Fourth generation Idahoan and landscaping enthusiast Seneca Hull has been in the garden industry nearly all her life. “As a kid I was forced to work in the nursery, watering and weeding, and pretty much grew up there. After I graduated from Capital High School, I went to Boise State Universiry and got a degree in Marketing,” Seneca shared. “As I was getting close to graduating, I realized how much I really loved the landscape and nursery industry. Once it was my own choice, not mandatory, I decided to stay in the company.”
Guided by her father (and company namesake) Franz Witte, Seneca was taught almost everything she knows about the landscaping and nursery industry from him. This ingrained knowledge led her to where she is today—as company president.
Armed with nothing but a passion for landscapes, the business blossomed from humble roots. What started as a summer job for Franz eventually became Franz Witte Garden Center, one of Idaho’s premier landscaping and nursery companies.
Fast forward more than 50 years and Franz Witte opened its shiny greenhouse doors of their new Nampa location on the soil of historic Naugle Hereford Ranch. The Naugle Hereford Ranch long served the Treasure Valley as cattle farmers demonstrated their stewardship of the land from the mid-1900s. Soon to celebrate their 51-year anniversary, Franz Witte Garden Center planted its new property on old roots in May 2021, and took large strides to preserve as much historical integrity from the original site as possible.
“The property has so much history and we’re so glad we kept so many of the old buildings, they just ground us with all the new things around them,” Seneca said. “The new garden center is so fun, and we will continue to grow the location to add new and exciting things to make it even more of a destination. Plants are still our core love, but all the new lines we can sell in this beautiful place are so fun! I love the candles and pillows and fun kitchen items, and the houseplants!”
With 40 years in the business, Seneca still very much enjoys her career at Franz Witte. She’s played many roles at the company, culminating in her current position as president. “The thing I love most about it is growing the company by growing our people. There are many employees who have been here a long time, and seeing them take on new challenges and encouraging them to reach higher and learn more is so rewarding. I can’t wait until one of them wants to take over my role!”
Visit Franz Witte Garden Center’s new location at 20005 11th Ave N in Nampa. You can also visit them online at franzwitte.com.
