Christen Farm Nursery Celebrates 30 Year Anniversary
Greg and Chris Christen put their faith in our community and planted a tiny seedling of a business. Chris planned to run it on her own until her daughter Lisa graduated with a degree in Landscape Design.
At the time, Greg hadn’t intended to be a full-time partner. But by 1996, it became clear the new family business needed all hands on deck. He left his engineering job to join Chris and Lisa full time—and together, they’ve built something remarkable.
Lisa’s partner, Rick, came on board to manage and lead the landscape installation team. The family members also include Lisa’s sons Peyton and Rylee and both their partners Alayna and Mikayla. Greg has also added Christen Golf Cars to the list of on-site businesses, offering sales and repair of golf cars.
Now, 30 years and an amazing group of employees later, Christen Farm Nursery continues to thrive—thanks to both its dedicated staff and the loyal customers from Holmen, Onalaska, and the surrounding communities. Lisa shares with a smile, “If I had a penny for every time a new customer says, ‘From the road, I had no idea this place was so big!’—I’d be rich!”
Chris often laughs with friends who ask, “So you think you want to own a garden center?” She remembers the early days when she was mostly waiting on customers by herself, with only her friendly yellow lab Ruby, who is still fondly remembered by long-time patrons. Today, the challenge is less about doing it alone and more about continually recruiting seasonal staff and inventory in an ever-changing retail landscape.
One of the greatest joys for Chris and Lisa is the steady stream of customers who return each year to celebrate the season and beautify their yards. “Our customers have taught us more than any book or formal education—just listen,” Chris says. Another blessing: the lifelong friendships they've formed with staff who feel like extended family, even long after they’ve moved on.
When asked what drives their success, Chris replies, “It’s never giving up—and giving up a lot along the way.” She credits the Holmen and Onalaska communities for their unwavering support, even through challenges like road construction and the pandemic. “Just incredible loyalty,” she adds.
Customers often compliment the nursery’s healthy, vibrant plant material, and Lisa and Chris always credit their dedicated staff—especially long-time team members Betty, Lisa G, and many more who make daily excellence possible.
The business has grown well beyond the greenhouse. The landscaping division is a thriving part of Christen Farm Nursery, managed by Paige, the in-house landscape designer. Paige oversees all aspects of the landscape planning and design process, ensuring each project reflects the client’s vision and integrates seamlessly with their outdoor space. Whether it’s a front yard refresh or a full backyard transformation, Paige brings creativity, professionalism, and an artist’s eye to every job.
Inside the barn gift shop, customers are welcomed by a warm and inviting atmosphere filled with seasonal treasures and unique finds. The store is thoughtfully arranged by longtime merchandiser, Kim, with eye-catching displays of solar lighting, wind chimes, birdbaths, garden flags, outdoor rugs, and home décor items. Shoppers enjoy browsing a wide selection of gifts, garden accents, and plant care products that add personality and charm to any space. Whether you're looking for a special gift or the perfect finishing touch for your yard or home, the barn store offers something for everyone.
Christen Farm Nursery is proud to be a full-service garden center, offering trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and tropical plants, along with bulk products like mulch, rock, gravel, compost, sand, and E-soil. Delivery, planting, and full-service installation are available, and their landscaping crew helps keep customer yards looking their best all season long.
In the early years, the Christen family knew nearly everyone in the Holmen and Onalaska communities. As the nursery has grown alongside the area, their commitment to offering knowledgeable, personalized service to both new and longtime customers has remained unchanged.
Looking ahead, the Christens are beginning to plan for the next generation to take the reins. With strong roots in the community and a growing, dedicated team, the future of Christen Farm Nursery looks as bright as a spring bloom.
To celebrate 30 incredible years in business, Christen Farm Nursery is hosting a 30-Year Anniversary Extravaganza! On June 28th, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., customers are invited to join in the festivities with special sales throughout the garden center, exclusive prize drawings, and exciting giveaways. Highlights include the chance to win one of 30 beautiful perennial plants, bundled garden décor prizes perfect for sprucing up your outdoor space, and a stay at Kalahari Resorts. It’s the Christens’ way of saying thank you to the loyal community that’s helped them grow from a humble seedling into a thriving local favorite. In addition, the nursery will close early this day to host a private 30th Anniversary Employee Alum Appreciation Celebration. Stop by on this special day, celebrate, and enjoy the season with them!
