Walter Andersen Nursery was founded in 1928 by Walter Andersen Sr. on Juan Street in Old Town, near the intersection of Taylor Street. In its early days, the nursery offered a full range of landscaping and garden services, from maintenance and design to installation, along with a selection of plants and gardening supplies. As the years went on, the nursery’s focus naturally shifted toward what it did best: providing exceptional plants and expert landscaping. Even through the challenges of the Great Depression, the business continued to grow. Walter Andersen’s dedication to quality and his reputation for offering the finest plant material made the nursery a trusted name for gardeners and homeowners alike.

Walter Andersen left an enduring mark on San Diego’s landscape, both literally and figuratively. Over the years, he contributed to many of the region’s most recognizable projects, including the downtown San Diego Post Office, the County Administration Building, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, the Westgate Hotel, National Steel and Shipbuilding, and Westgate Park, the original Mission Valley home of the San Diego Padres. One of his most charming legacies still stands today: the Christmas tree shaped Cedrus deodaras gracing the center median along Orange Avenue in Coronado. Beyond these projects, Walter Andersen Nursery has long been a proud supporter and participant in local flower and garden shows, from the Orchid Show to the Coronado Flower Show and the Del Mar Fair. In fact, the nursery holds a special distinction as it is the longest-running exhibitor at the Del Mar Fair Flower Show, having participated every year since the show’s debut in 1938.

As the years went on and plant sales flourished, Walter Andersen Sr. and his son Walter Jr. made a defining decision: to set aside landscaping and devote their energy entirely to what they loved most; sharing beautiful plants and quality gardening supplies with their community. From that moment forward, Walter Andersen Nursery began to bloom into San Diego’s trusted source for gardening wisdom and inspiration. By the mid-1970s, Walter Jr. had taken over the day-to-day operations, but Walter Sr. was never far from the action. Known for his tireless work ethic and love of plants, he could still be found at the nursery six days a week chatting with customers, offering advice, and keeping a watchful eye on the rows of flowers and trees until shortly before his passing in 1983. His dedication left a lasting impression on everyone who had the good fortune to know him. The family legacy continued as Walter Jr. and his wife Jolene’s son, Ken, joined the business. After earning his degree in business in 1986, Ken became General Manager of Nursery Operations, bringing a new generation of energy while staying true to the family’s values of quality and service. Walter Jr. remains at the helm as President, guiding the nursery with the same steady hand his father once did. His daughter, Karen Andersen-Thatcher, joined the company in 1995, followed by her husband a year later as Construction Manager for the Poway store. Together, they’ve carried forward a proud family tradition rooted in hard work, community, and a shared love of helping San Diego grow, one garden at a time.

In 1995, the Andersen family made the exciting decision to expand their growing business with a second location. After thoughtful planning and research, they found the perfect spot in Poway. A property that would become home to a store twice the size of the original Point Loma location. Opening its doors in the summer of 1998, the Poway store quickly became a beloved destination for gardeners throughout Poway, Scripps Ranch, Rancho Peñasquitos, and Carmel Mountain Ranch. The years that followed brought many reasons to celebrate. In 2011, the San Diego Ad Club honored Walter Andersen Nursery as one of the 100 Most Influential San Diego Brands of the Last 100 Years, a recognition of the company’s deep roots and lasting impact on the community. Then, in 2018, the nursery proudly celebrated its 90th anniversary, marking nearly a century of helping San Diegans grow and thrive. Today, Walter Andersen Nursery continues to be recognized by the San Diego Business Journal as one of the region’s oldest and most enduring businesses. A true testament to the Andersen family’s commitment to quality, service, and the joy of gardening.

Today, the nurseries remain proudly family-owned and operated, continuing the tradition that began nearly a century ago. Walter Andersen Jr. serves as Chairman, guiding the company with the same steady hand and integrity that have defined it for generations. His wife, Jolene, continues to play an essential role in the main office, overseeing financial, accounting, and operational matters with her trademark attention to detail. Their son, Ken Andersen, now serves as President & CEO of Nursery Operations, carrying forward the family’s commitment to quality, service, and community. Karen Andersen-Thatcher, Ken’s sister, serves as Vice President and CFO, ensuring the company’s values and people remain at the heart of every decision. Her husband, John Thatcher, manages construction projects for the nurseries, helping the company continue to grow and evolve. Rounding out the family team, Ken’s wife, Melanie, serves as Director of Marketing and Publications, sharing the nursery’s story and passion for plants with customers old and new. Together, they represent generations of Andersens dedicated to helping San Diego’s gardens and the community that tends them flourish.