Newsletter
Blueville Nursery was established around 1933 by Marlin and Gladys Scott on Blueline Road in Manhattan, Kan. They operated it until 1962, when it was purchased by Darrell and Dorothy Westervelt.
The growing field, established in 1963, became the location for Blueville in 1969. A small garden store was started, opening in the spring of 1970.
The Nursery contains about 45 acres, of which about 40 are devoted to growing trees, evergreens, shrubs and sod.
Bedding plants are grown in two greenhouses attached to the Garden Store. All growing is done for our landscaping and retail sale, with only surplus plants marketed wholesale.
A new operations shop with landscape office was built in 1991, and a new Garden Store/ business office was built in 1992. The new store allowed the Garden Store division to be the fastest growing part of the business.
For management and record keeping, the business is divided into five areas: Garden Store, Irrigation, Landscape, Maintenance, and Nursery.
The Nursery was incorporated in 1972, allowing other employees to acquire part ownership. The Blueville staff consists of long-time year-round employees and many part-time and temporary employees. Of the key employees, many are KSU graduates.
Blueville considers its trade territory to be about a 100-mile radius from Manhattan, with most landscape work done in Manhattan, Junction City, Clay Center and Wamego. Additionally, some plants are sold wholesale to nurseries in other states.
Blueville Nursery has experienced steady growth since 1962 and has never had an unprofitable year. Plans are to continue to improve our facilities and equipment and add new services and merchandise. Younger staff is constantly being recruited to maintain vigor and garner new ideas.
