Our Story

For nearly 90 years, the Behnke family served the greater Washington, DC area by sharing plants, knowledge, and a love of gardening. Behnke Nurseries was founded by Albert Behnke, a young German nurseryman who came to the United States with hopes that his horticultural skills would help build a future for his family. Over time, the nursery became a cherished landmark within the local gardening community.

When the retail nursery closed in 2019, one of the hardest losses was the daily connection with customers and employees. As one longtime customer shared, “It was just like losing an old friend — the kind you could depend on when you needed a pick-me-up.” While the physical space closed, the sense of community did not.

Beyond Behnke’s was created as a way to carry that connection forward. Led by Stephanie Fleming, granddaughter of founders Albert and Rose Behnke, the focus shifted from a physical nursery to a curated online space — one rooted in the same values of care, craftsmanship, and curiosity.

Today, Beyond Behnke’s offers thoughtfully chosen gifts inspired by nature and tradition, including fair trade quilled greeting cards and ornaments, garden-inspired finds, and seasonal favorites. From time to time, we also share articles and updates on our main website for those who enjoy staying connected to the gardening world.

Our hope is simple: to offer meaningful products and moments of connection that feel familiar, welcoming, and true to the Behnke name.