Silvermine Gardens of Fairfield County, CT was established in 2000 by husband and wife team Jan Peterson and James Kiszka. Having grown up with grandparents who farmed in Connecticut, Jan’s passion for garden design and the outdoors came naturally.

After a successful career in publishing and the strain of raising a family, she felt her life was out of balance. With the support of family and friends, she started taking freelance jobs, helping homeowners design gardens, plant and care for them. As her client list grew and her passion for the business rekindled, a unique opportunity arose. A fellow landscape designer approached her about combining his labor force with her penchant for garden design and care. In January 2001, she quit the corporate track and decided to pursue her dream full time. Hence was the birth of Silvermine Gardens.

Jan's husband, James, worked with a landscape company installing new plantings, masonry work, patios, walkways, etc. He then pursued a degree in civil engineering and landscape design, as the controller and by providing business management support.

In October of 2001, the company further expanded with the purchase of Stewart Flowers, a retail florist and gift shop, located in Wilton, CT. www.stewartflowers.net

Today Jan and James have built a successful landscape design and retail business, having designed gardens and landscapes throughout Fairfield County area.

Jan is a member of the Connecticut Florists Association (CFA), the Society of American Florists (SAF) and the Wilton Chamber of Commerce.