Thistle Down Nursery is situated in the tall corn fields of northwest Iowa near a small resort town called Lake View.  However when my wife Michelle and I first looked at our land, we didn't see tall corn, rather we saw tall thistles for as far as the eye could see.  Standing in the midst of the fluffy seed heads blowing in the wind, when it came time to name our new little business my wife came up with Thistle Down and the name is still with us today.

Thistle Down Nursery started as a mid life crisis with one small greenhouse.  People would come and since Michelle and I each had full time jobs, folks would make a purchase and leave the money in a cigar box sitting on a bench.  A lot has changed since then however we are still in touch with our humble beginnings.

Our first greenhouse

Weather in Iowa can be brutally hot and humid in the summer, brutally cold and windy in the winter, and our plants reflect this vigorous climate.  My passion is of course, perennials.  We try to bring the new cutting edge varieties that can survive here along with the old standbys.  Our suppliers are a diverse group from around the world, bringing top quality innovative plants to our greenhouses.

Our talented staff and I are dedicated and proud to bring you these vigorous, healthy, plants.  All of our plants are in large one gallon pots, have healthy root systems, and are guaranteed to your satisfaction.  Most will bloom the first year.

Please check back here often, we are always adding new plants as they become available.

We are always here to answer your questions and to offer our help in any way.  We want to make your garden a rewarding and satisfying part of your life, that's our promise.

Thank you,

Dave Witte & Staff