Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Plants and Landscaping in East Amherst
Since 1980, Lavocat's Family Greenhouse & Nursery has been dedicated to cultivating high-quality plants and fostering a vibrant gardening community. Founded by Don and Teri Lavocat, our family-owned business has grown from a small operation to a state-of-the-art 19,000-square-foot facility in East Amherst, NY. We specialize in annuals, perennials, houseplants, and landscaping services, offering an unparalleled selection grown on-site. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to providing expert guidance and personalized service for every gardening project.With a focus on sustainability and customer education, we host events and workshops to engage the community. Our 45+ years of horticultural expertise ensure that every plant we sell is healthy and well-suited to local growing conditions. From seasonal decor to custom landscaping designs, we serve both residential and commercial clients across Western New York. Our reputation for excellence is built on decades of consistent quality, innovative plant selections, and a genuine passion for horticulture that continues through three generations of the Lavocat family.
Services
Annuals
Perennials
Houseplants
Landscaping
Nursery
Veggies & Herbs
Seasonal Decor
Plant Care
Gift Items
Deer Spraying
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- Family-owned for 45+ years with three generations of horticultural expertise
- State-of-the-art 19,000 sq ft facility with year-round growing capabilities
- Unmatched selection of locally adapted plants grown on-site
- Professional landscaping team with guaranteed project timelines
- Award-winning customer service with plant care experts available daily
What people say
Best plant selection
Knowledgeable staff
Healthy plants
Professional landscaping
Year-round destination
Services
Annuals
Our greenhouse cultivates hundreds of annual varieties from classic favorites to unique cultivars. Seasonal displays feature vibrant color combinations for containers and gardens. Expert staff helps select appropriate sun/shade varieties for Western New York's climate. All annuals are grown on-site without harmful chemicals, ensuring healthy plants that thrive in local conditions.
Perennials
We offer extensive perennial collections suited for various light conditions, including native species that support local pollinators. Our inventory includes both traditional favorites and rare specimens. Garden specialists provide planting guidance and maintenance tips to ensure long-term success in Western New York gardens.
Landscaping
Full-service landscaping includes custom design, installation, and maintenance programs. Our team handles projects from concept to completion, specializing in sustainable solutions that enhance property value. Services include hardscaping, irrigation, and deer-resistant plantings tailored to Buffalo's climate conditions.
Houseplants
Year-round houseplant selection features tropical varieties, air plants, and low-light options. We provide expert care advice for different species, including humidity requirements and proper fertilization techniques. The collection includes pet-safe options clearly marked for customer convenience.
Veggies & Herbs
Organically grown vegetable starts and culinary herbs available seasonally. Our edible plant collection includes heirloom varieties and disease-resistant hybrids. Expert gardeners offer planting schedules and companion planting advice to maximize harvest potential in Western New York's growing season.
People
Don Lavocat
Founder
Horticulture expert with 45+ years experience, established the nursery in 1980. Specializes in plant selection and sustainable growing practices. Active in daily operations and mentoring staff.
Teri Lavocat
Co-Founder
Key figure in developing customer service standards and nursery operations. Focuses on community relations and seasonal event planning. Provides hands-on leadership in plant care programs.
Donnie Lavocat
Operations Manager
Third-generation nursery professional managing day-to-day operations. Specializes in landscaping project coordination and staff training. Ensures quality control across all plant inventory.
Questions
What makes Lavocats' plants different from big-box store plants?
All plants are grown locally in controlled conditions by experienced horticulturists. We select varieties specifically adapted to Western New York's climate for better survival rates.
Do you offer landscaping services for commercial properties?
Yes, our professional team handles commercial landscaping projects of all sizes, including design, installation, and maintenance programs tailored to business needs.
Can I get advice on plant care after purchase?
Our knowledgeable staff provides free ongoing plant care advice, including seasonal maintenance tips and troubleshooting for plants purchased at our nursery.
Are your gardening products eco-friendly?
We prioritize sustainable practices, offering organic soil amendments, native plants for pollinators, and chemical-free growing methods while minimizing environmental impact.
Do you deliver plants and landscaping materials?
Yes, we offer delivery and installation services for plants, pots, and landscaping materials. Delivery fees vary based on distance and order size.
How do you ensure plant quality during extreme weather?
Our climate-controlled greenhouses protect plants year-round. We monitor temperature and humidity closely, and provide acclimation guidance for plants transitioning to outdoor conditions.
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