This story is sponsored by Willo’dell Nursery.
Willo’dell Nursery is blooming into their 100th year and is excited to celebrate with their supportive community. With their vast inventory and landscaping services, the nursery has been a staple for Ashland and surrounding areas for many decades.
In 1923, Dan Quinn Sr. opened Willo’dell in Galion after he graduated from high school, starting what would become a century business. In the mid 1900’s, the nursery was moved to Ashland where it stands today.
When Quinn Sr. passed away in 1969, 19 year old Dan Quinn took over the business, learning the ropes at a young age. In 100 years, Willo’dell has only been owned by two generations.
The large white barn that displays the nursery’s name was remodeled into a gift barn in 1997 and has been expanded into a greenhouse since.
“It’s just amazing, to look back at what all we’ve done,” Quinn said. “We can drive around and see projects that we’ve worked on all over the area.”
One of Willo’dell’s most memorable projects is Malabar Farm.
The landscaping project was first completed about 50 years ago when Quinn Sr. was the owner. Willo’dell had the privilege of working with the farm again about 50 years later, this time under Quinn’s ownership.
“It was really thrilling to redo a project my father had done,” Quinn said.
Willo’dell has served the community for many years due to the variety of services they offer including landscape installation, tree moving, Hydroseeding and site restoration and more. But the business is also a place to pick up seasonal flowers for the flower beds or a new pot for an overgrown plant.
“A lot of people drive by here, and say they never knew we sold retail. It is such a big part of what we do,” Quinn said.
To commemorate Willo’dell’s anniversary, the nursery will be hosting celebrations, offering discounts and more for 100 days.
Starting Mother’s Day, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony with Matt Miller and prize drawing to enter throughout the day. On Father’s Day, there will be free hotdogs for customers and nursery specials.
Discounts and sales will be offered throughout the whole summer to celebrate 100 years of business. Fliers are available to pick up at Willo’dell Nursery to stay up to date on their weekly offers.
“Each week has a different item that’s on sale,” Quinn said. “We also have a card customers can get stamped every time they purchase something and when they’ve completed the card, they’ll be entered in a gift card drawing.”
On Sept. 3, the company will conclude the blooming celebration by giving away several gift cards, including a Willo’dell certificate worth $1,000 for a shopping spree.
To give back to the community, Willo’dell is serving as one of the major sponsors for this year’s Ashland firework show for the Fourth of July.
“The communities and the people who work for me are what’s helped us get to where we are and why we’re here,” Quinn said. “It’s been a great one hundred years and we just want to celebrate it with the people.”
For more information about Willo’dell Nursery, their products and services or their upcoming festivities, call 419-289-0606, visit their website or visit the store at 1398 U.S. Highway 42 in Ashland.
