Garden Dept. History
The
Caroleo family has been in the landscape and nursery industry for over seventy-five
years, spanning four generations. Current owner, Don Caroleo's great grandfather
started with a nursery and landscape business in Richmond Hills NY. He then moved
and expanded the business with Don’s grandfather to Hempstead.
Don’s grandfather turned the business over to Don’s father who expanded once again
by purchasing and developing their current location in Coram NY.
The
Garden Dept. Corp. has now been at this location for over thirty-five years and
has established itself as a leader in the Long Island wholesale nursery industry.
The knowledge that the Caroleo family has passed down throughout the generations
has been instrumental in the tremendous growth and success of their business.
1940’s
Don Caroleo Sr. immigrated from Italy. Opened landscaping company in Queens. Started
the Caroleo legacy in the horticulture business. Soon after years of becoming extremely
successful in the landscaping business Don Caroleo Sr. became one of Long Islands
premiere real estate owners who bought a piece of property in 1975 in Coram of 2
acres.
1976
Vic Caroleo son of Don Caroleo Sr. opened
The Garden Dept. Corp. with 2 acres and nowhere to start from.
Vic took pride in hard work to grow one of Long Island’s successful nurseries.
2002
After 27 years Vic Caroleo retired and passed The Garden Dept. Corp legacy to his
son Don Caroleo. Don Caroleo has taken The Garden Dept. Corp. to new levels of success
spanning from over 50 employees over 15 trucks and into one of Long Islands largest
and fastest growing nurseries.