Founded by Ronald Straessle in 1961, Plant Center Landscaping & Nursery began not
as a nursery, but as a humble roadside fruit market on the corner of Coldwater Road and Coliseum Boulevard. What started as a convenient stop for fresh produce quickly became something more, thanks to a twist of fate that would shape the business for generations. When a devastating Florida crop freeze made it nearly impossible to source fruit, Ron took a chance on something new, introducing shrubs and rose bushes to his inventory. Before long, his passion for plants took root, and the nursery business blossomed into what is now Plant Center.

From the very beginning, Ron approached his work with energy, heart, and a genuine
love for people. He believed deeply in the joy of doing what you love and often spoke about the satisfaction of building something meaningful for his family. With his wife Bonnie, his high school sweetheart and constant source of inspiration, and their ten children alongside him, Plant Center became more than a business. It became a way of life.
As both the family and the business grew, so did Plant Center’s footprint in the Fort
Wayne community. In 1971, the nursery relocated to the triangle at Parnell Avenue,
Coliseum Boulevard, and North Clinton Street.

By 1979, a second location opened on U.S. 24 West, marking an exciting new chapter of growth. In 1986, the main location moved again to a larger space on Washington Center Road to better serve its expanding customer base.
Throughout these years, Ron’s children were raised in the rhythm of the business,
learning the value of hard work from the ground up, quite literally starting “on the end of a shovel,” and cultivating a deep-rooted knowledge of horticulture. In 1996, brothers Steve and Tony Straessle proudly purchased Plant Center from their father, continuing the legacy he built. That same year, they made the strategic decision to close the Washington Center location and focus their efforts on growing the U.S. 24 store into the heart of the business.
Under their leadership, Plant Center continued to evolve. A shade house was added in 1999, followed by the construction of a greenhouse in 2000, thus enhancing both the
quality and variety of plants available to customers.

In 2009, the Wholesale Distribution
Center location opened on Lower Huntington Road, expanding the company’s reach and services even further. Through every season of change, one thing remained constant: a commitment to quality, care, and community. Ron believed that great plants, and great businesses, don’t happen by accident. They require attention, consistency, and pride. That
philosophy continues to guide Plant Center today. In 2024, after 47 years of dedication, Steve Straessle retired, marking the end of an
incredible chapter. At the same time, the next generation stepped forward as Tony’s son, Spencer Straessle, became part owner, ensuring the legacy continues to grow. Today, Tony and Spencer Straessle lead Plant Center into the future from its primary
location on U.S. 24. With fresh vision rooted in decades of tradition, they continue to shape and grow the business while honoring the values it was built upon.

More than 60 years later, Plant Center Landscaping & Nursery remains a true family
story, one grounded in hard work, resilience, and a genuine love for helping people
grow. Gardening here is more than a service, it’s a passion passed down through
generations, and a tradition that continues to flourish.