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Historic Milestones

Our company’s journey is marked by key milestones that showcase our growth, innovation, and achievements. Our history reflects a commitment to excellence, setting the foundation for an even brighter future. Check out some of our most important milestones!

1985 - 1987

  • Landenberg property acquired (17 acres) Steve, Peg, Dale, and Carol hash out a business plan.

1988

  • Founded by Steve Castorani & Dale Hendricks

  • NC joins the Perennial Plant Association (PPA)

1989

  • House 30 is constructed (first heated greenhouse)

1990

  • Alex Tovar is hired: North Creek's longest tenured employee

1990 - 1991

  • NC joins Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association (PLNA) & International Plant Propagators Society (IPPS)

1991

  • 'Hippies use side door' sign is unveiled at North Creek World Headquarters (gifted by Ed Snodgrass)

1992

  • NC joins International Hardy Plant Union/Internationale Stauden-Union (ISU)

1994

  • First stormwater infrastructure basins are created and vegetated (Landenberg property)

1995

  • Groundwork is laid for 300's greenhouse range

1999

  • Oxford property is acquired (28 acres)

  • First color catalog is published

2001

  • Landscape Plugs™ LP32 and LP50 is introduced to the ecological market

  • Tall meadow is installed with Landscape Plug™ product line

2004

  • American Beauties Native Plants® brand is co-created

2005

  • The extensive plant trialing program is developed as part of our new plant product introduction process

2006

  • Native Species Seed Orchard of Local Ecotypes is established to increase biodiversity

  • Neonicotinoid-free growing practices and the IPM program is implemented

2007

  • The comprehensive recycling program is established

2008

  • The living laboratory stormwater management systems (including: meadows, pollinator gardens, and stormwater BMPs) are expanded

  • Elvis a.k.a Neil Diboll attends the North Creek Evening Garden Reception for PPA

2009

  • Working Smart Training Challenge is executed & Lean Flow is implemented

2010

  • The Sustainable Sites (SITES™) Qualification is achieved

  • Awarded Farmer of the Year, Chester County, Pennsylvania (First nursery in PA to be honored with this distinction)

2011

  • North Creek Unique™ collection is created

2012

  • The Shipping Facility is upgraded (Oxford property)

  • Our first patented plant - Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation' is introduced

  • NC joins the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia GSI Partners

2015

  • Completed Executive Academy for Growth & Leadership (EAGL) Certificate in Applied Horticultural Business Management

  • Honored with Grower Award by PPA

  • Landenberg greenhouse range expansion is completed (54,720 sqft)

  • Shady Groundcovers™ collection is published

2016

  • PowerPivot Data Collecting for IPM program is implemented

  • Honored with Land Ethics Award by Bowman's Hill Wildflower Reserve

  • Awarded Operation of the Year - Excellence in Sustainable Production by Greenhouse Grower Magazine

2017

  • Earned Systems Approach to Nursery Certification (SANC) Compliant Status via National Plant Board

2018

  • Hall of Fame Award by PLNA

2020

  • NC receives the Horticultural Industry Leadership Award (HILA) by Nursery Management Magazine

  • Awarded the Paul Ecke Jr. Commercial Award by The American Horticultural Society 

2022 - Beyond

  • Continue to expand Shade Trial Gardens and look to the future!