How does your garden grow? Tonight, giving the green thumbs-up by weeding out "New England's Best Garden Center". When it comes to gardens, New Englanders are picky about where they buy their plants and flowers. So today's "New England’s Best" will shed some light on, who makes the most "scents".
Spring is in the air and everything's coming up roses. So which garden center has the best blooms? You voted, we counted and found the places green-thumbs pick to help their gardens grow.
This week's winners all boast long family histories of horticulture, including our third-place winner Russell's Garden Center on Route 20 in Wayland.
Elizabeth Russell-Skehan, Russell's, Wayland
"It has always been in the Russell family, I'm the fourth-generation Russell."
Since 1876, Russell's has been a perennial favorite. Seven acres of flowers, trees, shrubs and vegetables have gardeners traveling for miles. Not to mention the specialty shops…
Elizabeth Russell-Skehan, Russell's, Wayland
"We have a flower shop, gift shop, plant shop, toy shop and garden shop."
Don't forget the fish and water garden supplies.
Elizabeth Russell-Skehan, Russell's, Wayland
"You could spend a whole day here, honestly."
You'll get lost in the flora of our second place pick -- Mahoney's in Winchester, a new blossom to the gardening scene in 1959, but my, have they bloomed.
Peter Mahoney, Mahoney's, Winchester
"My dad started the business and since then we've added seven locations and one growing range."Carrie Kelly, Mahoney's, Winchester
"We have a huge nursery, beautiful Japanese maples, ground covers, perennials, annuals, we have the largest selection all over New England."
It seems that nothing can stem their growth. Mahoney's sells over a million plants annually.
Only one grower can be a "cut" above the rest. First-place goes to Hillside Nurseries and Florist in Franklin.
Marc Depoto, Hillside, Franklin
"It's unbelievable. I can't believe we got number one. It's great."
Marc's family has been raising landscape plants and flowers here since the 1930's.
Marc Depoto, Hillside, Franklin
"Me and my brother are third generation."
Trees and shrubs are a specialty, including many exotics like this sequoia and specially pruned pine.
Marc Depoto, Hillside, Franklin
"It's bonzai-ing the plant, you restrict the growth a bit."
Flowers are in bloom year round at their florist's shop.
Marc Depoto, Hillside, Franklin
"It's a wonderful florist shop. It has won some awards in the local community."
So whether you're throwing down mulch, planting fresh annuals or shopping for garden tools, "New England's Best" might just turn your thumb green.
