Civano Nursery’s Humble Beginnings
Civano Nursery is a family owned and operated business.
We opened the garden center in 1999 and we have gone through a lot of changes over the years. Running a business can be a challenge, however, it has been one that we have all enjoyed every step of the way. Over the years life has taught me the importance of having a place that you can shop that has a little something for everyone. That’s why we have a play area and a mini animal farm for the little ones. Of course we have an abundance of plants for the avid gardener, including our own Civano Select brand and partner brands like Monrovia. Our garden professionals are excited to assist you on making your garden a place to enjoy for many years to come. We offer an experience that is family friendly and are known locally as a destination garden center. We strive to provide a family atmosphere that enlightens, inspires, and ultimately guides you to a successful garden.
Melanie L. Shipley – General Manager
The majority of the plants found at our garden center have been grown at our 70 acre Sahuarita farm – Civano Growers; where we really have a passion for plants, and it shows in the quality and variety of plants that we grow for each season. Our Civano originals can be found in the best garden centers in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. We have introduced many great new trees for smaller spaces: the Leslie Roy Mesquite (named after Dad), and The Sweet Katie Burgundy Desert Willow (named after my younger brother Nick’s wife). We are proud that the soil we use to grow our plants is made by us from the green waste from Tucson Electric Power tree trimmings. This soil goes out in each pot in our Trees for You program. Also another great partnership with Tucson Electric power, bringing tens of thousands of trees grown by Civano Growers (our growing location) to be planted in Tucson.
How did we get here? Well it all started with our Dad Les Shipley, who taught us the value of a hard day’s work and the joy of growing plants. At a very young age my brothers (Nick & Alex) and I could be found running through the greenhouses or potting up plants. We’ve just always been exposed to agriculture and the joy of growing plants. It was only natural that we decided to open a family business. My dad, my brothers, my wife Melanie and I joined forces and created a business that we are extremely proud of. Now it’s our turn to pass this passion down to our young children and teach them what our father taught us.
Chris Shipley – President, Civano Nursery
Regional Retail Sales Manager
