Family business Twitty Nursery enters its second century of serving Texarkana gardeners
By Phoebe Warren

For the past century, families across Texarkana have turned to Twitty Nursery for everything from backyard gardens to full landscape transformations. What began in 1925 as a small nursery founded by R.S. Twitty has grown into one of the region’s most beloved garden centers. Today, the nursery remains a family legacy, now entering its fourth generation of ownership.

In 1948, Katherine and Aubrey Harper purchased the nursery. Their daughter, Jean Crain, and her husband, Bill, joined the business in 1955 and later became partners, further establishing Twitty Nursery as a cornerstone of the community. By 1996, the third generation stepped in when Kathie Eaton and her husband, Mike, took ownership, guiding the nursery through decades of change and innovation.

***The Twitty Nursery property started as a small nursery and, over the decades, has expanded several times to grow into what it is today. submitted photos***

After Twitty Nursery celebrated its 100-year milestone in 2025, the torch was passed once again. Kathie and Mike’s son, Josh Eaton, along with his wife, Marisol, represent the fourth generation of ownership. For Josh, the transition is about far more than simply running a business. “It’s the idea of continuing the legacy,” he said. “And with my forefathers paving the way ahead of me, I strive to continue the legacy.”

left to right: aubrey and katherine harper; jean and bill crain; kathie and mike eaton; marisol and josh eaton with their daughter, mia. submitted photos

Over the decades, Twitty Nursery has continued to expand. Under Kathie and Mike’s leadership, the nursery saw significant improvements, from irrigation systems and expanded plant varieties to more efficient growing practices. By the early 2000s, machinery replaced much of the labor-intensive working by hand, allowing the business to scale its operations while maintaining quality.

Even with these advancements, the work remains deeply tied to the whims of nature. Growing plants at scale requires both patience and foresight. “As farmers, we try to plan five to seven years ahead,” Josh said. “So if we have one or two years of inclement weather, then we’ve got four to six years to catch up.”

Beyond their original location in Texarkana, Twitty Nursery works with partners and distributors “all the way down to the Gulf and all the way up to the top side of Kansas and Missouri,” Josh explained, supplying a large wholesale client base with everything from junipers and cedars to hardwoods like oaks, maples, and river birch. At the same time, their retail operation offers a diverse selection for local customers, many of whom have been visiting the nursery for generations. “With Mr. Joe Mudd [one of Twitty’s lead landscapers] being here for over 50 years, he’s retained his client base the whole time,” Josh said.

The family dynamic behind the business has played a key role in its longevity. Kathie oversees office operations, including ordering and finances, while Josh manages the outdoor side of the business. Marisol, Josh’s wife, joined the nursery a few years ago. She not only works at the front counter but has also taken on some office responsibilities such as inventory and payroll. “Her stepping in the business has helped me start working toward retirement,” Kathie said.

Kathie admitted that stepping into ownership years ago came with mixed emotions. “My parents were around 60, and they decided they wanted to retire,” she said. “They asked Mike and me, plus my brother and sister, if any of us wanted to buy it. And that’s when we became owners. My brother or sister didn’t live here. What was I going to do? We’re going to keep the nursery. It never crossed my mind otherwise.”

For Josh, the connection to the nursery began early. As a child, he spent his days on the property, watering trees and tagging along with employees. By 2007, he had committed to the business full-time, eventually taking on greater responsibility and preparing for the role he now holds.

Twitty’s knowledgeable staff is always making room for more plant selections. photo by shane darby

That lifelong connection is something he hopes will continue. Already, signs of a fifth generation are beginning to take shape, with his 7-year-old daughter, Mia, growing up among the flowers and greenery, much like he did. “She is always in the flowers and running around,” Josh said. “She loves to meet and greet and help people.”

As the business enters its second century, Marisol and Josh Eaton are looking ahead with both ambition and intention. Plans are underway to expand offerings, including the addition of a feed and seed component, a Christmas tree farm, and even a potential botanical garden. The goal is not just growth, but connection. “We’re trying to have stuff for families to bring their kids to and enjoy, no matter what age,” Josh said.

After 100 years, Twitty Nursery stands as more than a business. It is a living legacy rooted in hard work, family, and community. This beloved plant nursery will no doubt continue to grow and pass down these invaluable lessons to the next generation of ownership to come.

Feature Stories

Growing Through the Generations