Meet Merrilee Ganim DeFarias!

Meet Merrilee Ganim DeFarias, owner of Ganim’s Garden Center and Florist, LLC, a staple to Fairfield and mom to amazing daughters. Ganim’s opened as a simple fruit stand called Ganim’s Outdoor Market in 1938 by Merrilee’s grandfather, John Ganim. The Route 8/25 highway connector system forced John to leave his North Avenue location. In 1969 the business moved to its present location at 320 Kings High Cut-Off. John and his son Lee worked side-by-side to expand the business to becoming the premier garden center in the area.

Merrilee and her brother Austin joined their father at Ganim’s after they both graduated from college. Merrilee is the Floral Department manager and designer and Austin is the owner of Austin Ganim Landscape Design, LLC and Lawn Care of Fairfield LLC.

During COVID shutdown Merrilee navigated the task of getting product to her customers while limiting her and her employees’ contact. She stated “we created home projects: kids seed starting kits, succulent kits and more to help keep gardening alive during this wild virus. We offered free local home deliveries as well as limited contact curbside pickup daily. Employees that typically worked outdoors were now working indoors to answer phones and take orders – we worked overtime to get orders ready the next day. We created a Mother’s Day quarantine basket and tried our best to help local businesses – we survived and are thankful for our employees – without them we wouldn’t have made it happen! We still offer curbside pickup for those unsure of coming in and for parents who don’t want to take their kids out of the car!”

If you haven’t taken a holiday class at Ganim’s be sure to mark your calendar for a wreath making class this December! Classes are COVID friendly as the classes are outside! Ganim’s hosts several wreath and boxwood decorating classes. I’ve taken both classes numerous times. Lee and Merrilee are the kindest and most patient instructors to take a class with. Not only do you decorate a gorgeous wreath but you get to adorn your wreath with a stunning bow of your choosing! I’ve gone back Ganim’s to purchase extra ribbon and pre-made bows for decorating my home!

Fun Fact: Merrilee played rugby in college and is a huge animal lover – she’s someday would lobe to work or run an animal sanctuary – we’re thinking she’ll be expanding Ganim’s!

Download their app, Ganim’s Garden Center & Florist and earn $10 off your purchase of $50 or more and $10 off your purchase on your birthday!

Ganim’s Garden Center & Florist

320 King’s Highway Cutoff

Fairfield, CT 06824

203-333-5662

www.ganimsgardencenter.com

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