H. Eberhard Nurseries has been in business in East Moriches for 90 years. Owner John Eberhard also recently celebrated his 80th birthday on July 8, with a party thrown by his wife of 53 years, Judy, with friends and family. They are the third generation of the family-owned farm.

Their motto is: “The best things in life are green!” And they have lived by that motto for all nine decades. The farm was first started in Franklin Square by Hermann J. Eberhard, shortly after he came to this country from Germany. Then, in 1957, he bought land in East Moriches and began a second operation raising trees and shrubs. Today, Hermann’s son, John H. Eberhard, and his two daughters, Stacy and Lisa, run the place.

The tree farm, located at 202 Pine Street, has over 100 acres of responsibly grown trees and shrubs for both residential and large-scale commercial properties. They offer a wide selection of shade and flowering trees, evergreens, shrubs and perennials. They also carry varieties of hydrangeas and raise their own green giant arborvitae, emerald-green arborvitae, Leyland cypress and privet hedge for all privacy needs.

In addition to trees, they also offer expert designing services and arrangements, which can be delivered. Employees dig the plants and load your truck, and they are always fully stocked and ready for last-minute pickups.

“I certainly want to wish John a very happy birthday. The Eberhards are a part of the fabric of the area and have been very active for a very long time,” said councilman Dan Panico, explaining that the nursery is part of the history of the community.

Judy said the best part of working in the area for so long is the people who she meets along the way, and when asked what the secret to a successful business is? She narrowed it down to one thing: family.