July 29, 2010 -- Congresswoman McCollum's Statement on 100th Anniversary of Linder's Garden Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota PDF Print
Madam Speaker, it is an honor to recognize the 100th Anniversary of Linder's Garden Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Linder's is a family-owned greenhouse that began as a small business selling fresh produce to local restaurants, and has grown into a Garden Center selling more than 25 million plants each year.

In 1910, a Swiss immigrant with humble beginnings named Albert Linder brought his horse drawn wagon filled with celery stalks and other fresh vegetables to local markets and restaurants. Linder soon found success as a result of his hard work and dedication to plants. At its peak, this burgeoning small business operated six greenhouses for celery seedlings.

By the 1940's, Linder had stopped using horse drawn wagons because trucks enabled him to expand his business to customers located farther away. Facing strong competition and celery blight, Linder was eventually forced to change the model of his business. He decided to move away from celery seedling and focused on cut flowers and bedded plants. This change proved profitable for Linder's and allowed Linder to remain successful even during difficult economic times.

Modern day Linder's continues to focus on flowers and plants, but has expanded to include green houses, and a garden center which hosts educational classes that allow budding urban gardeners to learn more about plant care. In 1970, the third generation of the Linder family took over the business. Robert, Dave and Lillian Linder have successfully continued their grandfather's business and continue to make our community beautiful.

Madam Speaker, please join me in rising to honor Linder's 100th Anniversary. I am honored to submit this statement recognizing this resilient and successful Saint Paul family-owned business. They are truly an example of the American dream being fulfilled. Their hard work and dedication have made them a successful Minnesota business.