About Us

Joseph Wick Nurseries Ltd was established in 1981 by Joseph F. Wick, known to many as “Big Joe.” A second-generation nurseryman, Big Joe was deeply respected for his integrity, work ethic, and love for the nursery industry. Under his care, the in-ground growing operation expanded from 90 acres to 300 acres in just 13 years.

In 1994, Big Joe suffered a career-ending stroke. In the years that followed, his children, Susan (“Sue”) and Joseph C. Wick (“Joe”), stepped forward to continue the family legacy as third-generation nursery growers. Together, they carried on their father's work while guiding the nursery through a period of growth and change.

As development in the region experienced rapid growth, Sue and Joe shifted focus in 2001 toward building a wholesale holding yard to better serve the evolving needs of their customers. By 2005, the wholesale operation was thriving, and plans were underway to transition fully away from in-ground growing in Smyrna, Delaware, and relocate the wholesale yard to Dover.

In 2007, Sue and Joe opened the gates of their new Dover facility for the first time, eager to serve customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. That year also brought profound challenges, including the loss of their father and the beginning of a broader economic downturn. Despite these hardships, Sue and Joe persevered, guiding the nursery through the recession with resilience and determination.

Over the years, the nursery continued to grow. Additional growing areas were developed on the existing property in 2018 and again 2022, ultimately utilizing nearly half of the 41-acre farm. By 2025, Joseph Wick Nurseries was on track for its strongest year on record, when the family experienced another unexpected loss with Susan's passing in November.

Today, Joseph Wick Nurseries remains firmly rooted in the values on which it was built. Joe continues to lead the nursery forward with the same commitment to quality, service, and relationships that have defined the business for decades. As the nursery looks ahead to 2026 and beyond, it is embracing new tools, including the launch of a new website, to better support customers, it does so in the tradition of Big Joe's long-held belief: “your success is our success.”

Delivery

Our fleet of trucks is staffed by courteous and friendly drivers. We travel to landscape yards and job sites throughout the mid-Atlantic on a regular basis. Specific “local” areas (Baltimore, Annapolis, Wilmington, Philadelphia and MD-DE beach communities) are covered 2-3 times per week. Minimum quantity for delivery is one plant.

How to Order

We welcome customers' orders by phone, fax, e-mail, or personal nursery visit. Our current availability is updated each week. It is available on our website or we are happy to add your fax or e-mail address to our weekly broadcast of current availability. Ask about our weekly specials.

Joseph Wick Nurseries specializes in selling above-ground deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs, and containerized herbaceous perennials, to the wholesale trade. From the “usual to the unusual”, our goal is to provide top-notch plant material and customer service.

Joseph Wick Nurseries serves the Mid Atlantic landscape and nursery industry with quality plant material. We offer B&B and containerized trees and shrubs. We also carry a nice selection of perennials and ornamental grasses. We typically have a large selection of top quality nursery stock available at any one time. We are strictly a wholesale nursery serving the landscaping industry and other nurseries. We are price competitive and we focus on supplying the best plant material for a fair wholesale price. Our "Direct Ship" program has proven effective and economical for our large volume customers. We ship 5 days a week and we are very responsive to customer requests. Please fax us your bid requests and we will answer all quotes promptly. A shipping estimate is available upon request.