about Rockledge Gardens
over the years
Rockledge Gardens was founded in 1960 by Harry Witte, a bulb farmer who had settled in Brevard County in 1948 with his wife Mary.
In the earliest days, before the Space Coast boom, Rockledge Gardens was essentially a roadside stand run on the honor system (our sign said, “grab a bag of soil and leave your money in the can”).
Through the 1960s and 1970s we evolved into a full-fledged nursery business — the largest and most complete garden center in Brevard County.
Over the years Harry and Mary’s six children took turns working in the family business but it was their youngest daughter, Theresa, who made Rockledge Gardens her career along with her husband Kevin Riley.
Under the Rileys, Rockledge Gardens continued to grow, quite literally! In the 1980s Kevin and Theresa began the practice of putting plants in the ground so that guests could be inspired by mature specimens and envision the future.
Later Rockledge Gardens grew to include a wedding venue and farmer’s market!
In 2022 the Rileys sold the business to Brendan Hayes-Morrison and Devon Klingman, friends of the family and admirers of Rockledge Gardens.
With backgrounds as merchant marines and experience traveling to every continent, Brendan and Devon bring their skills in management and adaptability to the Gardens as well as excitement for the outdoors and enthusiasm for the local community.
They are joined in the day-to-day operations by a knowledgeable and friendly staff, several of whom are Florida Certified Horticulture Professionals.
staff at the garden
Brendan + Devon
Owners
Danyle
Products + Merchandising Manager
Jessica
Marketing + Events Director
Seth
Staff + Customer Service Manager
Yasmeen
Market Lead
Bella
Market Vendor Coordinator
Denise
Marketing Coordinator
Allison
Greenhouse
Kim
Greenhouse
Lindsey
Annuals + Perennials Area Lead
Mykayla
Childrens’ Activities Coordinator
Michelle
Internal Development Coordinator
Susan
Landscape Design Consultant
Matt
Deliveries + Landscape Coordinator
Brian
Lead In-House Landscaper
Florida Certified Horticultural Professional
Florida Certified Landscape Maintenance Technician
KJ
Warehouse + Facilities Manager
Steve
Information Specialist
Amanda Rose
Rockledge Gardens Blogger
Michelle
Information Specialist
Florida Certified Horticultural Professional
Florida Certified Landscape Maintenance Technician
Rockledge Gardens in the news
Welcoming snowbirds to Florida’s native plants 09/2024
5 Minutes With Devon Klingman Lawn & Garden Retailer, 06/2023
“Former mariners settled in, operating Rockledge Gardens with confidence” Viera Voice, 03/2023
“Longtime Rockledge Gardens owners retire; new owners eager to continue 60-year tradition” Florida Today, 06/2022
“A look back at Rockledge Gardens Florida Today’s archives, 06/2022
“Better Together” Garden Center Magazine, 09/2022
“Get inspired to eat healthy at Rockledge Gardens’ Farm and Friends Market” Florida Today, 1/2020
“Going Native,” Space Coast Living article, 9/2017
“Become a Gardening Guru,“ Florida Today article about the Harry and Mary Witte Learning Center pavilion and gardens, 5/20/17
“Rockledge Gardens Remains All in the Family,” Florida Today, 5/5/2014
Rockledge Gardens gallery
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