About us
Learn More About Long Island Natives
Proudly Serving
Municipalities
Native plants provide opportunities for Urban Greening, Stormwater Management, Pollinator Corridors, Nitrogen Reduction.
Retailers
Market trends point towards consumers seeking to support environmentally focused products and services –native plants are now a must have in your garden center.
Environmental Groups
The right selection of local flora for optimal restoration of native habitats.
Landscape Professionals
Products and support to help incorporate native species into breathtaking designs.
200+
Native Species
We’re proud to say we’ve grown over 200 different species of US Native species with a local focus on the species native to Long Island, NY and the surrounding areas.
4 Million +
Native Plants
Our native plants have been supplied by Long Island Natives for numerous ecological restoration efforts and counting.
30+
Staff
We are truly grateful for our knowledgeable, dedicated hardworking nursery professionals who are on site everyday doing what they love.
Why choose us?
At Long Island Natives, we recognize the opportunity to grow for ecologically critical projects in our region. Our company blends horticultural expertise with environmentally sound growing practices.
We offer custom growing opportunities to ensure the plants you’ll need for your project are ready on time, healthy, and regionally appropriate. Our nursery boasts over 70 years of horticultural industry experience.
Our mission.
Long Island Natives aims to grow a diverse selection of both woody and herbaceous species suitable for conservation projects across the Northeastern U.S.
Family owned and operated since 1947
The Gettinger family has worked this 50-acre farm in Eastport NY for nearly a century. Starting as a commercial growing operation, Long Island Natives was created in 2013 with an exclusive focus on growing native vegetation for use in the naturalized landscape.
Our Story
In botany, a sport (or “bud sport”) is a part of a plant that shows morphological differences from the rest of the plant. Sports may differ by foliage shape or color, flowers, or branch structure.
Founded 1947
Long Island Natives is, metaphorically, a sport of Country Gardens Nursery, which was founded in 1947 in Eastport, NY by S. Robert “Bob” Gettinger.
1970s-ish
Bob’s son Brad joins Country Gardens Nursery.
1980s-ish
Brad takes over day-to-day operations at Country Gardens.
2008ish
Brad’s son Matt joins the business, ushering in the third generation of this family-run operation.
2013
Long Island Natives is formed with the sole focus of growing native vegetation for use in the naturalized landscape.
Today
Long Island Natives operates out of a 50 acre farm in Eastport, NY. The business is co-owned and managed today by Brad Gettinger and Matthew Gettinger, the son and grandson of the late Bob Gettinger.
A Family Affair
Long Island Natives is a true family business. Three generations of work have gone into this 50-acre farm, and our family takes great pride in the work we produce here.
Philosophy
“We love working on projects involving the natural environment. Every day our aim is to go out there and do good work, learn, improve and repeat.”
– Matt Gettinger
The Gettinger Family
President
Matt Gettinger
3rd generation nurseryman holds a degree in Operations Management & Marketing from University of Delaware. Matt is a New York State Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional and currently holds a seat on the board of directors for the Long Island Farm Bureau. Matt is an avid fly fisherman with a passion for the outdoors.
Past President & Director of Operations
Brad Gettinger
Brad holds a degree in Ornamental Horticulture from SUNY Cobleskill and has over 30 years of nursery management experience. Brad is a New York State Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional and a past president of both the New York State Nursery & Landscape Association and Long Island Nursery & Landscape Association. Brad enjoys fishing the seasonal coastal waterways surrounding Long Island as well as the Gulf Coast during the winter season.