Established in 1999

Rooted in Experience

Scioto Gardens was founded in 1999 by Michael and Linda Johnson. They grew Scioto Gardens into a nursery that provides high-quality plants with an emphasis on native plants and natural soil. Their plant passion included unique and useful imported species, provided they were not species that would invade or harm our local environment.

During his work in the green industry, Michael noticed the nursery industry had moved toward aggressive ‘factory style’ processes that finished plants quickly.  He believed the accelerated process was at the expense of long-term plant health.  His observations and their combined academic training led them to use more natural growing methods.

In May 2019, a new team of partners purchased the nursery and have carried on their legacy, allowing the Johnsons to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.  The current group of owner-partners includes Christine Dilley, Mark Dilley, Amy Dutt, Denise Gualtiere, Penny McDowell, and Annette Wright.  We are committed to producing high-quality plants that will awaken any landscape and have purchased property in Delaware County where a new nursery site is being built.  Stay tuned for updates!  We anticipate opening at the new site in the summer of 2024.

MikeLindaJohnson

Mike & Linda Johnson

Denise, Penny, Amy, Mark, Chris & Annette

Denise Gualtiere

Nursery Operations Manager, Landscape Designer


Amy Dutt

Ecological Landscape Designer and Chemical Engineer


Christine Dilley, MBA

Business and Communications Analyst


Penny McDowell

Landscape Designer


Annette Rosati Wright

Professional Gardener, Horticultural Therapy Specialist


Mark Dilley

Professional Wetland Scientist, Certified Senior Ecologist, & Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner