I have been to all 3 of the Osborne's Farm & Garden Centers (Concord, Hooksett (both), and Winnesquam.) too many times to list. Probably more so than any customer, honestly. - I was their farm hand for several years.
The Osborne's own a 700 acre production agriculture farm which they use to supply their stores. They walk the walk.
Sometimes the best, most honest reviews you can read are from former employees. Please accept this humble missive as my review of Osborne's Farm, and Osborne's Farm & Garden Centers:
December 22, 2017.
We ran out of fuel for our boiler. I grabbed a few 5 gallon cans of diesel, and poured it into the tank. As I stood less than 2 feet away, attempting the fire the boiler, it backfired, blew the top clean off, shaking the entire (4,000 sq. ft.) house... I tripped the breaker, and said; I will never use a boiler again, ever.
For the next 4 years, we would heat exclusively with cord wood. However, we had a problem. Whereas, we could heat the house with our wood stoves; We still did not have hot water, days before Christmas. At the time, money was non-existent. We were paying for the house, and spent what little we had in the bank on Christmas presents for the kids. A detonating boiler was the last thing I was planning on.
The following morning, my boss at the time, Andy Osborne, asked me; Tom, what are you going to do? I replied; "deal with it. It's what my Ma taught me to do with every situation". Andy, persistent, asked; "So what does that mean"? I answered; "well, I have no money Andy, so it's an easy solution". - That wasn't acceptable for Andy. The Osborne name is well known, and respected in southern NH. So, Andy only had to make one phone call...
"Tom, I've got someone coming to install an electric water heater for you, and your family. You have to have hot water, Tom". "Andy, I can't do that. I don't have the money to pay for it". - "Don't worry about it", he said; "You can just pay whenever you have the chance. It's no big deal".
Andy covered the $800 bill to have someone come replace the existing water heater with an electric one so that we would have hot water... By noon; hot water.
This, is the Osborne's. - A truly magical family, with a rich history/heritage in New England, providing farm services, products and agricultural expertise to countless farmers, gardeners, and neighbors too!
I spent the next 3 years as the Farm Hand for Osborne's Farm located in Loudon, NH. A privilege afforded to very few. My children also worked on the farm. Whether it was processing hay, picking pumpkins, planting 10's of thousands of Mums, and other greenhouse plants, loading corn, processing/delivering cord wood, my family was involved.
We were truly blessed to have been a part of the Osborne family; David, Louise, Mark, Paul, Andy, and Tom. The 'boys' will be the first to say; "none of this is possible without the important ones; Heather and Marlene (Tom and Paul's wives, respectively). We all agree!
Unfortunately, we've had to say goodbye to 3 of the family members over the past few years: David. Louise. Andy. We can never repay them for the fortune they shared; But, we'll try. Their love, compassion, faith, patience, and contributions to the community will never be forgot.
From our family to yours; Merry Christmas Osborne's. Thank you.
Gratefully,
Farm Tom