Did You Know? Disney’s Stunning Gardens Start with a Small Family Business
Disney is known for bringing magic to life in countless ways—from thrilling attractions to unforgettable character experiences. But one of the most breathtaking (and Instagram-worthy) details across Walt Disney World comes in the form of stunning floral displays. Did you know Disney’s stunning gardens start with a small family business just 40 miles from the magic?
From the vibrant Mickey floral greeting guests at the entrance of Magic Kingdom to the meticulously designed topiaries at EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival, Disney’s horticulture team ensures that every petal is perfectly placed.
Photo: Disney
A Family Business Rooted in Disney Magic
For over 50 years, Dutch Mill Nursery has been growing millions of flowers for Walt Disney World, adding pops of color to parks and resorts throughout the seasons. This third-generation, family-run nursery has provided everything from violas and begonias to geraniums and pentas, helping bring Disney’s floral designs to life.
Photo: Disney
John and Irene Lommerse started Dutch Mill Nursery back in 1961 with just one acre and a few planters. Originally, they supplied plants to garden centers and landscapers, but everything changed when Disney began construction for Magic Kingdom’s grand opening in 1971. The nursery soon became a trusted supplier for Walt Disney World, growing alongside the parks themselves!
Today, Dutch Mill Nursery spans over 16 acres with 25 greenhouses, and the Lommerse family’s legacy continues with their children and grandchildren running the business.
Phineas & Ferb Topiaries
Growing Disney’s Floral Magic
Each season, Dutch Mill Nursery works closely with Disney’s horticulture team to grow the perfect plants for Florida’s sunny, sometimes unpredictable climate. Disney’s top horticulturists test and experiment with various species to ensure that every flowerbed, topiary, and landscaped area looks its absolute best year-round.
Groot Topiary – 2025 Flower & Garden Festival
Patrick Zusack, Director of Walt Disney World Horticulture, shared how collaborations with small businesses like Dutch Mill Nursery help keep Disney’s floral magic blooming:
The success of our business is driven by great relationships and collaboration with partners. As the horticulture industry has evolved over the years, Dutch Mill Nursery has been instrumental in supporting us with experimenting and testing various bedding plants for our gardens that are sustainable in our Florida climate.
Fairy Garden
Dutch Mill Nursery is just one of 2,500 Florida-based small businesses that The Walt Disney Company works with to bring the magic to life at Walt Disney World. Disney’s stunning gardens may start with a small business, but they end with thousands of guests enjoying the magic and wonder of the natural world around them at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Anna and Elsa Topiaries
Supporting Small Businesses, Including MickeyTravels!
Disney’s commitment to small businesses goes beyond horticulture! Did you know that The Walt Disney Travel Company has also partnered with MickeyTravels, a small, family-run travel agency, for the past 14 years?
Book your next magical vacation with MickeyTravels
Since 2011, MickeyTravels has helped thousands of families book vacations to:
✅ Walt Disney World
✅ Disneyland
✅ Disney Cruise Line
✅ Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
✅ Adventures by Disney
✅ National Geographic Expeditions
MickeyTravels
When you book your Disney vacation with MickeyTravels, you’re not only getting expert planning services for free—you’re also supporting a small business that Disney itself partners with!
Troll in Norway
So, if you’re dreaming of seeing Disney’s gorgeous gardens, stunning topiaries, and breathtaking floral displays in person, reach out to MickeyTravels today for free vacation planning from a Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.
Photo: Disney
Book your trip now and let the magic bloom!
Pandas in China
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Prehistoric Garden
