Country Greenery owner speaks out as generational business closes

MOORHEAD, Minn. (Valley News Live) – In 1975, the Cater family unknowingly began a legacy. Country Greenery has been the Fargo-Moorhead’s one-stop-shop for flowers, plants, and gifts for the last 47 years.

Started by Alma Cater, a teacher by day and botanist by night, she began teaching her own community about plants, eventually hosting ‘plant parties’ at her home.

With her audience growing, so did her ideas. In 1984, they purchased the building what soon would become Country Greenery.

The Caters say their business, from the beginning, has been more than just selling flowers.

“We sell emotions. We help people express those emotions,” said Wendy Cater, Alma’s daughter and Shop Owner.

“It has been the best experience, I can’t even tell you. It’s been an honor to work next to my mom my entire adult life,” Cater added.

Wendy and several other family members have been tending to the business for years, quickly becoming one of the most successful flower shops in town.

“Different members of our family have been a part of it, coming and going as they were available, or if we needed help,” Wendy explained.

Creating a good customer base and earning themselves some long time regulars, the Caters said they couldn’t have done it without the community: “It’s been years, and we’re still surrounded by all these people who have been side by side with us for the whole 47 years… but right now, we’re off on our next adventure.”

Their next adventure, however, left the community uneasy when they first learned of the shop’s closure.

In December 2023, a ‘closed’ sign was posted on the front door, leaving many customers wondering about the shop’s future.

The family says after 47 years of business, the business will permanently close.

“Everything has its season, and now it’s time for her (Alma) to retire. We’re moving on, but we will talk forever about how much we loved doing this,” Cater said.

They’re set to have an estate sale this weekend, which is the final step to closing the store.

A chance for customers, new and old, to purchase items at a discounted price to support a family that has served our community for years.

When asked, “What is your family going to do without the shop?”, Wendy said, on behalf of the whole family, “It’s funny. I don’t think we’ll ever be without it.”

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