George Dege is the
owner of Dege Garden Center at 831 N. Century Ave., and he’s been in the family
business "forever" - in other words, he grew up with it. His grandfather started
Dege’s in 1906 in downtown St. Paul, supplying vegetable and grower supplies to area
market growers and homeowners. Since the late 40's, Al Dege operated the seed business and
trained Katie in the 90's to take over after he retired. To this day those beautiful,
antique seed bins take up an entire wall of the store. The seed
department accounts for a significant part of the family business, and is now
run by George’s wife Katie Rhein-Dege.
Flower and vegetable seeds are one of Katie Dege’s
specialties. With knowledge and expertise learned from Al Dege, she has expanded the seed
department and added many new varieties. Seed is now available from 25 sources.
Dege’s has sold bulk seeds to the Farmers Market growers since 1906 as well as
provided packaged seed at wholesale prices to home gardeners. Katie also oversees the
purchase of locally grown annuals, perennials, and waterplants. All of the products sold at Dege’s and the
procedures staff members outline follow that less-is-more philosophy. We try to teach
people that they can do a better job of managing their little piece of the environment.
The correct application of the proper product at the right time means less wasted effort
and investment for the homeowner. We try to save people time and money. Healthy turf pays
dividends in many ways. A good deep root structure catches and holds water, and roots that
have the fertilization they need for their soil types don’t require as much water. In
addition, the average 5,000 square foot lawn provides enough oxygen for a family of four.
Thanks to buyer Vicki Kusz, in
collaboration with Katie and George, the garden center’s statuary, fountains,
birdbaths, and extensive garden decor are second to none. Among items of popular interest
are; windchimes, decorative garden stakes, gazing globes, wall plaques, and stepping
stones.
What may surprise those new to the
Garden Center is the Dege philosophy: "You can do a better job yourself than any lawn
service can and you can time applications as weather permits. Just put what you need when
the time is right."
Throughout the growing season, staff
members Russ Malone and Mike Callery are busy advising homeowners on products for lawn and
tree care. They, like George Dege, can diagnose common problems from samples and cuttings
and have helped many customers with disease and insect control. They are also proficient
in designing a lawn program for those who are unable to attend one of George’s lawn classes.
Best of all, Dege’s Fertilome
lawn and garden products are guaranteed to work, as emphasis is put on teaching the
amateur how to use them properly. That’s what we’re here for: to educate. That
is why George started teaching the lawncare classes in the 1970's. Dege’s grandfather
started the business in 1906 , building its foundation on educating his customers, not
just trying to make sales. Al Dege carried on the tradition and passed it to George in the
1980's. We’re an information source. Customer service has always been a high
priority. That approach has given Dege’s deep healthy roots as it grows toward its
second century. |
