One local landscaping and garden design center team is busy this spring helping those within the St. Louis metropolitan area to create stunning outdoor, beloved spaces. While it's true Chris Passiglia was figuratively 'born' into the landscaping profession, learning the trade side-by-side with his father and brothers, he also grew into a distinctive landscape design leader in his own right, as owner and operator of Passiglia Landscape, Nursery & Garden Center in Wildwood.
The Passiglia business started as a produce and nursery plants retailer in 1950 on Broadway next to Produce Row in downtown St. Louis. The nursery was moved to its current 10-acre location at 1855 Highway 109 in 1990, after which Chris developed the landscape design and installation division.
“Our mission is to provide customers with the highest quality materials that are maintained meticulously by passionate, horticulturally minded individuals. We truly care about customers' successes and investments. We provide innovative designs and professional services, with a commitment to each client through attention to detail, timely communication and superior customer service," says Chris.
"We promise unmatched service and delivery for all outdoor living needs.”
Current Passiglia landscaping design services are robust and thorough, covering two- and three-dimensional plans and installations for both residential and commercial projects. They provide trimming, mulching, fertilizing and pest control for outdoor landscaping plants, too. "We also handle landscape lighting, irrigation systems and drainage solutions," adds Chris.
Now with three decades in this landscape business, Chris and his team continue to branch out through new horticulture and landscape industry options. They offer thousands of plants, from perennials and Missouri natives to shrubs, trees, veggies and fruit bushes. Customers may request on-site landscape design consultations.
Chris says the team also enjoys collaborating on people’s original, one-of-a-kind designs.
The company's outdoor living design services include pergolas, patios, outdoor kitchens and firepits. Additionally, they can provide retaining walls and rock paver designs.
"Customers also appreciate being able to keep their outdoor areas looking good throughout the year with our seasonal color planting service," Chris adds.
Furthermore, décor and accessories at the Passiglia Garden Center have been freshened for this spring season. Shoppers can choose from among gardening gifts, supplies and tools, products from local craftsmen and artisans, patio decor, bird baths, bird feeders, trellises, flower pots, planters, wind chimes, statues and stepping stones.
Chris says team members' roles range from buyers, managers, project coordinators and production supervisors to customer service representatives, landscape architects and designers. "We all relish opportunities to engage with customers to provide information or tips, and to address questions."
Some topics they routinely address include watering regimens for plants or lawns, how to make seasonal planters, good ways to protect trees or shrubs, steps to decorate patios, proper ways to use fertilizers, and the best bets regarding heat- or drought-resistant plants for local summers.
Classes and workshops are scheduled throughout the year on location, along with special events and festivals. This year, Passiglia launched a podcast, TO THE ROOT, during which individuals can hear tips, advice and stories with host and Passiglia manager Julie Evans Straatmann, along with a variety of guests.
During 2022, the nursery team added a fall festival to the lineup, complete with sales, vendors, live music, photo ops and food trucks. For updates regarding future special events, those interested may check the Passiglia website or sign up for the group's newsletter.
A fourth generation of family landscaping interests is blooming. Chris' son, Cameron Passiglia, serves in plant health/maintenance and sales roles at the nursery. He's been working at the nursery for five-plus years learning the various aspects of the business. Cameron also works with the landscape crews from time to time.
"We want customers to have the best experiences, products and services possible. A finished landscape that reflects clients' dreams, and surpasses their expectations of beauty and function, is our mission and passion," adds Chris.
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Passiglia.com
This winter, the Passiglia Landscape, Nursery & Garden Center team completed a major remodel of the garden center to provide beneficial customer changes and more décor options for this spring.