Business Profile: Shoreline Gardens

Patch interviewed  owner Suzanne Baker who moved from the accounting rat race to focus on her true loves of gardening and family.

How long have you lived in Clinton: Lived in Clinton seven years.

How long has Shoreline Gardens been in business: Shoreline has been here for 32 years.

How did Shoreline Gardens get its name: Not sure, the original name was Shoreline Farm Greenhouses, I wanted to keep the "Shoreline" part of it, but wanted to promote gardening hence:  Shoreline Gardens.

History of the business: My history is simple.  I had been Director of Accounting for a Hartford Real Estate Management firm for 20 years.  My children were grown and out on their own and I wanted a change.  My great hobby had always been my gardens and had family members in the business.  Shoreline was for sale and I decided to take the plunge.  Turns out I have a good aptitude for growing, etc. and with my business/tax background I am making a success of the business.

How many family members are in the business: Four - myself, my husband works for Griffin Greenhouse and Nursery Supplies, my sister and brother in law had a wholesale plant business for 20+ years and now my sister helps me and my brother in law also works for Griffin.

What do you sell and what services to you offer: I sell annuals (specializing in unique and specialty varieties), perennials, herbs and vegetables (26 kinds of peppers, 28 kinds of tomatoes, and most other varieties needed for a great garden).  We offer knowledge and personal help when you visit and custom orders.  We also design and plant containers with and for our customers, here at the garden center.  

What is in high demand these days: Container gardens:  flower and vegetable.  Customers are so busy these days, with both partners working and children so involved, that container gardening is where it's at.  We even do a tomato garden, a patio type tomato with cage, surrounded by basil and parsley.

What makes Shoreline Gardens unique: That we grow our own.  Most places around here don't have a lot of greenhouse space, therefore they must buy in their product. I have five greenhouses and an herb house.  I either seed or get vegetative cuttings and plugs in February and grow everything through the season.  This allows me to control the growth and quality of our material.  I feel we have superior quality of material because I can control the growing environment.  This also allows me to try so many more and unique varieties of plant material.

What do you like best about town: The Boston Red Sox / Yankee rivalry.  As a die hard Red Sox fan (husband is also as he is from Massachusetts), I love the lively exchange found here.

Fondest memory of town: The loyalty of some of my customers, they are the greatest, not only as customers but as neighbors!

Any personal thoughts you'd like to share: That I truly appreciate the support my customers, new and old, have given me!!  The economy has played a great part in my business, it's a not essential product, but the support and caring has been wonderful!

 | 31 Old Post Road - Rt. 145 | 860-669-0765 | www.shorelinegardens.com