Key to the Good Life: Where Traditions Bloom
Berridge Nurseries and the magic of Seasons
By Michelle Jacoby
Nestled near the base of Camelback Mountain — surrounded by lush eucalyptus trees, towering palms and fragrant citrus groves — lies a beloved place where traditions have blossomed for generations.
For 86 years, Berridge Nurseries has been a cornerstone of the Phoenix community. Founded in 1938 by Jim Berridge Jr., the nursery first put down roots at a small spot at Central Avenue and Earll Drive. As it grew, so did its location. In 1952, Berridge moved to a sprawling 20 acres at Camelback Road and 16th Street that included retail space, which he leased to local businesses, including a patio furniture store and the now-iconic Duck & Decanter sandwich shop.
While the nursery flourished there for 30 years, by 1980, Berridge found its forever home just down the street at Camelback and 46th Street, where Jim’s granddaughters, Christine Fortman and Melinda Walton, continue to carry on the family tradition.
“Melinda and I are the third generation of owners,” Fortman said. “Growing up, we both worked as cashiers. But after graduating from high school, our mom encouraged us to follow our own paths. ‘The nursery will always be here for you,’ she told us.”
And so they did. Walton built a successful career in health and safety, while Fortman thrived in PR and events. But life has a funny way of bringing you back to your roots. Walton returned to the nursery 21 years ago, and Fortman followed about eight years later.
While the nursery is focused on retail, offering carefully sourced plants from trusted growers — mostly in Arizona and some in California — it’s more than just a place to buy greenery. In 1980, the sisters’ mother, Meredith Walton, brought a touch of holiday magic to the business with Seasons, a Christmas-themed shop housed inside one of the nursery’s greenhouses. What began with just four Christmas trees and a few baskets of ornaments has since transformed into a magical winter wonderland featuring more than 30 themed trees, ranging from classic holiday charm to whimsical, creative displays.
“Mom was ahead of her time,” Fortman said proudly. “She would travel to trade markets in Dallas, Atlanta and California to really get a foothold. No one else was doing anything like this in a garden center.”
Today, Walton is still hands-on, working alongside lead designer Josi Tank to bring fresh and exciting ideas to Seasons every year. “We start in June and finish in September,” Fortman said, smiling as she recalled how her mom would come home “hot, tired and covered in glitter” after long days of setting up displays.
Always aiming to outdo the previous season, the design team has fun new themes in store for shoppers this year. One highlight is the Peaches and Cream Tree, inspired by Pantone’s 2024 Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz. Another crowd-pleaser is the Kitchen Tree, which has become a fan favorite over the years. “It’s filled with ornaments shaped like mixing bowls, cookies, candy and a Santa with a baker’s hat,” Fortman said. “This year’s theme is Sugar Plum, and it’s absolutely adorable.”
The Under the Sea Tree remains a customer favorite, with ocean-themed ornaments that have charmed visitors for 15 years. Christine recalls a heartwarming story of one loyal customer who has purchased an ornament from the ocean tree every year since it began. “She sent me a picture of her tree, and it was stunning,” Fortman said, touched by the customer’s dedication to building her own holiday tradition.
It’s those special stories that leave a lasting impression, Fortman said, proving that Berridge Nurseries has become a holiday staple for many. “People come in at the start of the season, share photos of a special nook or space in their home, and we help them find just what they need.”
To learn more, visit berridgenursery.com.
