Lancaster Gardens started as a small retirement project for Carroll and Bernice Ordung. Carroll originally owned and operated Earl & Carroll's Market (now Apple Country Market) in Clinton. Every spring he enjoyed helping his brother, Charlie, grow and sell seasonal starter plants from a small backyard greenhouse on Birch St. in Clinton. After Charlie passed, and Carroll retired from the store, he decided to expand their little operation. Carroll and Bernice purchased a lot of land on Route 110 in Lancaster, MA in 1970 and by the Spring of 1971 they opened up a small shop complete with two greenhouses. They worked there for many springs, supplying the local community with seasonal plants, and allowing themselves just enough work to keep busy and enjoy summers fishing on Cape Cod.

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Eventually, the interest in keeping plants in the home rose dramatically and created a new market for the little flower stand. By stocking one of the small greenhouses with various cacti and houseplants, Lancaster Gardens was able to stay open year-round. By this time Carroll and Bernice's two sons, Bob and Rick, had joined the team. They started taking on more and more projects, expanding their crops for every season. They started growing Mums in the Fall, Poinsettias in the Winter, Easter Lilies and various Bulbs in the Spring, and a wide variety of Summer Annuals, Perennials, Shrubs, and Trees. As the demand for all these different plants grew, so did the greenhouses. Eventually, Lancaster Gardens became a full time operation run by Bob and Rick. Bernice continued to work the front desk long after her husband passed in 1991. She enjoyed many more years with her family and passed in 2023, just a few months short of reaching the age of 102!

 

Today, Lancaster Gardens remains one of the largest garden centers in the central Massachusetts area. Bob and Rick have since passed the torch to the next generation, and are starting to enjoy their retirements. Bob's children, Patrick and Liz, are excited to continue the family business and uphold the values set by their grandparents over 50 years ago. Supply quality products at affordable prices; Stay on top of the everchanging trends; and Always look for ways to improve. If you are a new visitor, or you have been coming here for years, we are happy to have you! Whether you are a gardening novice or veteran, every season will bring something new and interesting to find at Lancaster Gardens.