Village Green will bid farewell to the local Rockford community on December 23 after 60 years in the industry. The local business offered over 1,000 varieties of plants, outdoor furniture, and an expansive cooking center.
Longtime Rockford Business Village Green to Close
Shoppers have been flocking to Village Green Nursery since the company announced it will close this December. The home and garden center announced on social media a clearance sale with discounts ranging from 70% to 90%.
In one of the posts, the brand noted the final markdowns before its last day, announcing deep discounts on remaining inventory. “These are the final markdowns before our last day open on December 23, 2025. Shop DEEP discounts on remaining inventory, display pieces, and other odds and ends,” the post read.
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The sale excludes premade containers and seasonal plants. Refunds, returns, and exchanges will not be accepted, the post said. Gift cards can still be redeemed for merchandise through December 23.
Village Green was sold to another family-owned nursery, Platt Hill Nursery, in October, which will take ownership in January. According to media outlets, the nursery was sold by the founder’s children, who had different careers and were uncertain about operating the business for long.
About Village Green
Founded by the late Laurence Smith and William Swadley in 1965, Village Green remained locally owned for 60 years. The company has provided the largest garden in Northern Illinois and is among the largest furniture spots in the country.
The company won What Rocks Rockford’s Best Garden Center award in 2019 and 2022, among other honors. It has also received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 from Laurence Smith. Village Garden has also been recognized as an innovative independent garden center by Lawn & Garden Retailer in 2023.
Village Green also earned multiple Apollo Awards for Best Casual Furniture Showroom and Best Retailer. The Rockford staple will close on December 23, ending six decades of serving the local community with plants, furniture, and home goods.
