A History of Hyannis Country Garden

Did you know that only about 12% of family businesses survive into the 3^rd generation? Hyannis Country Garden is celebrating its 61^st birthday this year! The garden center has gone through several significant changes over the years, and maybe some of you remember the store looking different than it does today. Let’s reflect back together on where we came from as we look forward to continued growth! 

Hyannis Country Garden Timeline 

1965 – Hyannis Country Garden begins as a fruit and produce stand, founded by Richard and Nancy Griffith. It was successful from the get-go as the Cape Cod economy grew and Cape Cod itself became a popular travel destination.

The 1970s were marked by a national environmental movement, including the celebration of the first Earth Day. Home gardening became fashionable and feasible for many families. Houseplants also became trendy.

1978 – Produce is discontinued from the store in favor of more nursery stock and garden accessories. 

A peak inside the old Hyannis Country Garden storefront. 

1986 – The current main building is constructed and the business becomes a year-round operation. The original farm stand was located where the parking lot is now. 

Aerial view of new building construction behind the old one. 

The 1990s saw a boom in container gardening with the rise of urbanization and gardening television shows that promoted sustainable living and wellness. 

1995  – The koi pond is added on property.

1996 – Additions are made to the main building: the patio area is enclosed and the back greenhouse + pickup area are added. 

Known to staff as the “Taj” due to its grandeur, this back greenhouse is filled with plant starts in the spring. The pickup area is being built on the left in this photo. 

Photo taken from where sliding doors are now leading out to the pond. Pictured is where our fertilizers are currently displayed along the wall. 

1999 – The florist counter is removed as grocery stores begin providing larger floral selections. Hyannis Country Garden still remains a source of expertly crafted custom planters in the spring and summer, and greens during the holidays. 

The aquatics counter now takes the place of where this florist cooler is. 

2007 – CG Organics program is launched after five employees attend the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) conference for certification. Educational seminars and workshops move to the forefront of the business. 

2008 – The wind turbine is erected to produce green energy for the garden center as well as for the surrounding Main Street area. You can read the Cape Cod Times article here. 

2010 – Pet food is added to our shelves for the first time. 

2013 – Jocelyn Duffley becomes 3^rd generation President and General Manager.  

Founder Nancy Griffith (left) and current President and General Manager Jocelyn Duffley (right) 

2015 – The Cape’s first Hydrangea Festival kicks off, initiated by C.L. Fornari. 

2018 – Neonicitinoid pesticides such as Merit leave our shelves three years before they are banned in Massachusetts. 

2021 – Roundup leaves the shelves. 

2022 – Sunny and Marigold are adopted as barn cats. You can usually find them lounging in the greenhouse. 

2026 – Hyannis Country Garden’s property is sold from the family estate to the business itself. Hyannis Country Garden remains a family-owned business.

Our sincere gratitude goes to our customers who have been on this journey with us, as well as current and former Green Team members, whose support has and will continue to keep us growing. We hear a lot of you say, “this is our favorite place to go!” And speaking for the members of our team – it’s ours too.  

Come by the store this Saturday, April 11^th for our annual Founders Day sale on 6-packs in honor of Founder Richard Griffith’s birthday. Celebrate our 61st anniversary with us!