Tankard
Nurseries sits on 700 acres surrounded by the waters of
the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, part of which is
a farm that has been in the Tankard family for seven generations.
The nursery is a true blend of history and innovation. Founded
in 1933 and now in its third generation of ownership, Tankard
Nurseries utilizes techniques and plants at the forefront
of the industry to offer you a complete palette of quality
landscape plants. Yet, our core business strengths, hard
work, attention to detail and customer focus transcend generations.
Nursery
production includes areas of above ground pots, Pot in Pot
systems and field material both large and small. Tankard
Nurseries was one of the first nurseries to begin growing
in the Pot in Pot system. Many plants are grown in the field
and transplanted to larger pots. We are continually expanding
our selection of large potted plants in 20, 25 and 50 gallon
containers. Still there are many acres of standard field
production. There is also a new 4.2 acre retractable roof
structure that allows us to manipulate the environment to
enhance the work of natural elements.
We
propagate 90% of our plant material. Importantly, propagated
material is single stuck to benefit the lifespan of the
plant. Cycle time is a priority here and the large, beefy
liners we produce come from liner beds or 3.5” peat
pots, which decrease cycle time significantly. There are
no plastic liner pots to hassle with or throw away. Propagation
is a core competency that allows us to produce consistent
sustainable plants in a timely fashion.
All
plants are now machine dug by either Optimal or Pazzaglia
diggers. Root pruning by hand and machine is a mainstay
that promotes dense root systems for making transplanting
to landscape successful.
Tankard
Nurseries is also proud to be an advocate for the industry.
Ed Tankard, our president, currently serves as the Legislative
Chair and Vice President for the Virginia Nursery and Landscape
Association as well as senator for the American Nursery
and Landscape Association. It is our philosphy to act as
a positive force in our community, industry, state and country.
To support that philosophy, we have supported organizations
that improve our environment, promote our industry, enhance
the Eastern Shore culture and economy and promote citizen
involvement in government. The organizations in which we
have taken an active role include Eastern Shore of Virginia
Land Trust, the Barrier Islands Center, Virginia Marine
Resources Commission and Northampton Conservation Voters.
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