Paul Mahoney, Sr. was the founder of Mahoney’s Garden Centers and a visionary in New England’s horticultural industry. Originally from Melrose, he moved to Winchester in 1946, where he began working on his family’s 53-acre farm at age 11. By high school, he was already running his own vegetable sales, showing early signs of the entrepreneurial spirit that would define his career.
After earning an economics degree from Boston College and briefly working in the Army and as a teacher, Paul returned to his true calling—farming. In 1959, the same month he married his high school sweetheart Doris, he opened a roadside farmstand in Winchester that would grow into one of the region’s most beloved garden center chains, with locations across Eastern Massachusetts.
Paul was known not only for his business acumen but also for his generosity, kindness, and deep commitment to community. He provided jobs to generations of local youth, donated landscaping to town landmarks, and remained hands-on at the original store even as the company expanded. His leadership earned him numerous accolades, including awards from the Massachusetts Flower Growers Association, Boston Magazine, and the New England Flower Show.
Paul passed away peacefully in 2018, leaving behind a thriving family business, a legacy of green spaces, and a lifetime of growth rooted in family, community, and a love of the land.
Co-Founder
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Director of Stores
Corporate Controller
throughout the years:
A TIMELINE OF MAHONEY'S
Mahoney's Rocky Ledge first starts as a roadside farmstand, selling local produce, Christmas trees, and pumpkins to help Paul Mahoney pay for his college tuition.
Mahoney's expanded into it's first Garden Center at what becomes the Winchester flagship location. Originally named Mahoney’s Rocky Ledge due to the fifty-foot rock cliff that borders the property, it has been owned by Mahoney's family since 1878.
The Florist at Mahoney's opens. With a vision for originality, the team brought beautiful & unusual cut flowers, developing a strong network of local growers and international vendors.
Mahoney's Growing Company opens in an industrial area of Woburn, MA. Under 5 acres of glass, millions of annuals, perennials, and edible plants are grown, enabling the company to grow more product.
Tewksbury location opens as, "Mahoney's Too", Mahoney's second official location.
Falmouth location opens in 1984.
Originally H.V. Lawrence’s Cape Cod Nursery, the property was offered to Paul Mahoney when Lawrence became ill and hoped Paul would carry it on. Paul wasn’t ready to expand at the time, so it was sold and became Rebello’s Garden Center. Years later, Mahoney's acquired it—honoring Paul's original promise.
Osterville location opens.
Cambridge location opens in Boston on a Harvard University owned property.
Wayland location opens.
Cambridge store moves to Brighton, maintaining our long-standing partnership with Harvard, who offered the new location when they needed to repurpose the original site.
Concord location opens.
Local Chelmsford garden center becomes a Mahoney's.
Mahoney’s launches Uncle Mike’s Grow Your Own Herbs and Veggies—locally grown collections curated to thrive in New England’s ever-changing climate. Grown in Woburn using sustainable practices, these plants are never started from genetically modified seed and are exclusive to Mahoney’s.
Wayland location closes, and Mahoney's encourages Wayland Customers to transition to our Concord location.
On September 30th, 2018, Paul Mahoney, Sr. passes away peacefully surrounded by family, leaving behind a lasting legacy of dedication, growth, and community.
The Farmstand remodel is complete. The new Farmstand building honors our beginnings and gets us back to offering a true local experience for customers, while refreshing the space with a greenhouse roof and exposed trusses.
Brighton remodeling is complete. The goal was to ensure the new building complements the evolving neighborhood, offers a refreshed shopping experience for customers, and continues our commitment to enhancing the community.