Kevin and Claire Zuidervliet
Kirkwood, Pa. – Today, Octoraro Native Plant Nursery announced a transition in ownership. Claire and Kevin Zuidervliet will assume majority ownership in January 2025. Kevin currently is the Head Propagator at Octoraro.
Jim MacKenzie and Mark Gutshall will remain as minority owners for the next few years to support Claire and Kevin as they learn the ropes of running the nursery.
Octoraro is a leading producer of native trees and shrubs in the Mid-Atlantic region. This announcement comes as Octoraro celebrates 35 years in business.
Planning for a Smooth Transition
Mark Gutshall and Jim MacKenzie
“We’re excited for Claire and Kevin as we help them fulfill a dream of theirs to own a native plant nursery. I often refer to them as the ‘propagation power couple’ because they are truly gifted horticulturalists,” shared Jim.
“Our goal now is to help them achieve business success during this transition and support them in their creative endeavors. These are two of the most qualified and talented young people in our industry, and we have complete confidence in their ability to continue the success of Octoraro while making it their own. Honestly, we couldn’t have scripted this any better for everyone.”
Extensive Background in Horticulture
Claire Zuidervliet developed an early passion for plants on her family’s farm that grew mums and pumpkins. She started her formal plant science education in her high school’s Agriculture Science program, and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Floriculture and Nursery Production with a business minor from Delaware Valley University.
Over the years, Claire has worked in diverse horticultural settings, including garden centers, commercial greenhouses, and public gardens. Claire most recently worked at Mt. Cuba Center as the Conservation Propagator, where she grew a variety of native species, common and rare, adding to the garden’s collections and also for external conservation partners.
Best Practices for Propagating Native Species
Kevin Zuidervliet began his horticultural journey by traveling and working on organic farms in Australia and New Zealand. When he returned to the states, he held an AmeriCorps VISTA position managing a community garden, worked for landscape contractor Shaffer Landscapes, and completed the Professional Horticulture program at Longwood Gardens.
After the program, he earned a full-time position as a Nursery Horticulturist at Longwood’s woody plant nursery. Kevin has worked for Octoraro since 2021 as the Head Propagator. He currently leads a team propagating native trees and shrubs while developing best practices and leading new species evaluation and assessment.
Life-Long Dream Achieved
Claire and Kevin met while working at Longwood Gardens, where they discovered their shared passion for horticulture. They have dreamed of running a nursery together for years.
“Owning just any nursery has never been our goal,” commented Kevin. “We wanted to operate something we believe in. Because of Mark and Jim, that dream has become a reality. I cannot express how thrilled, honored, and grateful we are. Octoraro is a special place and we intend to share that with anyone who interacts with us.”
Octoraro’s Mission Continues
Octoraro’s mission is to assist their customers in improving and sustaining the natural and built environment of the mid-Atlantic region through the use of native plants. Kevin and Claire intend to continue this mission.
“This important mission has driven the success of the nursery for the past 35 years and we have no plans to change it,” explained Claire. “We are proud to become owners of a nursery whose philosophy already aligns so closely with our passion and goals.”
Meet Claire and Kevin at MANTS
Jim and Mark encourage their friends, customers, and partners to join in congratulating Claire and Kevin in person at various events in 2025, including MANTS in Baltimore, MD. Check out Octoraro’s website calendar by clicking the link here. We are excited for the 2025 growing season and the many years ahead with Octoraro’s new ownership team.
