The Plantage History
Lois F. Woodhull, founder and original president of The Plantage, not only set the standard for the perennial industry but revolutionized the way perennials were marketed. Lois' deep-rooted love of plants transformed a basement greenhouse in 1973 to a business venture that today is one of the largest and most acclaimed wholesale perennial growers in the Northeast. It was Lois who invented the perennial container nursery concept. Her story is an inspirational one of a woman in an industry dominated by men, leading the way with sharp business acumen combined with her deep appreciation of horticulture.
Lois had a keen eye for rare and unusual plants. In 1996, Lois won international recognition for the selection and cultivation of Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue', which has become a widely used ornamental grass. She was also responsible for introducing Cortaderia selloana 'Icalma', native to the mountains of South America, to the North American market.
In July of 1997, Lois Woodhull passed away of breast cancer, but what she established continues. Lois' sister June Croon took the helm and today The Plantage remains a family-owned business dedicated to producing the finest plant material available. We pay tribute to a remarkable woman who let nothing stop her in the pursuit of her vision. She continues to be deeply missed by all of us here at The Plantage, as well as all of the lives she touched in the industry. She will forever be remembered and honored as a pioneer in the nursery industry, as well as a mentor and inspiration to many.
Over the past several decades, The Plantage has firmly established itself as one of the largest and most renowned wholesale perennial nurseries in the area. We have introduced several new plant varieties, including Coreopsis verticillata 'Créme Brulee', which has become a staple tickseed cultivar. We were voted Grower of the Year in 2004, and are devoted to maintaining the highest standard of excellence, just as Lois Woodhull would have been.
