Family tradition at Barlow Flower Farm

Added on 11 September 2023

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Tom Barlow carries on his father’s legacy of growing quality plants at Barlow Flower Farm.

In 1983, when Stephen and Leslie Barlow bought the horticulture business that became Barlow Flower Farm, the property consisted of an old farmhouse and two retail greenhouses. 40 years later, the operation fills 28 greenhouses and a 10,000-square-foot retail structure as the second generation continues growing the family business.

After growing up around the business, their son Stephen took over as general manager. Their other son, Tom, spent time working in retail and culinary fields before returning to the greenhouse about eight years ago to help launch Barlow’s second location — a production facility in Wall Township, a few miles away from the original retail location in Sea Girt, New Jersey.

What began as an old farmhouse and two retail greenhouses has expanded into an operation that fills 28 greenhouses and a 10,000-square-foot retail structure.

Now as head grower, Tom Barlow oversees growing at both locations as the brothers carry on their father’s legacy for producing quality plants. “I guess I got my dad’s green thumb,” he says. “I always enjoyed growing and it’s always been a passion of mine.”