For over a century, Fanick’s Garden Center has been a cornerstone of Texas horticulture, thanks to the vision and dedication of Eddie Fanick Sr. A self-taught nurseryman, Eddie transformed a barren piece of land into a thriving botanical oasis, pioneering the cultivation of rare plants, innovative tree varieties, and high-quality flowers. His passion for experimentation led to the introduction of beloved trees like the Fan-Tex Ash and Fan-Stil Pear, which continue to shape landscapes across the Southwest. More than just a businessman, Eddie was a mentor, a lifelong learner, and a true pioneer in horticulture. His legacy lives on through the generations of his family who continue to run the nursery, ensuring that Fanick’s remains a trusted name in gardening and plant cultivation.
The Legacy of Eddie Fanick Sr.
A Life Dedicated to Horticulture and Innovation
Early Life & Education
Eddie Fanick Sr. was born on June 15, 1902, in Praha, Texas. He left school after the third grade to help his family but continued his education by reading and learning hands-on skills.
Marriage & Family
In 1924, he married Marie Antonette Gueldner and moved to San Antonio. They raised four children: Eddie Jr., John, Jane, and James.
Career Before Horticulture
Before entering the nursery business, Eddie worked as:
- A fashion buyer for Wolf & Marx department store.
- A buyer at Ewing’s Fabric store.
- A delivery driver for Mistletoe Creamery, using a mule and wagon.
The Birth of a Nursery Vision
In the 1920s, Eddie started a part-time business, Gardens of Iris, where he bred and introduced bearded iris cultivars. A turning point came when a local woman gave him Scarlett O’Hara morning glory seeds, which he later sold in New York for $900. He used the money to buy an acre of land, laying the foundation for what would become Fanick’s Nursery.
WWII Service & Nursery Growth (1940–1946)
In 1940, Eddie became Head Gardener at the San Antonio Arsenal, where he:
- Maintained the grounds and planted rooftop gardens to camouflage buildings during WWII.
- Gained valuable horticultural experience before retiring in 1949 to focus on his nursery.
By 1946, he expanded the business into a full-scale nursery, planting a vast collection of trees, flowers, and shrubs. His philosophy was simple: plant everything to test its adaptability.
Fanick’s Garden Center: A Texas Landmark
Located at 1025 Holmgreen St., Fanick’s Garden Center has remained a family-run business for four generations, preserving the legacy of its founder, Eddie Fanick Sr. Unlike many modern garden centers, Fanick’s has never relied on advertisements, instead building its reputation through word of mouth and a commitment to quality. The nursery is more than just a place to buy plants—it is a botanical oasis, home to a diverse and rare plant collection, including Japanese raisin trees, white coral vines, and Montezuma cypress. Its unique charm and dedication to horticulture have made it a beloved destination for plant enthusiasts across Texas.
Innovations & Contributions to Horticulture
Eddie Fanick introduced several new plant varieties, including:
- Fan-Tex ash (1964) – A seedless, borer-resistant tree popular in the Southwest.
- Fan-West ash – Adapted for hot, dry climates.
- Fan-Stil pear – A drought-tolerant pear variety.
- Fan-Blue Giant fig, Fan-Silk Flame mimosa, and Fan-San seedless mulberry.
- Over 115 varieties of pecan trees, testing their adaptability in Texas conditions.
A Legacy of Honesty & Knowledge
Eddie Fanick was known for his unfiltered honesty when it came to plants. Customers valued his straightforward advice, even if it was occasionally delivered with colorful language. His expertise and integrity earned him the respect of horticulturists, including Dr. Jerry Parsons of the Texas Extension Service, who regarded him as one of the most knowledgeable and trustworthy nurserymen.
Despite having only a third-grade education, Eddie was a lifelong learner, amassing an extensive collection of horticultural books to deepen his understanding. His dedication to education and community led him to co-found San Antonio’s first Men’s Garden Club, and he remained an active member of both local and national gardening organizations throughout his life.
Perseverance & Passion in Later Years
After the passing of his wife, Marie, in 1985, Eddie remained deeply committed to his work, believing that staying active kept the mind sharp and the body strong. Retirement was never an option for him; as long as he could get up in the morning, he would be in the nursery. Even in his 90s, he continued overseeing the business, often touring the grounds in a golf cart and personally inspecting new plant experiments.
Passing & Continuing the Tradition
Eddie Fanick passed away on April 6, 1995, at the age of 92, leaving behind a thriving nursery and an enduring legacy. His son John took over the business, incorporating it as Fanick’s Garden Center Inc. However, tragedy struck again when John passed away in 1996, leaving the nursery in the hands of his sons, Mark and Mike.
Today, the fourth generation of the Fanick family continues to run the business with the same dedication and passion, ensuring that the nursery remains a cornerstone of Texas horticulture as it approaches its 100-year anniversary.
A Lasting Legacy
Eddie Fanick was more than just a nurseryman—he was a visionary, a mentor, and a Texas horticultural icon. His philosophy of lifelong learning and hands-on experience continues to inspire those who walk through the nursery’s gates. His belief in perseverance and purpose lives on, reminding future generations that staying active and engaged is the key to a fulfilling life.