Tonkadale: Growing a Lagacy of Giving Back

Tonkadale Greenhouse, a beloved local plant nursery, has been a fixture in the Hopkins and Minnetonka communities since 1947. Over the years, Tonkadale has flourished, expanding its growing range and becoming a go-to destination for gardening enthusiasts.  

Jessie Jacobson, the current owner of Tonkadale, purchased the business from her grandparents in 2016 and carries forward their legacy with a commitment to community and philanthropy. Jessie’s deep ties to the area are reflected in Tonkadale's ongoing relationship with local organizations like ICA. Having children in the local schools made Jessie more aware of the community’s needs, and Tonkadale's collaboration with ICA began in a simple but meaningful way: through a donation jar.  

“I remember Ron Kamps, who inspired me to think about how much an organization should be giving back,” Jessie recalls. “He would stop in regularly and started the donation jar to collect change and dollars from customers.”  

From that small gesture, Tonkadale's philanthropic efforts grew. Today, they donate 1% of their revenue to the community, focusing on underrepresented communities and local schools.  

Tonkadale’s support of ICA has grown immensely, with a monthly roundup campaign in March, where they match customer donations, and their Grow and Give Garden program, which provides plants and seeds to community gardens that donate the produce to ICA. This effort has led to the growth of seven gardens, which together contribute tens of thousands of pounds of produce each year.  

Jessie’s approach to giving is purposeful.  

“When you are a business, you get a lot of asks, so I think what is really important is we have been able to define where we give and why,” she says.  

This clarity allows Tonkadale to focus on organizations that align with their values. Tonkadale’s commitment to both the community and their employees is also evident in their workplace culture. With 20 full-time staff and up to 70 employees during peak season, Jessie is passionate about creating an environment where people feel valued.  

“I want to make sure our employees are successful, and I want to make sure the community is successful,” she explains.  

Tonkadale’s vision is clear: to forever be "your greenhouse home", not only providing beautiful plants, but also helping to cultivate a stronger, more connected community.