When it comes to things for the home, the ever-creeping one-stop shopping reach of big-box stores can certainly be tempting, especially when it comes to the plants and flowers that boost our indoor and outdoor environments. But how often have you plucked one of those little soil markers from a pot, read the information and found yourself confused about whether it’s right for your home or garden — and, ultimately, if it will survive at all? Oh, and trying to find someone knowledgeable who can help clear up your questions? Good luck.
Situated on the corner of Greenport’s Main and Park streets, Clarke’s Garden and Home (416 Main St., Greenport, 631-477-6770), marks 15 years in business this year, but it feels like it’s been around much longer. No wonder: this plant and fresh-flower purveyor sprung from its owners’ mutual love of gardening and dream of putting the green in Greenport — one vase, planter and garden at a time.
A store sprouts
Owners and partners Peter Clarke and Anthony Gigante opened Clarke’s Garden and Home from a desire the couple had to transition from city-folk weekenders to full-time North Fork residents, and to do so in a way that would root them into village life.
“We fell in love with the community,” says Clarke, who grew up gardening with his mom in Virginia, while Gigante, who has a background in interior design, spent his formative years in Brooklyn and ran his own interior design business in the city.
Initially, the couple knew they wanted to do something in organics and gardening. As weekenders, they did a lot of container plantings and were motivated by the beautiful planters they’d see at Beds and Borders in Laurel and Landcraft Garden in Mattituck.
“I was inspired by the level of sophistication and innovation in plant material that they brought, mostly into container gardening,” says Clarke. “As weekenders, that was the easiest, fastest way to make our home look great. And so then we thought, well, there’s a lot of other people like us, so that was really our initial focus.”
The couple had been involved since 2001 but never worked together before, and part of the learning curve was figuring out a collaborative rhythm in running a shop.
“It’s a learning process,” says Gigante. “It was complicated. At first, we both had to figure out what we could bring to the business, where we could divide and conquer.”
When Clarke’s Garden started in 2010, it had a simple business plan: to help others with their gardens, selling nursery supplies and tools. Over the years, though, it’s blossomed into so much more, as the couple’s knowledge of gardening, their individual skillsets, the needs of the village, and the retail business grew. Not only did they add a unique home-focused retail shop with gifts and wellness items to their cache of plants and pots, but also — perhaps most importantly — the only florist service in town.
Clarke says that today, he and Gigante complement each other’s strengths.
“We learned who was better at what and it was easier to get out of that lane for the other person and try and divide in a natural way,” Clarke says.
Clarke and Gigante also developed relationships with many other local businesses such as Deep Roots Farm, Latham Farms, Sep’s, Patty’s Berries and Bunches and Salt Air Farm. They carry items from the likes of Ali Katz Kitchen and other local stores to fill their gift shop.
The most significant relationships, though, have been with their loyal customers.
“The first thing I did was develop a customer list,” says Clarke. “I’m happy to say we’ve amassed a very large following that we communicate with directly.”
Business in bloom
Today, three major elements make up Clarke’s Garden and Home: the floral department, the gift shop and the 2,000-square-foot outdoor space that showcases gorgeous, healthy plants, outdoor pots and other wares and floral and plant arrangements.
“They work hand-in-hand,” says Clarke, noting the floral department is their busiest component. Clarke’s Garden and Home handles floral needs big and small, from birthdays to weddings to funerals. While May through August is a busy time of year for them, the store remains open year-round, including during the holidays, when customers can buy curated gifts sourced both locally and afar.
But there’s also the first-person advice component that makes the shop extra special. If customers feel overwhelmed about starting a garden, be it a large, sprawling outdoor floralscape or a smaller one filled with potted plants, Clarke and Gigante are on-hand to offer advice and ideas. Not everyone is born with a green thumb, after all, so two years ago, they developed their own pre-made color schemes and design ideas to help clients get started.
“We came up with a simpler roster of our own planting collections that [eliminate the] mystery of color, texture and conditions,” says Clarke, noting that they will guide customers in all aspects of gardening, including with more granular and scientific problems like how to maintain different types of soil.
The staff at Clarke’s — including Christine Rodda, who serves as general manager and is a talented floral designer from Miller Place — is happy to give advice and instruction on cultivating plants, too, keeping challenging plants alive (we’re looking at you, orchids).
“I came by to see them totally [unrelated to a job],” recalls Rodda, who’s been with Clarke’s Gardens for seven years. She started part-time and transitioned to become a full-time employee within a couple years.
“She’s our partner in everything,” says Clarke. “We can’t split her into 10 pieces to do everything, but I always want to know her opinion on everything we do. She’s so valued. She’s taken our floral category from a modest beginning to a vibrant business on its own.”
Grow in the dark
When the pandemic shut down most businesses in 2020, Clarke’s Garden and Home found themselves in a surprising position: they were designated essential, along with other garden stores, thanks to their supply of food plants, seeds and herbs. This turned out to be a boon.
“It really turned into a win-win for us,” says Gigante. “We also admired and watched our colleagues in the food and beverage industry come up with unique ways to survive.”
To make it work, Clarke’s adapted a farm-stand model, putting everything in their outside area with a cash box. Customers could call or order online, and Clarke’s actually grew their customer base.
Clarke and Gigante also believe in giving back and are responsible for a fair amount of beautification around Greenport, most recently in the form of planters and Christmas décor throughout Main and Front streets.
“We don’t say no to any donations for the community,” says Clarke. “We want to be involved.”
Photos courtesy Clarke’s Garden and Home
They regularly donate to area organizations like Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, the East End Seaport Museum, Stirling Historical Society and CAST. In 2024, they participated in CAST’s Festival of Trees fundraiser with a wreath that sold for a high price.
“[Giving back] is instinctual for us,” Gigante says. “We come from backgrounds and families that believe in volunteering and charity.”
Fifteen years on, Clarke’s Garden and Home is a consistent and beloved business in Greenport. No matter how busy it gets, Clarke and Gigante work to ensure every customer leaves happy and fulfilled, which is also how they feel about their work and the North Fork. In their spare time, they love their close-knit group of friends, sunset strolls at 67 Steps Beach and enjoying the many restaurants and wineries the region has to offer.
“I would pinch myself,” Clarke says of his work and life here. “I could walk my dog on the waterfront, walk to work, go home for lunch and be outside in fresh air in two seconds. It was just wonderful. It still feels as fresh as the beginning.”
