Little York Plantation is the premier garden and landscaping company in Central New York. We have been serving Syracuse, Cortland, Ithaca and surrounding areas for the past 48 years. It all began with a simple vegetable stand.
In 1972, Dick and Jackie Crane bought Gladtime Farm Market, a small roadside fresh fruit and vegetable stand. Soon, they expanded and sold fresh sweet corn, tomatoes, peas, squash, cucumbers and many other seasonal vegetables. The purchase of a few annuals from the Syracuse Farmers’ Market started the transformation to Little York Plantation. The original idea was to decorate the farm stand with hanging baskets, but customers wanted to buy the baskets almost before they were hung! It was easy to see there was a demand for flowers as well as vegetables.
In 1978, our first greenhouse was built in order to grow vegetables from seeds and increase the selection of annuals. Very soon, the business began to offer these transplants, along with the annuals and hanging baskets, through the fruit and vegetable stand. The Cranes had found their true love; growing and selling plants to their community.
The first year of having a greenhouse, it became clear that the roadside market was too small! On the property stood a 1902 dairy barn. It was the perfect expansion. After about two years of renovations, the market was permanently moved and is where we still are today; our beloved “Old Barn.” We also officially changed the business name to Little York Plantation.
In 1990, the Crane children and their friends wanted summer employment. The youngest Crane, started the landscaping business and soon was very busy with customers. More than 31 years later, the landscaping crew continues to work with homeowners and businesses alike to provide complete landscaping services. From conception to planning, installment to maintenance, spring and fall clean-up, our landscaping team can handle any size project. No job is too big or too small!
Today, we believe we are one of the best operations of its kind in Central New York. With the increased competition from big box stores, we strive to offer our valued customers personal service from start to finish. Whether you’re buying one plant or many, our friendly staff is ready to help answer any question and make sure your garden flourishes! Our plants are grown right here in Central New York to survive and thrive in our climate.
Little York Plantation continues to grow and expand every year. With a full-service landscaping division, premier garden center, and more than six acres of every kind of plant, tree and shrub, we strive to serve our valued customers with the plants and services they request. Today, Dick and Jackie, along with a dedicated staff, continue to run Little York Plantation to serve the greater Central New York area with exceptional gardening services.
Read the full presentation by Little York Plantation here.
