Our History.
Edwards Greenhouse began its history in the Boise Valley in the summer of 1930. The business, under the name Thomas F. Edwards and Son, began as a truck farm.
The greenhouses and farm were, and still are, heated almost exclusively by geothermal water. The geothermal well was drilled and developed in 1927. The first crops grown in the greenhouse were vegetables. The vegetables produced were delivered to area grocery stores and door to door.
In 1947, Paul Edwards took over the family business from his father, Thomas F. Edwards. Paul began growing cut flowers, annuals and other flowering crops. Hot house tomatoes continued to be grown until 1967. Paul is often recognized for bringing the first hybridized annuals to the Treasure Valley.
The operation became a full time retail outlet in 1970. The wholesale portion of the business was reserved for excess amounts of products and seasonal pot crop items such as poinsettias and Easter lilies.
Paul retired in 1986, turning the business over to his daughter, Garnette.
Since 1990, we have been working toward restoration and expansion of the business. The covered greenhouse area has grown to approximately 90,000 square feet since then. Our product line has also expanded since 1990 as well. In addition to the annual, vegetable and seasonal potted crops, we have added forced bulbs in the spring and flowering shrubs and trees, in addition to a vast array of new perennials and annuals.
“The Sweet Potato King.” Photo Date, 1935.
In 1927, Thomas Edwards tapped into the geothermal waters in northwest Boise to extend the region’s short-growing season. Geothermal waters allowed Edwards to cultivate a prodigious amount of sweet potatoes that earned him the nickname.
In 1991, The Carpenter's Custom Florists was added to the greenhouse family. Completely re-modeled in 2008 and re-named The Florist at Edwards, The Flowershop continues to be a vital part of the greenhouse. It is a full service florist. Our offerings include garden baskets made with live plants from our greenhouse, tropicals and unique fresh cut arrangements. Many of our fresh arrangements utilize locally grown flowers.
We are proud to have a retail garden center that carries a unique variety of horticultural supplies and giftware. Edwards Greenhouse also continues to have available custom container planting for private and commercial use.
In 2003, Edwards acquired the 20 acre Griders Greenhouse in Emmett, ID. The name was changed to Gem Butte Greenhouse and is used primarily as a secondary growing site for Edwards. The area boasts cooler temperatures and excellent water quality, making its addition to Edwards a definite asset.
In 2010 the fourth generation stepped in to secure Edwards's future in the community. Erin Monnie has begun to take over many of the day to day tasks, coming to the business with the experience that only growing up in the industry can bring.
Edwards also has a creative staff dedicated to serving the Treasure Valley. Edwards is truly a “growing” family.
Our Mission.
Our mission at Edwards Greenhouse is to offer our customers the best possible product and customer service at a fair price. Since 1930 we have endeavored to provide outstanding service as an independent business enterprise.
Our objectives are as follows:
1.
Dedication to providing personal growth by offering developmental training.
2.
To provide a safe environment, not only for employees but also for any individual visiting our workplace.
3.
Promote community involvement by participating in projects that emphasize children’s or women’s issues.
4.
Work continuously to bring new and better plant varieties to our area.