A New Chapter

Westcroft Gardens & Farm is a 247-year-old business, only two days younger than the United States itself. One key to our longevity has been the ability to adapt and take advantage of our strengths. Westcroft has done this many times in its past, and the time has come again. One of our greatest strengths lies in the beauty of this farm. It’s beauty we’ve worked to enhance by planting lavender and cherry trees, rehabilitating our Heritage Gardens, reclaiming areas for pollinators, and developing our event space with new offerings. These updates have reinforced our commitment to our history and our ties to it.

The quickly changing times, big box locations that offer one stop shopping, grocery stores and online sites offering unlimited selections have created expectations and conveniences in retail plant shopping that challenges who we are as a small business and farm. As such, we have decided to close the Garden Center portion of the business. We are so proud to have grown azaleas, rhododendrons, annuals, perennials and all the different plants for our customers for over 100 years. Your loyal support of our historic farm has been appreciated by 4 generations of our family and given us the rare ability to know multiple generations of your families. It is a point of pride we could never fully express.

The history of Westcroft Gardens & Farm is the history of the island of Grosse Ile. We are committed to continuing our story by supporting our great local businesses. We have proudly partnered with the Grosse Ile Pet & Garden Center to be your new island source for our Greenleaf Compound and all of your garden needs. The Grosse Ile Pet & Garden Center has been an island staple for many years and provides an amazing selection of plants and products that we are honored to have Greenleaf Compound be a part of. We have also partnered with Landscape Supply to be the exclusive manufacturer and wholesale distributor of Westcroft’s Greenleaf Compound. Landscape Supply has had ties to Westcroft since the 1930s when their founder, Jud Alford, worked at Westcroft and his 3rd generation family company has been a supporter of our family and Greenleaf ever since. Landscape Supply has the capacity and location to grow Greenleaf Compound into the product our Great-Grandfather knew it could be and we are incredibly excited to be a part of that future becoming a reality.

Amongst the changes happening next year, Erica and Clayton Jackson will also be leaving the farm. Both have been involved with the farm for 15+ years and Erica has managed the farm for the past 7 years following Denise’s retirement. Their departure has opened space for additional family to become more involved. Kyle and Jennifer de Beausset will be taking over their positions as 8th Generation Managers and are keeping the legacy moving forward. The family will still be farming the land and hosting events on the property through both private weddings or photography sessions as well as through partnerships with local organizations for workshops and lectures.

Change is often scary but the growth it spurs is the strength needed to succeed. The farm’s relationship with the community will be a new one, but our family’s pride and place will not change and we are taking the steps needed to ensure it lasts for generations to come. We could not have made it this long without the support of the surrounding community and we cannot thank you all enough for helping to keep our history going and continuing to support us through another change with the times.

We look forward to starting another chapter in the story of the oldest family farm in Michigan.

Published December 7, 2023