Inspiring Conversations with Melanie Whitten of Gunters Greenhouse

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Whitten.

Hi Melanie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Gunters Greenhouse began in 1981 as a small family business run by my mom and dad. They started this greenhouse business with only three small greenhouses. They sold outdoor annuals, perennials, and herbs and vegetables. In 2002, my husband and I took over the greenhouse, and we continued to grow tremendously throughout the years as a business with our growing family. In late 2024, we even announced the opening of our online shop. Today, we continue to sell in store, where you can find a variety of outdoor spring and fall annuals, perennials, herbs, and shrubs, as well as our beautiful houseplants. Our online store focuses mainly on shipping our indoor houseplants.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been an easy road. When my husband and I first took over the greenhouse, I had recently lost my dad. We also had three young kids while building up our business, so making sure we prioritized family time as well as continuing to grow our business wasn’t always easy. Recently, my husband had surgery this year, and that brought on its own struggles as well.

We’ve been impressed with Gunters Greenhouse, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Gunters Greenhouse is a small family-owned business. We absolutely love what we do, and we have such a passion for growing plants. We grow a variety of outdoor plants for both spring and fall. Our unique houseplants are grown all year around. we also sell our indoor houseplants online for shipping. What sets us apart from others is we are a multi-generational family business that grows our own plants on site, as well as our ability to offer personal advice, tips and knowledge, as well as connecting with our customers and building relationships. We are most proud of our family legacy and passion. Our family is a big part of brand story, our family has truly built this business from the ground up with love, care and dedication.

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters to us is family, healthy plants, and personal connections. We wouldn’t where we are today without family and our ability to lean on each other. Healthy plants and great quality are important to us for the simple fact that we want the best for everyone who shops with us. We don’t just want our plants healthy here in store, but we want everyone to have success with their new plants at home. We wouldn’t be anywhere without our amazing customers which is why personal connections are also important to us. We love how our customers leave feeling just like family to us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://guntersgreenhousenc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guntersgreenhouse/
• Other: https://guntersgreenhouseshop.myshopify.com/