From a $2.25-an-Hour Job to a North Atlanta Tradition
Before there was Scottsdale Farms, Luca Gianturco was selling Christmas trees at a Sandy Springs nursery in 1981, earning $2.25 an hour, below the $3.35 minimum wage at the time.
Luca later opened his own Christmas tree lot in Sandy Springs. As the business grew, additional tree lots followed in Vinings and at Marist School, where he had attended high school.
What began as a seasonal venture grew through hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to serving customers well.
In 2000, Luca opened Scottsdale Farms in Milton, the community he proudly calls home.
Today, Scottsdale Farms is a family-owned working farm where most of the plants sold are grown right on the property. Scottsdale Farms also designs and installs beautiful landscapes, offers interior design services, and features a large timber-frame barn built from massive white pine timbers from Vermont, filled with home décor, giftware, and unique finds for the home and garden.
Over the years, Scottsdale Farms has grown into a destination where families gather to shop, enjoy the café, and create lasting memories through beloved traditions such as the Pumpkin Patch, Fall Festival, and Enchanted Christmas Tree Forest. Visitors can also meet the cows, goats, and everyone’s favorite Italian dog, Paulo.
The café is managed by Luca’s son-in-law, and the family tradition continues. Luca’s children began working at Scottsdale Farms when they were about eight years old, and today his grandchildren look forward to helping on the Christmas tree lot each holiday season.
Scottsdale Farms is also committed to developing the next generation of horticultural professionals. Many young employees join the team with an interest in plants and gardening, gaining hands-on experience, valuable skills, and opportunities for growth and advancement.
While Scottsdale Farms has grown far beyond its Christmas tree lot beginnings, the philosophy remains the same:
Work hard. Treat people well. Grow quality plants. Create an exceptional customer experience.