Al’s Garden Center Gresham

Specialties

wide selection of annuals, perennials, trees & shrubs, edibles, garden products, tools, pottery and select patio sets

History

Established in 1948.

In 1948, Al and Ann Bigej proudly opened Al’s Fruit Stand. Housed in an unused chicken coop along Hwy 99E in Woodburn, Al began selling fruit and produce to local residents and tourists who traveled along the highway.

Sixty five years later, Al’s dream has evolved into a third generation family-​owned business. Now known as Al’s Garden Center, the company currently employees more than 200 Oregonians with three growing facilities, a 6-​acre garden center in Woodburn, a store in Gresham, and a 10.5-acre garden center in Sherwood.

Meet the Business Owner

Jack B.

Business Owner

Though Al Bigej passed away in 1989, his legacy lives on in Jack and the Bigej family. His wife Deanna, is his sounding board and, is herself, an avid gardener and three of their four children work in the family business. Darcy (Bigej) Ruef serves as Chief Financial Officer. Dorothy (Bigej) Russo manages the growing facilities, and Mark oversees the retail side as the Chief Operations Officer.

Jack is still amazed by the growth of Al’s Garden Center, «Most of our growth has come from our desire to find ways to offer customers better quality, as well as to keep good people employed throughout the year.»