy of hard work and dedication lived on. Mike Junior, foregoing his plans for Rutgers University, stepped in alongside his brother Vince to support their mother and continue the family business. For the past 25 years, Mike and Vince have nurtured the garden center, cultivating not just plants, but also strong roots within the Jersey City community.
Giordano's Produce in Jersey City during the 1970s
More Than Just Plants: A Year-Round Garden Destination
While the 14th Street Garden Center is renowned for its festive Christmas tree selection, their offerings extend far beyond the holiday season. As a full-service garden center, they provide a wide array of plants, from vibrant annuals and perennials to lush indoor foliage and hardy shrubs. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting to explore your green thumb, you’ll find everything you need to create your own urban oasis.
Their selection includes:
- Seasonal Plants: Find the perfect blooms for every season, adding color and life to your home and garden.
- Vegetable & Herb Plants: Grow your own food with their healthy starter plants, perfect for balconies or backyard gardens.
- Pottery & Garden Supplies: From stylish pots and planters to essential gardening tools and soil, they have the supplies to support your gardening projects.
- Expert Advice: The knowledgeable staff, including Mike and Vince, are always on hand to offer guidance and tips, ensuring your gardening success.
Michael Sr. with the original produce wagon now filled with plants inside the store
Christmas Trees: A Holiday Tradition at 14th Street Garden Center
Around the year 2000, the 14th Street Garden Center expanded its offerings to include Christmas trees, and it quickly became a cherished holiday tradition for Jersey City and Hoboken residents. Understanding the urban landscape where many reside in apartments, they specialize in Fraser firs, known for their narrow profile, making them ideal for smaller spaces. They are committed to quality, offering primarily Number 1 Premium trees, ensuring each tree is full, lush, and minimally gapped.
Sizes range from charming tabletop trees to impressive 12-foot giants, catering to diverse needs and spaces. While they offer a range of sizes, Mike notes that the popular choices for local residents tend to be in the five- to seven-foot range, perfectly suited for apartment living. They also cater to businesses, providing larger trees for restaurants and building lobbies, spreading holiday cheer throughout the community.
The original store front on Henderson Street in Jersey City
Premium Fraser Firs and Holiday Services
The 14th Street Garden Center exclusively offers Fraser firs for their Christmas trees, prized for their fragrance, needle retention, and elegant shape. These premium trees are sourced primarily from North Carolina, ensuring top quality and freshness. Despite industry-wide tree shortages due to past economic factors affecting tree farming, 14th Street Garden Center remains committed to providing a beautiful selection for their customers.
To enhance the holiday experience, they offer several convenient services:
- Delivery & Set-up: Take the stress out of tree installation with their delivery and set-up service, jokingly referred to as a “marriage-saver” for busy couples.
- Tree Removal: After the holidays, they also offer tree removal services, making post-holiday cleanup hassle-free.
- Wreaths & Holiday Accoutrements: Complete your holiday décor with their selection of wreaths and other festive items.
Premium Number 1 Fraser Fir Christmas Trees at 14th Street Garden Center
A Kid-Friendly and Community-Focused Business
The 14th Street Garden Center is more than just a business; it’s a family-friendly destination deeply rooted in the community. Mike, a father of three, has created a welcoming environment for families. A highlight of their holiday season is Santa’s annual visit, a much-anticipated event where children can take photos with Santa and create lasting memories. The tradition of taking photos with a wooden elf cutout year after year speaks volumes about the center’s role in local family traditions.
Located conveniently near the Holland Tunnel and major highway entrances, the 14th Street Garden Center is accessible to many, though sometimes overlooked by passersby. Mike often hears from first-time visitors about how many times they’ve driven past, a testament to its somewhat hidden gem status.
Mike Giordano, owner of 14th Street Garden Center, with a Christmas tree and Santa Claus in the background
Tips for a Long-Lasting Christmas Tree
Mike Giordano shares valuable advice for keeping your Christmas tree fresh and vibrant throughout the holiday season: “Water your tree stand diligently, especially on the first day and the day after setup.” Proper watering is key to needle retention and longevity, with one customer even reporting their tree remained green until April thanks to consistent watering!
While most trees are taken down in January, the 14th Street Garden Center has also found resourceful ways to repurpose removed trees, donating them to shore towns for use in sand dune restoration, a testament to their community-minded approach.
Exterior shot of 14th Street Garden Center encouraging visitors to come inside
Your Local Garden Oasis Awaits
Whether you’re seeking the perfect plants to enhance your living space, expert gardening advice, or a premium Christmas tree to brighten your holidays, the 14th Street Garden Center at 793 Jersey Avenue in Jersey City welcomes you. Experience the charm of a family-owned business that prioritizes quality, community, and customer satisfaction. Discover why this Jersey City garden center is a cherished local gem and make your next visit to 14th Street Garden Center.
