We're Plant People
Since 1983, Barlow’s garden center has been serving New Jersey residents & visitors with its award-winning garden center, signature container designs, and educational classes & workshops. Our team of passionate plant people are here to help you regardless of your gardening needs!
FOUNDERS
Steve & Leslie Barlow
Leslie and Steve are the founders of Barlow’s and have owned the garden center since 1983. Steve has an extensive background in the world of flowers and plants, stemming from his early beginnings maintaining grounds in Spring Lake to becoming the head groundskeeper at the Brown estate in Newport, RI.
Both Leslie and Steve have had the unique opportunity to come back to where they were raised to work at, and eventually purchase Swain’s farm. Steve brought to Barlow’s the ability to grow exceptionally beautiful plants while Leslie came up with unique ways to market and display the products, as well as create signature designs that have set Barlow’s apart.
Together, Steve and Leslie built their family business up from humble beginnings, while raising four children. They continue to work in the business and are actively involved in charitable functions throughout the community.
CURRENT OWNER
Stephen Barlow
Stephen Barlow is the second generation owner of Barlow’s. He graduated with honors from Michigan State University (he even bleeds green) with a BS in Horticulture and earned his MBA from Monmouth University.
He was named by Greenhouse Grower as the “One to Watch”, expected to shape the industry for the better over the next 25 years, and was named in the prestigious list of “Top 40 Growers under 40”, published by Greenhouse Product News.
Stephen travels the state inspiring different gardening clubs and interest groups about growing and caring for plants. Stephen donates his personal time to local schools, to raise the awareness in young children, about the importance of gardening, through interactive behind-the-scenes tours, garden talks, and hands-on workshops.
The Plant People at Barlow's
Thomas Barlow
Head Grower
Thomas oversees our entire satellite growing facility in Wall Township.Â
Debbie Shinn
CFO
"I handle the day-to-day financial tasks of the business. My favorite part about working at Barlow’s is definitely my co-workers. Barlow’s has a diverse and interesting mix of employees. For many this is a second career and it is fascinating to hear about what they did in their former lives, but on the other end we have many young employees who are just discovering what they want to do in the future. I have many favorite flowers, but when ranunculus start blooming I know spring is close!"
Heather Machado
Perennial Nursery Manager
“I oversee setup and maintenance of Barlow grown material as well as ordering nursery stock for all 4 seasons. I assist customers with choosing the best plants and proper amendments for their homes! My favorite part about Barlow’s is the staff—we have a great group of hard workers that makes it fun and enjoyable for the customers as well! Echinacea would have to be my favorite flower. I love all the bright colors they come in and the birds the cones attract throughout the season.”
MaryEllen Russo
Annual Nursery Manager
"My name is MaryEllen & I keep things organized & hopefully inviting in our Annual Department.
I love helping people figure out which plants will work best for their specific situations. One of my personal favorites is Persian Shield, a beautifully variegated dark leaf Annual that grows about 24" tall.
If you don't know what that is come on in & I will be happy to share my knowledge with you!"
Barb & Johnny
Design Team
Our designers create all the beautiful potted arrangements you see at Barlow's! From large outdoor patio planters and hanging baskets to indoor gift baskets and dish gardens - this talented team can do it all. Stop in and say hi next time you visit!
Grace Miller
Greenhouse Manager
Grace oversees all of our houseplants, from researching new varieties & ordering them to caring for them once they arrive.
She loves seeking out new unique plant varieties and introducing them to our customers.
Her favorite part about working at Barlow's is how things are always changing and each season always brings something new!
Cass Daugherty
Marketing
Cass handles all the marketing & e-commerce duties here at Barlow's and is in charge of scheduling our events & classes.
Her favorite parts about working at Barlow's are connecting with other gardeners & learning new things about indoor & outdoor plants.
Her favorite flower is the columbine and in her downtime you can find her hyperfocusing on some new hobby.