Greenhouse Project

Greenhouse Project

A Brief History

In the 1970s, the greenhouses on this site were built on the grounds of the former Mansfield Training School to offer vocational opportunities in the horticultural field to the developmentally disabled residents of the facility. The buildings and property did not sit idle for very long after the Training School closed. In 1982, the Greenhouse returned as a vocational program for adults with intellectual disabilities as well as a retail greenhouse and nursery. We continue that tradition to this day.

Hockanum Industries, a very small nonprofit based in Rockville CT, proposed turning the site into a private program. The State of Connecticut, through what is now the Department of Developmental Services, approved the funding for the proposal and soon the Greenhouse was up and running with a staff of three or four providing supports to about half a dozen individuals. From the start, home produced plants and crafts were offered for sale to the public, a format expanded on and followed to this day.
Shifting times and budgets brought changes to the Greenhouse Program. In 2011 Hockanum Industries was absorbed into Tri-County ARC of Columbia CT. At that time our name changed to Tri-County Greenhouse. As big a change as it was, we managed maintain the high quality of service, merchandise and community relations we were known for. A few more years passed before our next big change came along. In the meantime, we expanded a total workforce to over twenty people. Again, attention was paid to keeping our reputation for quality plants; friendly, knowledgeable service; and vital supports for the individuals we serve.

In 2017 our biggest move took place. Tri-County ARC merged with Whole Life,. of New London CT creating one of the largest nonprofit agencies in the state providing residential, recreational and employment opportunities to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Since 2017 we have enjoyed unprecedented support from our parent agency allowing us to grow and thrive. In addition, our relationship with local and distant communities expands constantly with around 5,000 customers now passing through our doors each year. Further support is evident through the responses we receive from our annual Letter of Appeal and the October Tag Sale. Our mailing list has now grown to over 1600.

"Where plants and people grow - since 1982"

If you live in the northeast part of Connecticut, you may have heard of the Tri-County Greenhouse. Serving Tolland, Windham and Tolland counties, you may have passed by or even shopped here at some time. Nestled in historic Mansfield, this thriving retail greenhouse is well-known for quality plants, custom arrangements and special orders. The Greenhouse is also known as being a place where people connect.

It could be that you know the Greenhouse because you shop here. Perhaps you’ve heard of our “February Freesias”. Many people come in for cut flowers for holidays or other special occasions. It could be that you love our healthy and vibrant annuals and perennials. You’ve probably heard about our incredible October Tag Sale. Maybe you drop off your bottles and cans for recycling. Or you enjoy our poinsettias or lilies or chrysanthemums! A lot of customers know that all of the plants that we sell are grown and nurtured on site.

Maybe you shop here because of the variety of plants we offer. Or maybe it’s the friendly, knowledgeable staff. Maybe the fact that we train and employ individuals with intellectual disabilities brings you in. Or maybe…..it’s all three!

What you may not know is that the success and reputation of the Greenhouse is due to the efforts of twenty-one paid staff (sixteen of whom have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities) and a team of passionate volunteers. Many people have worked or volunteered here for over twenty or thirty years.

The best way you can support us is by coming through our doors. Tell us what you think, ask us questions, explore our plants or just visit our cats. You will see people smile and laugh with pride at a job well done!
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