Founded in Henderson, New York


Rhodes Greenhouses was founded in Henderson, NY by Leland and Gerene Rhodes, who had previously operated Triangle Gardens in Adams, NY. Their vision was to create a greenhouse that could provide the community with quality plants and gardening knowledge while building something lasting for their family.

Gary Rhodes Continues the Family Tradition

In 1982, their son Gary Rhodes returned home from serving in the U.S. Army to help when his father fell ill. That same year, Gary purchased the family business and began shaping it into the thriving greenhouse operation it is today.

Shortly after, Gary met Jolene Knechtel, who had answered a newspaper ad for greenhouse help. Their partnership quickly grew beyond the workplace, and together they expanded Rhodes Greenhouses into a beloved local destination.

Family involvement has always been at the heart of the business. Jolene’s sister Janelle, her mother Adeline, and Gary’s sister Pat all played important roles in the greenhouse’s success, alongside many dedicated employees who have helped the business grow over the years.

Strength Through Challenge

The Rhodes family has faced challenges but always remained resilient. In 1991, when Gary was deployed overseas during the First Gulf War, Jolene continued operating the greenhouse and kept the business running—even through the difficulties of a devastating ice storm.

Their perseverance and dedication during this time became an important part of the greenhouse’s legacy.

Honoring Veterans

In 2006, the Rhodes family began a special project to honor veterans. The Alexander Corners Veterans and Pearl Harbor Memorial was established on the property.

Members of the Local Pearl Harbor Survivors Association were honored during ceremonies led by Jon Rhodes as part of his Eagle Scout project. Today, the memorial remains a meaningful place of remembrance and reflection for visitors.

Learn more about our Veterans Memorial

A Garden of Remembrance

The Rhodes family also created a unique stone garden in memory of Rebecca Rhodes, who had a love for collecting rocks.

Rebecca earned her Master’s degree from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in 2018, and the garden now stands as a tribute to her passion for nature. Filled with an assortment of rocks and colorful flowers, the garden blooms beautifully throughout the summer months.

Learn more about Becky's Garden

A Historic Family Home


Adding to the rich history of the property, the Rhodes family home—constructed from limestone by the Bates family—is listed on both the State and National Register of Historic Places. This connection to local history further deepens the heritage of Rhodes Greenhouses.

Learn more about Bates Home

A Destination for the Community

Today, Rhodes Greenhouses is more than a place to purchase plants—it’s a destination for the community.

Visitors can explore greenhouses filled with vibrant flowers and plants, browse gardening supplies, fertilizers, seeds, and tools, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the property.

Many guests also take time to walk through the Veterans Memorial Gardens, which feature a Cobra helicopter, battle tank, and artillery shells from the USS New Jersey—powerful reminders of the sacrifices made by those who served.

The Next Generation

The Rhodes family legacy continues with the next generation. Gary and Jolene’s children, Jonathan and Amanda, return during the busiest seasons to help modernize the facility and learn the business from the ground up.

Their energy, ideas, and dedication help ensure that Rhodes Greenhouses continues to grow while remaining rooted in its family traditions.

A Place to Visit, Learn, and Enjoy

Whether you're visiting to purchase plants, learn more about gardening, explore the memorial gardens, or simply enjoy a peaceful walk through the greenhouses, Rhodes Greenhouses offers something meaningful for everyone.

For over 60 years, Rhodes Greenhouses has remained dedicated to serving Northern New York gardeners while honoring family, community, and history.

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