Family business continues to bloom

This story was featured in the July 2024 edition of Sandusky Living magazine. If you're interested in purchasing a copy, call the Register at 419-502-2130 while supplies last. One of Sandusky's most respected legacy businesses of over 80 years continues to grow and expand its roots. Over the years, Corso's Flower and Garden Center in Perkins Township has evolved from a modest beginning into a comprehensive garden center and nursery, catering to the diverse needs of garden enthusiasts, landscapers and homeowners across the region. Blooming into something special The company's history can be traced back to 1935, when August Corso, Sr., and Veronica Corso began their truck farming business at their original location on Bogart Road. At the time, the family solely grew fruits and vegetables like strawberries, corn, celery and tomatoes. Produce was sold in Sandusky and surrounding areas on carts or wagons similar to those seen at modern-day farmer's markets. It was also transported to the Cleveland West Side Market for sale. In 1940, the Bogart Road location was closed, and the U.S. federal government gave the family six months to vacate the property in order to create a TNT plant, which has since grown into the NASA facility. Due to the move and the early success of the business, August and Veronica bought 60 acres of land on Milan Road (U.S. 250), and in 1941 the business moved to its present location. Gus Corso, who served as the third-generation owner of the family business, said that his favorite part is watching things grow, whether it was the plants or even the company. "To see our extended family grow and enjoy the business here and grow the plants, those are things that I find rewarding," Gus said. By 1973, the business expanded and began offering a full-service garden center with trees and shrubs, gardening products and accessories. The company's wholesale division was launched in the mid-eighties and currently produces 11 million plants a year. It supplies perennials to 320 big box stores in 11 states three times weekly throughout the Midwest and New England. The company also employs people from other countries and provides mentorship to people who are interested in getting into the business. What they grow The company's wholesale farm in Castalia grows outdoor plants like perennials, trees and shrubs. Propagation supervisor and grower Lauren Fresch takes pieces of old plants and places them in the soil one by one. Over the next two weeks, the plants will be placed under a machine that lets out a mist at designated times to ensure none are over- or underwatered. "Most of these plants are received from countries like Guatemala and Columbia," Fresch said. The company also has a florist where people can get custom-made pieces for special occasions like birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. Some of the offerings at the garden center include outdoor perennial plants like: • Black-eyed Susan • Blue-eyed Mary • Marsh Marigold • Ox-Eye Sunflower • Swamp Milkweed • Wild Bergamont • Wild Geranium • Wood Poppy • Bee Balm Where is it now? Gus Corso's two sons, Chad and Brad Corso, are the business' current owners, representing the fourth generation of family ownership. Chad serves as the president of Corso's Horticulture and Brad serves as vice president and is in charge of the landscaping department and the retail center. Although the company's landscaping sector wasn't developed until the late 1970s or early 1980s, it has remained one of its most popular services. Brad said that it has seen great success over the years and has even been contracted to do work for the county, including landscaping, mowing and snow plowing. Chad said that they primarily focus on perennials. Many people enjoy the variety offered and the fact that they are relatively low-maintenance, depending on what you get. Today, Corso's Flower and Garden Center remains a staple in Sandusky. From its humble beginnings as a small floral shop to its current status as a comprehensive garden center and nursery, Corso's has remained true to its roots while embracing change and innovation. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of plants and gardening to bring people together, beautify homes and gardens and contribute to the well-being of the planet. "I just think what we have accomplished has been rewarding and we should all be proud of it," Gus said. "The whole family and its employees have worked hard to develop us and get us to where we are now."