About Us
Welcome to Fiddleheads Garden Center—a family-owned oasis nestled in the heart of Dalton, Georgia. At Fiddleheads, we share a simple yet powerful mission: to cultivate joy through plants and connect with people who love them as much as we do. When you walk through our doors, you’ll be greeted by the charm of an 1890s barnwood interior, the warm smiles of our team, and the unmistakable sense that you’ve found a special place.
Our Roots
Our story begins with a seed planted by my grandmother, Helen Lane. She introduced me to the magic of gardening as a young child, setting the stage for a lifelong love affair with plants. That passion led me, Sam Brown, to the University of Georgia, where I earned a degree in landscape architecture. But after nearly a decade designing outdoor spaces in an office, I felt the call of the soil and sunshine pulling me back to my roots.In 2011, with little more than determination, a shared vision, and the odds stacked against us, Fiddleheads Garden Center was born. My co-founder, Erik Gallman, and I started with a shoestring budget, no retail experience, and a community reeling from economic challenges. Despite the hurdles—and the unimaginable loss of Erik in 2013—Fiddleheads took root, thanks to the unwavering support of our family, friends, and volunteers.
Growing Together
Growing Together Fiddleheads is more than a garden center—it’s a family, both literally and figuratively. My parents, Greg and Denise Brown, were instrumental in keeping our doors open and helping us grow. Today, my wife, Carrie, has joined the team full-time after retiring from 21 years of teaching. Our two boys, Brice and Finn, have practically grown up in the greenhouses, helping out whenever and wherever they can. The Fiddleheads team has grown over the years to include an amazing group of plant enthusiasts who bring expertise, creativity, and heart to everything we do. People like Crystal Conner, our greenhouse manager since 2015, have added their own magical touches to make Fiddleheads what it is today.
Why We Do What We do
Gardening is about more than just plants. It’s about creating spaces where you can relax, connect with nature, and make memories with loved ones. For us, it’s also about resilience—growing through challenges and blooming into something beautiful. From our humble beginnings to becoming a hub for plant lovers across the Southeast, every step of this journey has been rooted in passion and community. Come Grow With UsWhether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time “frond,” we’re so grateful to have you as part of the Fiddleheads family. Stop by, explore our greenhouses, chat with our friendly team, and find something special to take home. Let’s keep growing together.