150 Years at Russell’s Garden Center

Written, Directed and Narrated by Genevieve Skehan 

 

Established in 1876, over 5 generations, Russell’s Garden Center evolved from a farm stand into one of the largest garden centers in New England.

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Set on the banks of the Sudbury River, the film, 150 Years at Russell’s Garden Center tells the story of how five generations transformed their family business to survive changing times while bringing happiness to their customers, employees, and community.

 

In 1876, Samuel Russell created Russell’s Provisions store. The family grew vegetables and flowers on their farm and sold them from their small shop in the town center of Wayland, Massachusetts. In 1920, the growing popularity of the automobile allowed the second generation, Lewis Russell, to add a farm stand at the farm’s Route 20 location. 

 

Through historic photographs and personal stories, the documentary explores the survival, struggles, and determination of a family that continually adapted to a changing world—from airplanes and the energy crisis to big-box stores, the internet, online retailers, the 2008 recession, and Covid-19.  

 

How did the third and fourth generations respond as the number one hobby, gardening, was replaced with browsing the internet, texting, and scrolling on cell phones? How did Russell’s grow into a destination that draws families and friends from miles around?

 

This film explores when, how, and why Russell’s transitioned from a vegetable and cut-flower farm into a garden center offering annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, roses, houseplants, tools, fertilizers, gifts, toys, flowers, and seasonal fall and Christmas items.

 

150 Years at Russell’s Garden Center is a film for anyone who loves nature, gardening, community, family, and the happiness that comes from supporting & visiting small businesses.