New Garden Center To Open Later This Month In Southington

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A vacant property will officially come to life later this month, allowing locals to help their gardens come to life as well.

Van Wilgen’s Garden Center will open a new retail location on March 19 at 1198 Queen St., restoring garden and landscape operations to the former Smithland Pet & Garden Center/Agway property that closed in 2025.

The 5.1-acre site along the Queen Street corridor is undergoing final preparations, according to the company.

The facility includes nearly 25,000 square feet of space — a 19,796-square-foot main retail building and a 4,935-square-foot greenhouse — dedicated to nursery stock, landscaping supplies, and seasonal merchandise.

“This property has served as a cornerstone for the Southington community for decades,” said Ryan Van Wilgen of Van Wilgen’s. “When the Agway location closed in 2025, it left a real gap for customers looking for high-quality horticultural and landscaping products. We’re proud to bring this site back to life and continue its legacy as a trusted destination for the community.”

The expansion is expected to create about 25 jobs, the company said.

Several former Smithland/Agway employees have been hired for the new store.

“Retaining experienced team members who understand the needs of Southington-area residents was a priority,” Van Wilgen said. “Their expertise, combined with Van Wilgen’s standard of service, will help this store deliver immediate value to homeowners and professional landscapers alike.”

Company officials said the Southington location will focus on plants, professional-grade gardening tools and seasonal products.

While the product mix will differ from the previous operator, the store is intended to serve as a year-round resource for landscaping and agricultural needs in the area.

Additional details about grand opening events and store features are expected in the coming weeks.

Van Wilgen’s, a fourth-generation family-owned business with roots dating to 1920, operates locations in North Branford, Clinton, Guilford, Milford, Old Saybrook, and now Southington.