New Customers Discover Cinnaminson Garden Center Amid Pandemic

CINNAMINSON, NJ — The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in people picking up new hobbies and experiencing things they usually don’t. For some people and families, that includes gardening.

That has been the good news for family-owned Haines Farm and Garden in Cinnaminson, which is doing well at a time when many businesses have been hit hard financially. It’s been busier than normal, and the owners are thankful for it, co-owner Beth Perkins said.

“We are so thankful for all the people visiting us, especially the new people who didn’t know we were here,” said Perkins, who runs the center with her husband, Todd. “We’re grateful that they trust what we have to offer, and we appreciate people adhering to (health) guidelines.”

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They’re just as happy to be able to provide people with something to do. This includes families with children who are experiencing gardening for the first time.

“We’ve had a lot of new gardeners come in this year,” Perkins said.

Haines Farm and Garden was opened in 1885 as Morton and Haines General Store, according to the center’s website. They sold groceries and farmers’ supplies, including farm equipment.

Todd Perkins is the great-grandson of the center’s founder. He and his wife took over the center from Todd’s late father in 2010. They no longer sell farm equipment, but they do have a garden center, gift shop and pond department.

When the coronavirus pandemic lead to the closure of many businesses in March, the center shut down their gift shop. Because they sell fruits and vegetables, though, the garden center was deemed essential and was allowed to remain open.

They made some adjustments, of course. They modified their hours, so they close an hour earlier, at 5 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. They offer curbside pickup. They added an outdoor register, and when the gift shop reopened, it had reduced hours.

The roughly dozen members of the staff wear masks, and not as many people are permitted inside. But they saw a lot of traffic come through in May, which is typically their busiest time of the year. July is a slow time, but they’re seeing more than usual. And they are already preparing for a busy fall.

“We are already getting calls for fall vegetables, and one grower has upped their production,” Perkins said. “That should be available in mid-August.”

The Garden Center is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at 196 Route 130 in Cinnaminson, and can be reached by phone at 856-829-8333. For more information, visit hainesfarmandgarden.com.

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