Unique Vibe At Calgo Gardens In Howell Earns National Spotlight

HOWELL, NJ — A lot of heart and hard work have earned Calgo Gardens' owners Mark and Penny Estomin some national recognition recently.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce honored Calgo Gardens as finalists in its America’s Top Small Business Award program, one of only 70 in the nation so named - and one of just two businesses named in New Jersey.

The landmark Howell business, known not only for its landscaping and gardening expertise, but also for its delightful eatery, artisan gift shop and community events, was recognized by the national group in an award celebrating "innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement."

The road to a national award began at the suggestion of a customer, who felt Calgo Gardens' sense of natural beauty, combined with artistic crafts, created a "Zen place" for herself and her daughter, said owner Mark Estomin.

And his wife Penny said she and Mark were "not expecting anything" when they entered the chamber's award program and explained their business to the national group in a series of questions.

"It just happened. It's pretty amazing," Penny Estomin said.

But what is no surprise to the couple is the 45 years of dedication it has taken to develop the business.

Estomin purchased what was originally a Toms River business in 1978. Then the Estomins "transplanted" it to Howell at 462 Adelphia Road (Route 524) in 2008.

Mark Estomin explained that Charlotte Hirsch began Calgo in 1948 on a former chicken farm on North Maple Avenue in Toms River. Her loyal assistant was named Ada, he said. Estomin worked and trained there, ultimately buying the business.

It was Hirsch who created the acronym of "Calgo": Charlotte Ada Landscaping Gardens and Orchard.

The rest is history - 30 years of ownership by Hirsch, and then the purchase by the Estomins 45 years ago.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce

And now, with the new recognition, there are still more steps to go in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce awards process, which saw a total of 15,000 applicants. RBM Maintenance in Parsippany-Troy Hills was the other New Jersey winner.

The 70 winners will compete for one of seven finalist spots in preparation for the announcement of the Chamber’s annual America's Top Small Business Awards winner on Oct. 19. That top winner will be awarded a $25,000 cash prize, the chamber said.

"Small businesses embody the resilience and innovation that define America’s free enterprise system,” said U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark in announcing the award. (Learn more about this year’s top 70 small businesses here.)

And community involvement is a big factor in a business being recognized, the organization said.

"Individually, each small business represents a familiar face, a trusted name, and a vital part of the fabric of their community," Clark said.

Fall art show

Perhaps one of the most popular events Calgo Gardens offers the community is the Fall Art in the Garden show, which will take place this Saturday, Sept. 30. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can register for the event here.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free with a suggested donation of $3 that will support the Joel E. Perlmutter Memorial Food Pantry at The Barn in Manchester, said the Estomins.

The show is a "happy gathering of amazingly talented, local artists and artisans," the Calgo Gardens website says.

You can stroll the grounds, enjoy live music and get a snack at the Tulip Tree Cafe - and support local artists working in an array of media, including watercolors, pottery, jewelry, photography and more.

Mark Estomin noted that there will be 60 artists displaying their work, all in the bucolic setting of Calgo Gardens.

He said farms are disappearing and customers seem to appreciate the chance to experience nature at the art show and during other visits.

The Estomins said at least 95 percent of their customers remark to them that they feel peaceful when they visit the grounds.

"People say 'I just get a feeling that is so calming,' " they agreed.