Photo courtesy of Ryeland Gardens
Self-taught horticulturist Dennis Hurst is the owner of Ryeland Gardens, which sits quietly in Womelsdorf. When you step onto the property surrounded by shades of green and an array of plants, you are also walking on the grounds of what once belonged to Johann Conrad Weiser. Weiser played a significant role in the establishment of Berks County in the 1700s. This beautiful nursery was also once home to Farr’s Nursery, reestablished in the 1920s from its original location in Wyomissing, dating back to the early 1900s.
Today at Ryeland Gardens, you will find Hurst running a successful nursery business. His office holds not just green plants and a wall of windows, but also a history of its own. This small section of the building, once across the road in the 20s and 30s, was moved to its current location where renovations to the floors and walls later took place, making it the nostalgic and functional office space it is today.
Hurst grew up amid the plant world while working in his father’s nursery at a young age. He says with a smile, “Growing up there wasn’t a choice — you had to help work, kind of like a family farm, just with plants instead of animals.” According to Hurst, he had other plans to pursue, but he believes God redirected his steps, led him to a vacant nursery, and turned his heart back to caring for nature, gardening and garden design. His brother took over their father’s nursery, later leaving an opening for Dennis to pursue starting his own business in the field. Upon discovering a vacant garden center for rent on a Sunday drive, Hurst contacted the owner and brought the lot back to life — literally.
What you will find
Both inside and outdoors, visitors will find all the tools needed to grow, maintain and design a garden, whether a novice in need of the resources to begin, or a seasoned gardener looking to expand. Hurst says, “We aim to have everything you need to plant around your house. If we don’t have it, we can get it for you.” Stroll the grounds and find a wonderful selection of annuals, perennials and trees, unique and rare plants, and more. All of the species are labeled, but for extra help or if you need advice, honest and knowledgeable staff members are happy to assist with selecting the perfect plants, and can provide complete and detailed care instructions. If you need a little inspiration to get started, walk through the medley of display gardens and discover an array of plants beautifully woven together to create a rainbow of colors that accent one another and bring charm to any space.
Fun Fact.
Ryeland Gardens shares its first name with a nearby town, which was once home to a thriving rye whiskey distillery in the 1800s.
Did you know?
Owner Dennis Hurst had no formal training in horticulture. His knowledge comes from working in the family nursery and asking many questions along the way.
