Alldredge Gardens is still growing despite economy

Alldredge Gardens offers everything you need for decorating and landscaping. 03-14-17 Tim Fischer/Reporter-Telegram Alldredge Gardens offers everything you need for decorating and landscaping. 03-14-17 Tim Fischer/Reporter-Telegram Photo: Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram Buy photo Photo: Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram Image 1 of / 25 Caption Close Alldredge Gardens is still growing despite economy 1 / 25 Back to Gallery

Alldredge Gardens has seen the ups and downs of Midland’s economy for three decades and has grown a lot in that time. The busy season is March through May, and while it’s all-hands-on-deck right now at the company, General Manager Justin Smith found a few minutes to talk with the Reporter-Telegram about a bit of Alldredge history and where the business is headed.

MRT: Who established Alldredge Gardens, and when did it open for business?

Smith: David Alldredge started the business in 1987.

MRT: How has the business grown over the years?

Smith: We’ve grown from two employees with a small retail house and little mowing jobs to the expansion of retail buildings; commercial and residential landscape, maintenance and irrigation installation and repair; growing; horticultural tree care; and our Cafe at the Gardens restaurant.

MRT: What has been the biggest change since you’ve started working at Alldredge?

Smith: Adapting from a small family-owned nursery to a large service-driven company. Going from 5 acres with a small house/office to 90 acres of retail and growing.

MRT: Alldredge Gardens has been through Midland’s high times and low. What do you contribute to its survivability? What changes have had to be made?

Smith: With economics or climate change, we have been able to diversify and come up with innovative ideas such as water wells, synthetic grass installations and mobile irrigation.

MRT: Are there any preparations the business makes in anticipation of up-and-down times?

Smith: Watch spending, control inventory and time management.

MRT: March through May is the busiest time for Alldredge. Has the company seen an uptick in business now that Midland's economy is on the upswing?

Smith: Yes, especially in residential and commercial services and retail. We are doing much better now that the construction is finished on Fairgrounds Road and people are not afraid to come in.

We are seeing many new residents moving into the area with oil and gas businesses. Many are interested in what plants and grasses will do well in our area.

We also see many new residents are from other areas of the state or from out of state who are not sure how to approach our West Texas climate. We have two horticulturists and two Texas Certified nurserymen on staff to answer any questions. We also have certified irrigators, spray techs and a certified arborist on staff.

MRT: Are there any new services or features we can expect from Alldredge Gardens in the future?

Smith: Outdoor lighting, window washing, expansion of our rock and stone yard, a larger selection of organic products.

Also, more Cafe at the Garden events. We’re open on Thursday nights for dinner and live music.

The first Saturday of the month is Market at the Gardens.





