About Bates Nursery

In 1932, at the height of the great depression, Bessie Bates embarked on a most visionary and, at the time, seemingly dubious quest. She convinced a skeptical Byron Bates that they should mortgage their house for $200.00 in order to buy cinder block, lumber and glass to build a "hot house" to grow plants in. The Fall of '32 looked grim. Byron was still convinced they would lose everything they owned. "At least we had a home once", he was heard to say. But Bessie persisted. Bessie Bates was so persistent with her love of growing plants and the love of people, that the five year mortgage was paid off after the first spring season in 1933. Byron Bates was then heard to exclaim, "Look what we have done!"

Time passed and the "old home place" at 26th Avenue and Charlotte was outgrown. The family business was moved to Gallatin Road. Bessie Bates, with her two sons, Earl and Wilburn, opened Bates Florist. As time continues to pass, the business prospers. Earl's interests in the florist part of the business diminish as his interests in the nursery grows. In 1955 they separated the two businesses. Soon afterwards, property is bought on Whites Creek Pike. Earl B. Bates Nursery comes to life. Through many years of good times and bad, Earl Bates diligently taught the values of character and work ethic to his children, as he had learned from his mother. Today, Bates Nursery and Garden Center exists as a direct result of these values. We gratefully acknowledge the many lessons of our heritage as we celebrate our 67th year. We dedicate our future efforts to the memories of Bessie M. Bates and Earl B. Bates. It is this much pride, in their memory, that we can say "Beautifying Nashville since 1932."

Map To Bates Nursery

Bates Nursery & Garden Center
3810 Whites Creek Pike
Nashville, TN 37207-1899

Located one mile north of U.P.S. at Briley Parkway, exit 19 at 3810 Whites Creek Pike (ten minutes from downtown).

Phone: (615) 876-1014
Fax: (615) 876-9260