Founded by Gary and Sharon Schwarz in 1996, Pender Pines Garden Center is the fulfillment of a dream that began in New York a decade prior. Pender Pines opened with one building and a two-hoop greenhouse. Gary, Sharon, and their three children; Jon, Jessica, and Jason were the first employees. Gary's parents, Lily and Al, were the unofficial greeters for customers in the early days as they assisted with tasks, large and small.
Now 91, Al continues to assist with errands and events routinely. Pender Pines brought to light the dream of a lifetime to supply the greater Hampstead area with a full-service garden center; a one stop shop for all your gardening needs. Quickly growing to the point of having to employ more than just Gary's wife and three children, Pender Pines now has a staff 25 employees.
Now 91, Al continues to assist with errands and events routinely. Pender Pines brought to light the dream of a lifetime to supply the greater Hampstead area with a full-service garden center; a one stop shop for all your gardening needs. Quickly growing to the point of having to employ more than just Gary's wife and three children, Pender Pines now has a staff 25 employees.
Services
Every tree and shrub that we sell comes with planting instructions and a six month guarantee. We guarantee that all trees and shrubs are true to name and healthy when they leave the Garden Center. With PROPER CARE, losses should not occur. Should any tree or shrub purchased at our retail price die within six months, we will replace it.
Pender Pines has been offering Landscape Services for over 20 years. We cover areas from Leland to Jacksonville and everywhere in between. From the initial consultation to full installation, we offer the complete package to bring your dream landscape or hardscape to life! Tony Penny is the head of our Landscape Division.
FUN FACT: 95% of the plant material that is sold at Pender Pines is grown right here, at Pender Pines! This includes all of our annuals, perennials, herbs, veggies, and majority of our shrubs. We also grow all of our seasonal plants; including mums and poinsettias!
With the extensive horticultural knowledge between Gary and Jon, great care is taken to make sure we only grow species that are well suited for our Southeastern North Carolina environment.
With the extensive horticultural knowledge between Gary and Jon, great care is taken to make sure we only grow species that are well suited for our Southeastern North Carolina environment.
And Milo now has a friend, Mr. Popo. He is now 3 years old. We found him as a baby under a pallet in the front of our store and he has called Pender Pines Garden Center his home ever since. He loves to follow customers around the store and help them shop. Scarlett and Rhett are emus that live at Pender Pines.
Choose a site protected from drying winds and excessive direct sunlight. An area with some high broken shade is ideal. Avoid planting too close to a building foundation, under a roof overhang, or under trees with dense shading. At least 25-50% of the mix should be made up of organic material such as pine bark soil conditioner or compost.
Reviews (12)
Nicole S.
Feb 06, 2022
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Pender Pines is right down the road from us and it has so many positive qualities. When we first moved here I had a plant in our front yard that I wanted to get another of and I took a picture and showed a girl working there and she was able to tell me it's name and where to find another one on their property. Additionally they have a little gift shop that has a bunch of cute things for gardeners ( melissa and Doug kids gardening tools too). They also have a great selection of vegetable plants and annuals.
However, for us, the best part are the animals. My daughter and I go when
However, for us, the best part are the animals. My daughter and I go when
Katharine B.
Jun 21, 2021
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This is one of the best garden centers in the area. We stopped in on Father's Day and they have all kinds of plants, shrubbery, tropical foliage, herbs and landscaping options. There are parrots, goats, ostriches and animals to see and great for kids and adults alike. The prices are very reasonable and the staff extremely helpful. Support local and check them out.
Hannah P.
Nov 20, 2020
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My friends are frequent visitors of Pender Pines and they brought me out for my first time. I loved it! It was much bigger then I thought it was, especially being right off the main busy road. It was much more then just a garden center and that's what's made me love it more. There was a humongous coy pond that you can walk out and feed them (cost 25ยข for food). There are tons of different colors and sizes of fish, it was so cool to see. They had SO many plants, flowers, trees and more!!! If you keep walking towards the very back of the garden you'll find something even more special
Carolyn H.
Aug 16, 2020
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Doug N.
Jun 02, 2020
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Amy Y.
May 14, 2020
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Love their setup and variety of plants but I'll take my business elsewhere bc their customer service is so poor. Recently I though I'd give them another chance and called to place order for pick up and the lady answering phone would pick up and just put the phone down without saying a word. Wow. So rude. Then she would just let it sit and if you tried calling back it would be busy. When I finally figured out that's what was happening after trying to get through the lady admitted it to me. Someone needs to help these people with proper customer service or simply saying please hold
Joelle J.
Mar 11, 2020
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Heather W.
Feb 05, 2020
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Rude customer service!
Called and spoke with a lovely gentleman on the phone. So I drove from Wilmington, almost an hour drive. Just to be so talked down to by the rudest lady. I believe it is the same lady in other one star yelp reviews. She is a older blonde (no name tag). I explained my situation even told her I had driven in from Wilmington. She rolled her eyes had the worst attitude. She is single handily ruining this business!
Called and spoke with a lovely gentleman on the phone. So I drove from Wilmington, almost an hour drive. Just to be so talked down to by the rudest lady. I believe it is the same lady in other one star yelp reviews. She is a older blonde (no name tag). I explained my situation even told her I had driven in from Wilmington. She rolled her eyes had the worst attitude. She is single handily ruining this business!
A. W.
Mar 23, 2019
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Very nice selection of plants, shrubs and trees to choose from inside and out. However, found the customer service to be lacking, especially at the front register. Grumpy... like you're doing a disservice by being there. I wanted to like this place & support local but I don't think I'll drive out of my way again.
Karel M.
Oct 19, 2017
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Had an exceptional experience at Pender Pines today. I've visited a few times but today I had specific needs that were met enthusiastically by Tony. He took time to point out specific varieties that would suit my landscape and provided historical information on the regions soil. I'm fairly educated in regards to horticulture and can speak the language but Tony helped put the pieces together and gave me additional confidence to tackle my landscaping project. Well done and we'll see you soon.
Marcella V.
Mar 03, 2017
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This place is simply amazing!! They have birds and animals. My kids love coming with me and I love looking around and enjoying my time when I'm on a trip out there. Im not a novice gardener, I have never had anything but very pleasant customer service experiences. I'm not there to make friends, I'm there to get plants, products, and get assistance when I need it like I imagine most customers would be which is why I don't understand some of these reviews. I HIGHLY recommend!!!!!!
ChrisNkris P.
Apr 04, 2016
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Dang it Pender Pines!!! Today was the last straw!! I'm so disappointed. I really want to help out my local community, so I've tried to give them so many chances. I've ignored their high prices and drive out of my way. I've spent HUNDREDS of dollars there on tress, shrubs, plants and herbs. But EVERY SINGLE TIME I'm there, the customer service is AWEFUL!!!!
And so, because of it.... I'm done with them.
And so, because of it.... I'm done with them.