In 2024, T&L Nursery acquired the facility and operations of Klem’s Greenhouse. Both located in Redmond, Washington, both Klem’s and T&L have been in the industry since the mid 198. We are excited to continue Klem’s legacy by growing Rieger Begonias well into the future.

Mark Klemmedson’s journey into horticulture began as an unexpected shift from his original plans for a career in medicine. While attending Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, Mark discovered his passion for growing plants and decided to pursue it as a career. After three years at Whitman, he transferred to Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, where he earned a degree in Horticulture in 1980.

After graduation, his professional journey began at Molbak’s Greenhouse in Woodinville, Washington in a newly established Grower Trainee program. Though initially designed as a two year role, Mark quickly demonstrated his aptitude within the position and earned a promotion to Grower of Flowering Crops after just one year. A year later, he also assumed responsibility for the Foliage department, gaining valuable experience that would later shape his own business.

After he left Molbak’s, in May 1985, Mark founded Klem’s Greenhouse in Duvall, Washington. Initially operating out of leased greenhouses, the business relocated to Redmond, Washington in January 1987, establishing a permanent base. Mark’s vision was to provide growers with a reliable source of Rieger Begonia rooted cuttings, a product that became the cornerstone of its enterprise. In its first year, Klem’s also offered Tulips, Daffodils, and Hyacinths in tray packs for local garden centers. By the second year, finished Rieger Begonias in various pot sizes were added, catering to local florists.

Mark’s commitment to innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit drove the business forward. While initially relying on traditional leaf propagation for begonias, he adopted the European-rooted tip cutting method in 1990, reducing costs and improving reliability. By 1995, Klem’s began shipping unrooted cuttings throughout the United States, expanding its reach.

In the early 1990s, Klem’s introduced roof-vented greenhouses with moving tables, a system which significantly enhanced labor efficiency and contributed to the business's long-term success. The company also established relationships with major retailers, such as Fred Meyer, Safeway, and Payless, through its tray pack bulb program. A chance meeting in 1992 led to a partnership with Costco, further boosting the business with Rieger Begonias and bulbs for the chain’s new plant department.

Despite challenges, such as rising freight costs and competition from European propagators, Mark continuously adapted his business model. By eliminating the rooted cutting stage and transitioning to a direct stick method, Klem’s improved crop quality and production efficiency consistently over time.

Under Mark’s leadership, Klem’s Greenhouse became synonymous with high-quality Rieger Begonias. Over the years, other crops were trialed but later phased out, allowing the company to focus on its core products: Rieger Begonias and tray pack bulbs. While the bulb program was discontinued in 2020 due to declining demand, Klem’s Rieger Begonias flourished, particularly through local partnerships with companies throughout the Seattle metro area and Washington state. Today, Klem’s Greenhouse grows over 50 different varieties of Rieger Begonias in 8 different size pots, including hanging baskets.

Mark’s innovative spirit, resilience, and dedication to quality have solidified Klem’s Greenhouse as a respected name in the horticultural industry. His journey is a true testament to the power of following one’s passion and continuously evolving to meet the needs of an ever-changing market. Here at T&L, we are honored and excited to keep Mark’s legacy alive and will continue to grow beautiful Rieger Begonias, just as Mark has done for nearly 40 years.