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OUR STORY

Heritage Farm & Garden carries on the legacy of Martin Viette Nurseries, keeping the same passion for plants, quality, and community.

“We are as passionate about maintaining the horticultural heritage of Long Island as we are about providing the community with a welcoming atmosphere to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of nature” – Steven Dubner, Owner

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Our journey

1920

A New Beginning

Martin Viette emigrates to New York from Switzerland to apprentice under Theodore Havemeyer at Cedar Hill Estate and falls in love with horticulture.

1926-1929

Where It First Began

Viette completes his time at Cedar Hill Estates with ambitious plans to open his own 20 acre nursery in Syosset to service Long Island and New York City. Martin Viette Nurseries was born.

1935

A Growing Legacy

Viette’s son, Andre Viette, is born, eventually following in his Father’s footsteps. The Viette’s specialized in the hybridization of perennials – specifically day lilies, poppies, iris and hostas.

1950s

The Roots Take Hold

Business is booming, and Viette relocates his business, Martin Viette Nurseries, to 6050 Northern Blvd, a sprawling 42 acres of land in Muttontown, NY.

1976

The Business Changes Hands

Times are changing! Martin Viette sells his business to the Ireland family, and moves his own family to Fishersville, Virginia to open Viette Nurseries. The Ireland’s focused on specialized service to stand out from the local competition. Think expertly trained staff, delivery services, and community services.

1976

The First Fall Festival

Martin Viette Nurseries celebrates their first annual Fall Festival, bringing together the community to celebrate the fall season with pumpkin picking, seasonal treats, fall plants, & children activities.

2016

New Chapter, Same Values

Martin Viette Nurseries is sold after 87 years in business. Steven Dubner of Steven Dubner Landscaping purchases the business with intentions of keeping the love of horticulture alive on Long Island.

2016-2017

Heritage Farm & Garden Opens Its Doors

Heritage Farm & Garden opens its doors, continuing the legacy of Martin Viette Nurseries by offering top quality plant material, high end pottery and garden supply while also integrating a modernized selection of home decor, art, and home accessories.

A Legacy Rooted in Horticulture

The story of our garden center begins more than a century ago, driven by passion, craftsmanship, and a deep love for horticulture. In 1920, a young Martin Viette emigrated from Switzerland to New York, where he apprenticed under renowned horticulturist Theodore Havemeyer at the Cedar Hill Estate. It was there that Viette fell in love with horticulture, planting the seeds for what would become a lasting legacy on Long Island. From 1926 – 1929, after nearly a decade of learning and hands-on experience, Martin Viette established his own garden center in Syosset, New York, servicing Long Island and New York City with a particular focus on perennials. His dedication, knowledge, and eye for quality quickly earned him a strong reputation. The legacy continued in 1935 with the birth of his son, Andre Viette, who would later carry on the family tradition. Andre became especially known for his work in hybridization, with a particular emphasis on daylilies, further cementing the Viette family’s reputation in the horticultural world.

The 1950s marked a period of remarkable growth. As the business flourished, Martin Viette relocated operations to a sprawling 42-acre property at 6050 Northern Boulevard in Muttontown. This location became a cornerstone of Long Island horticulture, serving generations of gardeners, landscapers, and plant enthusiasts. In 1976, the business was sold to the Ireland family, marking a new chapter in its history. Under the leadership of brothers Michael and Russell Ireland, the garden center adapted to a rapidly changing retail landscape. When a nearby big-box store announced plans to open, the Ireland family made a strategic decision to stand apart—not by size, but by service. Knowledgeable sales associates became the heart of the business, with customers frequently requesting staff by name. Shorter register lines, personalized attention, and staying ahead of product trends ensured the garden center remained competitive and beloved within the community.

After an extraordinary 87 years in operation, the garden center closed in 2016, and the business was purchased by the Dubner family. Steven Dubner acquired the property with the vision of having his daughter, Wendy Dubner, take over operations. Wendy brought more than 25 years of industry experience, ranging from pottery design to home décor, along with a keen awareness of evolving trends. She vowed to bring fresh perspective, while honoring the site’s rich history. The Dubner family also emphasized philanthropy and community involvement. Notably, Candy Dubner, wife of Steven Dubner, initiated plans to run a program for special needs adults in the greenhouse, ensuring the space would continue to serve the community in a meaningful way. On April 5, 2016, Heritage Farm & Garden proudly opened its doors. Built on the foundation laid by Martin Viette nearly a century earlier, Heritage continues the legacy by offering top-quality plant material, premium pottery, gardening supplies, seeding and lawn care products, and much more. Expanding upon tradition, Heritage introduced a stronger focus on home décor and art, showcased in the thoughtfully curated sections throughout the store.

From the beginning, Heritage committed to hiring seasoned horticulturists, experienced visual merchandisers, and a dedicated sales team, ensuring that every customer receives expert guidance and inspiration. While the space evolved, many core values remained unchanged: serving a discerning clientele who value quality and service, offering planting and delivery services, providing educational opportunities, engaging with the community through festivals and outreach, and—above all—keeping Long Island beautiful. Today, Heritage stands as both a continuation and a celebration of a century-long love affair with horticulture. Rooted in history and growing toward the future, we remain dedicated to nurturing gardens, inspiring homes, and keeping the love of plants alive on Long Island for generations to come.