Family-owned Des Plaines garden center celebrating a century in business

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A family-owned garden center in Des Plaines is celebrating a century in business that has seen it grow and change.

When Chris Pesche’s grandfather Ferdinand immigrated from Luxembourg he grew mums, carnations and snapdragons for florists and wholesalers.

“And then as the markets began to say, ‘Hey, we're going to give you 25 cents on a dollar.’ My grandfather sort of looks at, ‘Huh? I'll start my own flower shop,’” Chris said.

Pesche’s Flowers opened on River Road near Rand on July 3, 1924.

Chris tells us it expanded to include a full-scale grocery store in the 50s through the mid-70s.

Not far from Camp Pine, the store employed German POWs during World War II. Some have come back to visit, recalling their time picking carnations as pleasant.

A tradition that Chris’ dad started in the 50’s continues today – flocking Christmas trees with fake snow, but now in multiple colors.

To celebrate 100 years, Pesches is hosting a party for its employees, customers and the public with food, live music, and free carnival rides.

Visitors will have to pay for food and drinks during the party that runs from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday.

The centennial celebration brought back childhood friend Dave Leahy to help smoke brisket and other meats.

He tells us he’s had many jobs at Pesche’s since he was about ten years old and feels like part of the family. Many of the 65 employees also do after years or decades of working here.

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