Ed Settle started the company in 1968 by growing greenhouse tomatoes and selling them to local markets. He also raised carnations in the greenhouses for cut flowers. In the mid 1970’s he started growing bedding plants, and his son, Bill, joined the company to help run the greenhouses. Nursery stock and garden goods soon followed.

As the business grew, two new partners were added: Dennis Hill to manage the retail and nursery and Dan Komlo to manage the landscaping division. Dennis and Dan co-owned the business from the mid 1980's until October of 2019, when Bookcliff Gardens took new ownership under Rick and Stephanie Griggs.