MOORHEAD, Minn. – In 1975, Alma Cater began a legacy unknowingly when she started Country Greenery, a beloved flower shop in Fargo-Moorhead. Combining her passion for botany with a desire to teach her community about plants, Alma’s plant parties became a hit, leading to the establishment of Country Greenery. In 1984, the family purchased the building that would house Country Greenery, marking a significant step in the shop’s evolution. However, for the Caters, Country Greenery was more than just a flower shop—it was a place to sell emotions and help people express their feelings.
Alma’s daughter, Wendy Cater, who now owns the shop, reflected on the experience of working alongside her mother for her entire adult life, calling it an honor. Wendy, along with other family members, has been instrumental in the shop’s success, making it one of the most popular flower shops in the area. Despite their loyal customer base and success, the Caters recently announced the permanent closure of Country Greenery after 47 years in business. The decision to close was bittersweet, with Wendy acknowledging that “everything has its season,” and it’s now time for her mother to retire and for the family to move on to their next adventure.
The closure left many in the community saddened, but the Caters are grateful for the support they’ve received over the years. As a final farewell, the shop will hold an estate sale, giving customers, old and new, a chance to purchase items at discounted prices and support the family that has served the community for nearly five decades. When asked about the future without the shop, Wendy expressed optimism, saying, “I don’t think we’ll ever be without it.”