We are writing to inform our valued customers of an important change at Van Bourgondien Nursery.
After 50 wonderful years we are officially retiring!

As of October 3rd, 2025 Van Bourgondien Nursery will become Claiborne Garden Center.

We want to assure you that while the ownership has changed their commitment to delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer service remains their top priority. Claiborne Garden Center is dedicated to upholding the highest of standards to ensure a smooth transition. You can continue to expect the same level of service and quality that you have come to rely on these past 50 Years.

Our History ~
Cornelius J. VanBourgondien Sr. (Pop Van) was born in Holland in 1885 to a family with deep roots in horticulture. Clara Keser (Mom Van) from Portland, Connecticut met CJ in 1915 during a visit to Holland at the start of WW1. CJ and Clara married and after a short stay in New Jersey through Government Publications, they heard about a plot of land in Babylon, New York that was suitable for Greenhouses and they bought it. In the early years CJ VanBourgondien INC. specialized in "Gerbera" and later in "Orchids". Many of the award-winning Orchids were brought from Africa in the embryo stage and developed very slowly and painstakingly, and became winners and great sellers commercially.

In the early 70's CJ VanBourgodien Inc. moved their growing operations in Babylon to Peconic on the North Fork of Long Island. They now grow a full line of beautiful Annuals for Summer Planting and Poinsettias for the Christmas Season.

In 1975, Van Bourgondien Nursery opened on Deer Park Avenue in Dix Hills. In the last 50 years Van Bourgondien Nursery has expanded into a full service Garden Center. We sell a full and unique range of Annuals, Perennials, Trees, Shrubs, Organic Soils and Fertilizers, Pottery, Urns, Giftware, Statuary and Bird Supplies. Everything you need to make your Home and Garden Beautiful. Our goal has always been to provide you with the highest quality products to ensure your gardening success. We are confident Larry & Tiffany Claiborne will continue to provide our community with all your gardening and landscape needs.

Claiborne Associates was incorporated in 2011 by Laurence Claiborne. (Larry) is a third generation Farmingdale State University, Ornamental Horticulture graduate. His exposure to the horticulture industry at a young age as well as his studies have created a knowledgeable and passionate horticulturist and landscape designer.

We appreciate your loyalty and trust in us these past 50 years, and we are excited about our future. If you have any questions regarding this transition, please feel free to contact Claiborne Garden Center at 631-667-1111 or claibornegardencenter@gmail.com

We wish Larry & Tiffany Claiborne and their Family all the very best and continued success as they enter this new and exciting endeavor. We encourage our customers to welcome them and support this local business as you have always done for us. By supporting local businesses we strengthen the local economy, create jobs and reinvest in our community.

Thank You for all the wWonderful Memories.

Sincerely,

Rick & Alyssa Van Bourgondien

Gone Fishing!