back in 1909...Nye's is a local family-owned and operated business serving the Harrisburg area for over 100 years at the same location. Back in 1909, William F. Nye sold farm produce, meats, shrubbery, plants and cut flowers. In the early 1920s Mr. Nye began adding greenhouses to the business and turning the working farm into a full-service florist and greenhouse operation. A total of seven glass-covered greenhouses were built. Mr. Nye’s only son, Luther W. Nye, became a part of the business which was then established as William F. Nye and Son Florist.
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In 1958, Luther took over operations of the business and changed the name to Nye and Son Florist. A second location, closer to the heart of Harrisburg city at 2650 Walnut Street, was opened. This second location was a small store-front offering fresh flowers and plants for sale. During the holiday season each year, Nye's also sold many of their products at the local farmers’ markets.
In 1979, with the sudden passing of Luther W. Nye, one of Luther’s three daughters, Joan, stepped up to ensure the continuation of the business in partnership with her husband, William “Wimp” Bailey Sr and their son, Bill Bailey Jr. With the rapid growth of housing developments in the area in the 1980s and Nye's conveniently located in the center of it all, the demand for mulch products soared. Nye’s quickly went from having two bins of mulch to eight bins within five years.
In 1997, the floral and greenhouse portions of the business were eliminated to allow for the space and time to be dedicated to mulch sales, with Bill Jr. now running the business with the help of many family members.
In January 2004, Bill brought in some much-needed help to the business, his cousin James “Beetle” H. Bailey III. Jim had lent a helping hand with the family business over the years and was now brought into the business as a partner. With Jim’s previous work experience in production control, materials and purchasing, paired with his interest in the mulch industry, he was a great addition for the growing business.
In January 2004, Bill brought in some much-needed help to the business, his cousin James “Beetle” H. Bailey III. Jim had lent a helping hand with the family business over the years and was now brought into the business as a partner. With Jim’s previous work experience in production control, materials and purchasing, paired with his interest in the mulch industry, he was a great addition for the growing business.
In 2009, Nye’s celebrated their 100th year as a family owned and operated business, and still continues to grow today.
In 2021, a close family friend, Brandon Klinger, was brought onto the team to assist with daily operations, and in 2023 he was officially made a partner in the business alongside Bill and Jim. Later that same year, Jim sadly passed away. Today, Bill and Brandon continue to proudly serve the local community.
In 2021, a close family friend, Brandon Klinger, was brought onto the team to assist with daily operations, and in 2023 he was officially made a partner in the business alongside Bill and Jim. Later that same year, Jim sadly passed away. Today, Bill and Brandon continue to proudly serve the local community.
Still family run after 115 years...
Additional grades and colors of mulch have been added throughout the years, as well as mushroom soil, aged compost soil, topsoil, limestone, sand, and decorative stone. With a fleet of five delivery trucks, Nye’s continues to serve Central PA, including Harrisburg, Hershey, Linglestown, Grantville, Middletown, Colonial Park, Lower Paxton Township, Hummelstown and more as a retail and wholesale operation serving many local homeowners, landscape contractors and builders in the area. We appreciate our loyal customers and neighbors.
