Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Trusted Family-Owned Nursery in East Amherst, NY
Founded in 1980 by Don and Teri Lavocat, our family-owned business has grown from humble beginnings in Clarence, NY to a 19,000 sq. ft. destination garden center in East Amherst. With over 40 years of combined horticultural expertise, we specialize in premium greenhouse-grown plants, native species cultivation, and full-service landscaping solutions. Our commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through biodegradable pot usage, comprehensive composting programs, and pesticide-free growing practices. Our team of multi-generational horticulturists and landscape designers provides personalized service for both residential and commercial clients, offering expert plant selection, seasonal decor, and environmental education programs.We maintain strict quality control over our 8 hoop house production facilities and employ modern techniques to ensure plant health and longevity. Our community involvement includes hosting educational events and supporting local gardening initiatives through our extensive plant care resources.
Services
Greenhouse Plants
Nursery Plants
Landscaping Design
Composting Services
Pot Recycling
Native Plants
Seasonal Decor
Gift Items
Plant Care
Deer Spraying
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- Family-owned for 45+ years with multi-generational horticultural expertise
- Sustainable practices including biodegradable pots and on-site composting
- Expert staff providing personalized plant selection and care advice
- Full-service landscaping with guaranteed project timelines
- Extensive selection of native plants supporting local pollinators
What people say
Best plant nursery in Buffalo
Helpful and knowledgeable staff
Stunning plants and displays
Professional landscaping service
Wide selection of native plants
Services
Greenhouse Plants
Year-round production of premium annuals, perennials, and hanging baskets grown in our climate-controlled hoop houses. Our collection includes rare and specialty plants alongside seasonal favorites, all cultivated using sustainable methods. Each plant receives expert care from germination through maturity to ensure optimal health and vitality.
Nursery Plants
Comprehensive selection of trees, shrubs, and native plants suited to Western New York's climate. Our inventory includes both common and specialty species with detailed care instructions provided. Plants are grown without harmful chemicals and include proper planting guidance for long-term success.
Landscaping Design
Full-service landscape design and installation featuring personalized consultations, 3D visualizations, and implementation by certified horticulturists. Services include hardscaping, irrigation systems, and seasonal color schemes with guaranteed project timelines and follow-up maintenance options.
Composting Services
On-site composting program converting organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments. We offer three compost varieties for sale in bulk or bags, including specialized blends for vegetable gardens and native plant installations. Services include compost delivery and application guidance.
Pot Recycling
Sustainable pot recycling program accepting all plastic nursery containers for reuse or responsible recycling. Our biodegradable pot initiative reduces plastic waste while maintaining plant health standards. Customers receive return bins for convenient container collection during planting season.
People
Don Lavocat
Founder
Co-founder with 40+ years horticultural experience, established business in 1980. Developed sustainable growing practices and expanded operations to current facility.
Teri Lavocat
Founder
Co-founder instrumental in developing customer service standards and educational programs. Managed initial greenhouse operations and community outreach initiatives since 1980.
Donnie Lavocat
Operations Manager
Second-generation leader overseeing daily operations and landscaping services. Implemented modern sustainability practices while maintaining family business values and customer relationships.
Questions
What services does Lavocat's offer?
We provide greenhouse plant sales, nursery stock, full-service landscaping, composting solutions, and sustainable pot recycling programs.
Are your plants grown locally?
All plants are grown on-site in our East Amherst facility using sustainable regional growing practices since 1980.
Do you offer delivery services?
Yes, we provide plant and bulk compost delivery as part of our landscaping and gardening services.
What sustainability practices do you use?
We use biodegradable pots, on-site composting, native plant cultivation, and chemical-free growing methods.
Can I return nursery containers?
We accept all plastic nursery containers for recycling through our sustainability program.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Michelle Donnelly
Jun 10, 2022
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Extremely friendly from the minute you walk thru the entrance. An amazing selection and great prices. Their market on Saturday mornings is also amazing. Go visit Blanch ard Michelle they're there every Saturday.
Lauren Pepe
Jun 06, 2022
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I spent quite a bit of money on 3 shrubs last year. I specifically asked if they would do okay in large pots and was told, "I dont see why not!" Now this year I have 3 giant pots that I also bought from there, 3 dead shrubs, and NONE of them fall under warranty. I was misled, misinformed, and will not be returning or recommending to anyone.
Brianna Spence
May 31, 2022
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First time buying plants in WNY and Lavocat's did NOT disappoint! The high average rating is so accurate because this place is great! It is expansive and they have pretty much any type of plant/flower/tree/etc you could want! They had a ton of cute potters too, I love the ones I got! The staff was welcoming and knowledgeable and the entire experience was so pleasant. I will absolutely return here for any of my gardening/houseplant needs & recommend anyone who is looking to add to their garden or houseplant collection do as well!
Lillian Lunetta
May 25, 2022
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I love this place! Come here when I am looking for something special and am never disappointed. Have been a customer since they were in Clarence and it was a small business.
Mark Rizzo
May 19, 2022
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This is my first time going there my father-in-law always bought his vegetables there family has bought and flowers and vegetables there for my first time I can't go wrong and neither will you the workers employees are fabulously polite and respectful helpful prices are very very affordable I will definitely go there again try it you'll go back I guarantee it enjoy happy growing
