A Few Favorite Garden Centers
Cape and Island residents are fortunate to reside in a place where much of the landscape is one of great natural beauty. Many of us attempt to embellish our own little corner of the world by installing or upgrading lawns and gardens and in doing so, find that it isn’t so easy to imitate Mother Nature’s deft touch. Those of us who lack her green thumb must rely on the experts at our local gardening and landscaping centers. Here are some of our favorites:
Agway (Chatham, Orleans, Dennis) Peter and Susan Wile first opened their Orleans store in 1993 and gradually expanded to their Dennis and Chatham locations. The second generation of Wiles, son Joshua and daughter Jessica (Thomas) now manage operations. This family-run business also nurtures close ties to the community and supports many charities and non-profit organizations. In addition to offering a variety of plants and nursery items, Agway stocks pet and livestock supplies, as well. Ask about their Rooster Rewards to earn coupons and free products. Do you want to learn more about gardening, lawn care, farming, or pets? Agway’s website features an Events tab where you can find events designed to help you brush up on these subjects.
Cape Abilities Farm (Dennis & Chatham) The Cape Abilities Farm debuted in Dennis in 2006 and later opened the Cape Abilities Farm to Table Market & Gallery in Chatham in 2011. In addition to selling their own farm-fresh, locally grown produce, they also have other foodstuffs, gift items, holiday greens, like Christmas wreathes and trees, and holiday-themed plants. They have a number of programs for people with disabilities, such as Day Habilitation/Life Skills, Job Placement, and Training Services.
Hart Farm (Dennis) Owned by Don and Nancy Kossack, Hart Farm Nursery and Garden Center has been family owned and operated since 1947. Besides offering garden, landscape, and bird feeding supplies, Hart Farm also has a Farm Market which sells local fruits and vegetables, and “private label” salad dressings, marinades, Jams, jellies, coffee, salsas, and more! Their staff includes a professional florist, a Massachusetts-Certified Horticulturist, Master Gardeners, and a rosarian.
Hyannis Country Gardens (Hyannis)
Hyannis Country Gardens was founded by Dick and Nancy Griffith in 1965, selling fresh fruit and vegetables and limited nursery stock. Since then, Hyannis Country Gardens has discontinued the sale of produce and they have grown to a seven acre facility with a wide array of plants and products, including water garden supplies. Their motto is “Big enough to serve you, small enough to know you.” Hyannis Country Gardens promotes organic gardening products and they offer plastic nursery pots and trays recycling for customers who would like to participate. Their clientele may also take advantage of their rewards program for 5% store credit for every dollar spent, members-only discounts, event reminders, and sales notices.
The Farm (Orleans) The Farm is not only a wholesale and retail garden center, it is also a real ten acre farm. Owned by the Richardson family and run by Sean Richardson and his wife Emily Richardson, and Sassy Richardson-Roache and her husband Terrance. They have numerous trees, bushes, roses, lilies, ornamental grasses, and literally thousands of perennial and annual plants. For those who are looking for something truly different, their nursery stock features many unique varieties of trees and plants and a charming selection of miniature plants and accessories that are just right to create or add to your own fanciful Fairy Garden. The Farm is highly committed to the betterment of the world around them; check out their many contributions to the local community by visiting their What Matters page.
Special thanks to the folks at Agway, Capabilities Farm, Hart Farm, Hyannis Country Gardens,
and The Farm for allowing us to use your images to illustrate this blog!
