When We Say, “Where You’re More Than A Customer…
You’re A Friend!” We Mean It!

Company Profile

With plant business “roots” dating back to German immigrant grandfather Charles Niepagen, the first Niepagen greenhouse was started in 1910. Later, as business grew, Charles involved two of his sons, Carl and Walter in the operation. They later took ownership of the business from their father, expanding from the original Beich Road location to property located along Cabintown Road on the outskirts of Bloomington in about 1915. Walter operated the Beich Road greenhouse, while Carl ran the newer facility at Cabintown Road. Walter and his wife Frieda had five children– Mel, Norman, Wendell, Jeanette and Joyce, who were all active in the businesses, while growing up. Some years later, when Carl died, Wendell bought the family business that is now well known by so many. His brothers and sisters are still active in the business today, too, just as they were when they were young. To date, there now have been five generations of Niepagen involved and working in the business.

Officially, Wendell Niepagen Greenhouses & Garden Center has been operating as a family-owned business since 1963. During those 45 years of serving central Illinois, we, the Niepagen family, have worked long hours and moved a lot of potting soil… we have used millions of gallons of water and ton after ton of fertilizer to make sure that the nursery stock is the best it possibly can be… we have grown and expanded to serve the ever-changing gardening needs of the area… and, we have planted and nurtured a totally unimaginable number of seeds, plants, shrubs and trees to maturity. And through all those years, just like the large amount of care taken with our products and business, we have also placed a great deal of emphasis on developing and growing strong relationships with all of our customers!

Mission Statement


“Our goal at Wendell Niepagen Greenhouses & Garden Center is to provide the highest level of quality plants and garden products, outstanding service by friendly and helpful staff and the expertise of four generations of growers. We strive to educate our customers, young and old, to become successful gardeners for generations to come.”

Staff

Wendell Niepagen Owner Wendell owns the place– he is the “face” of the business. His duties include general management of the operation, head grower, quality control expert, advisor, plant transport and general laborer.	Lee Niepagen Owner/General Manager Lee is the fourth generation of family ownership. His duties include general management, buyer, foreman, grower, head waterer, scheduler, insect/fertilizer/herbicide/fungicide expert and general laborer.
Anne Niepagen General Manager / Bookkeeper / Marketing Manager Anne is married to Lee and is likewise involved in general management of the facility. Other duties include being in charge of accounting & bookkeeping, purchasing, internal relations, marketing/promotions and general laborer.	Debbie Fairand Customer Relations/Head Cashier Debbie is a long-time Niepagen employee and she is considered part of the family. Her duties include being in charge of customer relations, cashier, specialty buyer, decorator, and general laborer.
Melvin Niepagen Transplanter / Container Planter Designer	Norman Niepagen Geranium Expert
Joyce Lettner Customer Relations / Container Planting	Jeanette Fletcher Cashier/Customer Relations
Steve Dean Manager/“The Cottage”

We have documented many of our recent events by taking photographs. See what’s been happening at Niepagen’s over the last several months. Click the link below to view our photo gallery!

View Photo Gallery >>