In the rural heart of Montague, a family legacy has flourished for more than a century. This year, Weesies Brothers Garden Center and Landscaping celebrates a major milestone: official recognition as a Michigan Centennial Farm, marking over 100 years of continuous family ownership on the same land.
But this story is more than just a timeline. It’s a tribute to perseverance, innovation, faith, and the unbreakable bond of family.
From the Netherlands to Montague
In 1884, Edward Weesies emigrated from the Netherlands to Muskegon at age 17, seeking a future not possible in his homeland. He found work in sawmills and celery fields, later marrying fellow Dutch immigrant Elizabeth Rozeboom in 1890.
In 1908, the couple purchased a 40-acre farm in Montague. Thirteen children would follow, and with them, a new American legacy.
From humble beginnings to labor shortages during WWII (when German POWs worked the fields under guard), the Weesies family has weathered droughts, floods, straight-line winds, and economic uncertainty with grit and gratitude.
Edward Weesies family picture with all kids, Photo courtesy of Weesies family
Celery, Flowers, Landscaping, and the Shift in Seasons
Celery once reigned supreme at Weesies Brothers Farms. By the 1940s, the farm had expanded to over 400 acres along the White River, harvesting celery by hand and later by mechanical harvester. A pivotal change came in 1938 with the construction of the first greenhouse—signaling not just diversification, but a whole new direction.
Photos courtesy of Weesies family
By the 1970s, the farm launched its first retail store in Montague to sell flower and vegetable plants. Around the same time, one of the brothers began acquiring wholesale customers in northern Michigan and Chicago—a division that has since grown significantly, now accounting for more than half of the farm’s total plant production. Today, plants grown at Weesies are shipped across the state and into the Chicago area.
After the last celery harvest in 1998—due to rising costs, disease, and market pressures—the family made another major pivot. The greenhouses once used for celery began growing petunias, geraniums, marigolds, and more. Even more significantly, family members who had spent decades in vegetable production refocused their expertise into building a robust landscaping division, which later expanded to include mowing, irrigation, and fertilization services.
Retail operations blossomed with new garden centers in Manistee (1999), Hart (2006), and Nunica (2008), providing vibrant plants and expert advice to customers throughout Michigan.
Even though celery is no longer grown, the land is still farmed. Today, the former celery fields produce about 100 acres of field corn, 5 acres of sweet corn (sold at garden centers and the Montague Farmers Market), and 8 acres of pumpkins for the farm’s popular fall family programs.
A Multifaceted Family Business
Weesies Brothers Farms is now a dynamic operation with three key branches:
- Garden Center Retail – Beautiful plants, expert staff, and welcoming storefronts across West Michigan.
- Wholesale Flower Production – Supplying independent garden centers and landscapers statewide and beyond.
- Landscaping Services – Offering design, installation, maintenance, irrigation, fertilization, and more.
Leading the business today are:
- Mark Weesies – General Manager, Greenhouse Operations
- Scott Weesies – General Manager, Landscape Installation
- Ryan Weesies – General Manager, Landscape Operations
They meet regularly to share insights and support each division. Numerous other family members—and many long-time non-family employees—form the backbone of the business.
“Without both family and non-family members in these roles, we would be nowhere today.”
This unity is rooted in faith, mutual respect, and a shared long-term vision.
Photos courtesy of Weesies family
Modern Tools, Timeless Values
While rooted in tradition, today’s farm blends hands-on expertise with state-of-the-art technology:
- Environmental control systems monitor and adjust temperature, light, and irrigation in greenhouses.
- Seed-to-sale software guides planting schedules from seed selection to transplant timing.
- Mobile apps allow managers to make climate adjustments on the fly.
- Time-programmed irrigation and drip systems improve water efficiency and reduce labor.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of all three branches of the business:
- Flood tables minimize water and fertilizer waste.
- Beneficial insects reduce pesticide use.
- Native perennials support pollinators in landscaping projects.
- Mowing is delayed to protect grassland habitats.
Yet, even with all this innovation, one thing remains true:
“Computers help us be efficient, but a grower still looks at every plant every day.”
Photos courtesy of Weesies family
A Legacy of Faith and Community
The Weesies family gives thanks for the many ways their community has supported them—especially in times of need. From friends delivering heaters during power outages to neighbors helping with flood recovery, the spirit of Montague has been essential.
“God, family, and our community are everything.”
The farm is also deeply committed to outreach. Whether it’s giving away geraniums during the Montague Fourth of July parade or inviting local students to tour the greenhouse, education and generosity are foundational. Programs like Jr. Green Thumbs and Spookley the Square Pumpkin share messages of horticulture, kindness, and individuality with the next generation.
Trip to pumpkin patch in the fall, Photo courtesy of Weesies family
Generations of Loyalty
Weesies Brothers Farms has earned the loyalty of families for decades. It’s common to hear:
“My grandma always said you had the best plants.”
“I worked for you in the celery fields.”
“My daughter moved to Chicago, but still insists I bring her your plants.”
These stories reflect not just a business—but a trusted presence in the lives of countless Michigan families.
Looking Ahead
So what does the future hold?
More growth, more innovation, and continued care for both people and plants. From introducing new plant varieties to refining landscaping techniques, Weesies Brothers Farms is committed to staying ahead while staying grounded.
“I think our business got to where it is because everyone else always thought about the next generation.” – Scott Weesies
A Century Strong
After more than 100 years, Weesies Brothers Farms is not simply surviving—it’s thriving. The business continues to evolve through hard work, faith, and a commitment to excellence in everything from greenhouse growing to landscaping and wholesale delivery.
As they celebrate their Centennial Farm recognition, the Weesies family honors the past, lives gratefully in the present, and plants the seeds—literally and figuratively—for a bright, blooming future.
Stay connected to what’s happening in our area by visiting CatchMark Community.
