National Cousin Day is July 24. To commemorate we want to showcase the cousins of the 3rd generation who are working hard to continue the English Gardens legacy created by their grandparents. 

English Gardens has been a family-run business since 1954, when 3 brothers-in-law acquired the garden center in Dearborn Heights. It is currently being run by the 2nd generation, with four 3rd generation family members learning the ropes. 

Gracie Vespa, daughter of VP Rick Vespa, is the Marketing and Events Coordinator and host of our Let’s Grow video series.

Johnny Darin, son of VP of Retail Operations Dean Darin, is the Operations Manager at English Gardens Plymouth Nursery. 

Rachel Darin, daughter of President John Darin, is a Merchandise Manager-in-Training. 

Tyler Vespa, son of VP Rick Vespa, is a Manager-in-Training at English Gardens Royal Oak. 

We talked with the 4 cousins about their experiences growing up at English Gardens and what it’s like to work with family. 

What is your favorite part of your job?

Gracie: I am happiest and most energized when I get to create. Anything, anywhere, and I am so thankful I get to do that every day. 

Johnny: I love working with the public and helping people beautify their homes. I also enjoy working with our great staff. 

Rachel: It gives me a huge sense of pride when I see my dad in the stores. He has worked so hard to provide for our family and taught all of his daughter’s incredible work ethic. When I run into him in the stores it reminds me how honored I am to carry on my grandpa’s and his legacy. 

Tyler: My favorite part of my job is always learning something new.  

What is the best part about working with family?

Gracie: We have the best family in the world and I feel lucky that we have the opportunity to carry on this legacy. I know my Grandpa and Great Uncles would be so proud of ALL of us.

Johnny: I can always go to my dad and uncle for the best advice. They seem to always have the answer to any problems. I’m very lucky to have them in my corner!

Rachel: I love working with my family because I feel like everything is genuine and at the end of the day we all want one thing: for English Gardens to provide the best product and customer service for our customers.  When it is your family business you know that we all truly do care.

Tyler: The best part of working with family is that we will always remain close. 

What’s the best part about working at English Gardens?

Gracie: Our people and their extraordinary passion – I have learned so much from all of our experts in the stores and they have inspired an even greater love of plants and flowers in me and I’m so grateful for that.

Johnny: Creating a good work environment.  Making the workplace enjoyable for our wonderful staff. The people we work with are what makes English Gardens great! 

Rachel: Being in a family business is definitely at the top.  I also am passionate about our products and as I have gotten older I have become a Gardener myself (a beginner at least).  

Tyler: My favorite part of working at English Gardens is the people I work with.

What’s your favorite memory about English Gardens?

Gracie: Christmas at EG – definitely! My mom would get us all dolled up in our Christmas best for photos with Santa and we would go walk around the stores with my Grandma Mary looking at all the sparkly ornaments and decorations. It was just the best and I really miss those days!

Johnny: My favorite memory of English Gardens is going store to store with my Grandpa and helping him stock shelves. Also waking up at 5 in the morning with my dad in the spring going to unload trucks full of Proven Winners flowers at the Royal Oak store. 

Rachel: My favorite memories about growing up with English Gardens are all of the Holiday open houses, the company-wide picnics in the summer at all of the different campgrounds, and getting to work with people that have been with us since I was 13 years old.  I think overall the best thing about being an EG family member is being able to say that I got to work with my grandfather and father side by side and enjoy so much of what I watched them enjoy growing up!

Tyler: My favorite memory is company picnics and Christmas Open House dinners.

The future is bright and full of possibilities as the newest members of the English Gardens team carve their own path and usher the company into the years to come. 

You can read more about Growing up at English Gardens here.