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Our Story

Three Generations of
Growing Excellence.

Since the 1930s, the Wolke family has cultivated premium wholesale plants from 120 acres in Sigel, Illinois — serving growers and landscapers across 13 states.

1930s
Family Heritage
120+
Growing Acres
13
States Served
3
Generations
The Wolke Family
90+ Years
120+
Acres in Sigel, Illinois
Rooted in Sigel, Illinois

A Family Nursery Built on Hard Work & Integrity

What started as a small family growing operation in rural Coles County, Illinois in the 1930s has grown into one of the Midwest's most trusted wholesale nurseries. Through nearly a century of changing seasons, evolving markets, and three generations of dedicated growers, the Wolke name has remained synonymous with quality.

Today, Steve, Denise, Victoria, and Zachary Wolke work the land and run the business together — managing 120 acres of growing fields, a fleet of delivery vehicles, and a catalog of premium branded plant programs that serve independent garden centers, landscapers, and re-wholesalers across 13 states.

  • Family-owned and operated since the 1930s
  • Authorized grower for Proven Winners, Encore, Star Roses & more
  • Own-fleet delivery — no third-party carriers
  • Net 30 credit terms for established wholesale accounts
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Our History

Nearly a Century of Growing Roots

From a modest Depression-era family farm to a multi-generational wholesale operation — the Wolke story is one of persistence, passion for horticulture, and an unwavering commitment to the growers we serve.

1930s
The Foundation

The Wolke family begins growing on a small plot of land in Sigel, Illinois — cultivating shrubs and perennials for local buyers during a time when every acre mattered.

1960s – 1970s
Expansion & Wholesale Roots

The nursery shifts focus to wholesale distribution, expanding its growing footprint and beginning to serve garden centers and landscapers across the region.

1990s – 2000s
Branded Programs & Growth

Wolke Nursery becomes an authorized grower for premium branded programs — Proven Winners, Encore Azaleas, Star Roses & Plants — bringing nationally recognized varieties to Midwest growers.

2010s
Fleet Delivery & Multi-State Reach

Investment in own-fleet delivery infrastructure — semi-trucks, box trucks, and enclosed trailers — allows Wolke to reliably serve 13 states with Wellmaster Cart delivery and job-site drops.

Today
Three Generations, 120 Acres

Steve, Denise, Victoria, and Zachary Wolke continue the family legacy — managing a 120-acre growing operation and serving wholesale customers across the Midwest and beyond.

Meet the Family

The People Behind Every Plant We Grow

Wolke Nursery is a true family business — every decision, every delivery, and every plant that leaves our fields has the Wolke name behind it.

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Founder & Owner
Steve Wolke

Oversees growing operations and sales. Steve's hands-on approach and decades of horticultural knowledge set the standard for everything we do.

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Co-Owner
Denise Wolke

Manages accounts, customer relationships, and the day-to-day business. Denise is often the friendly voice that greets you when you call.

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Operations
Victoria Miller

Grown up in the nursery, Victoria brings a fresh perspective to operations and helps ensure orders are processed accurately and efficiently.

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Sales & Digital
Zachary Wolke

Handles wholesale sales, new accounts, and Wolke's digital presence. Zachary is the third generation carrying the family legacy forward.

Brand Programs

Carrying the Industry's Most Trusted Names

As an authorized grower and distributor for six leading plant brands, Wolke Nursery gives our customers access to the varieties their end consumers are already asking for — grown right here in Illinois.

Proven Winners
Shrubs · Perennials · Annuals

The most recognized brand in the horticulture industry. Proven Winners varieties are trialed, tested, and selected for superior performance — giving your customers confidence in every purchase.

Encore Azaleas
Azaleas · Re-Blooming

The world's best-selling re-blooming azalea. Encore varieties bloom in spring, summer, and fall — delivering season-long color that drives repeat customer visits and strong sell-through.

Better Boxwood
Boxwood · Disease Resistant

Next-generation boxwoods bred for resistance to boxwood blight and boxwood leafminer — the diseases and pests that have devastated traditional boxwood plantings across the country.

Star Roses & Plants
Roses · Branded Shrubs

Home to Knock Out® Roses and a portfolio of consumer-branded varieties that drive impulse sales at the retail level. Star Roses consistently ranks among the highest-velocity items in garden center sales data.

Plant Haven
Shrubs · Perennials

A curated collection of proven, high-performance plants selected for adaptability, landscape impact, and retail appeal. Plant Haven's clean packaging and signage makes retail displays easy.

Southern Living
Landscape Plants

Backed by the trusted Southern Living brand, this plant collection brings regionally proven varieties with powerful consumer recognition — ideal for garden centers serving homeowners who know the name.

Why Wolke

What Sets Us Apart from Other Wholesalers

Family-Owned Since the 1930s

No private equity. No corporate structure. When you call Wolke Nursery, you talk to the family that owns it. Decisions are made by people who have skin in the game and a legacy to protect.

Own-Fleet Delivery

We don't use third-party carriers. Our own semi-trucks, box trucks, and enclosed trailers deliver your order on Wellmaster Carts — direct to your facility or straight to the job site.

Premium Branded Programs

As an authorized grower for Proven Winners, Encore, Star Roses, and more, we offer the variety selection your customers are already asking for — with the brand backing they trust.

Net 30 Credit Terms

Established wholesale accounts enjoy Net 30 payment terms — helping you manage cash flow and plan orders without the pressure of immediate payment.

Quality You Can Count On

120 acres of growing capacity means consistent availability and plants that are well-rooted, properly sized, and ready to sell. We grow it here — we know what's in the field.

Midwest Grown, 13 States Served

Grown in central Illinois and delivered across the Midwest and beyond — we understand the climate, the season, and what plants will thrive in the markets we serve.

Let's Work Together

Ready to Start Your Wholesale Account?

Contact us to set up a wholesale account, ask about current availability, or schedule a visit to the nursery in Sigel, Illinois.