Stonecrop began as the private home of Anne and Frank Cabot in the late 1950s. The Cabots were avid gardeners, particularly fond of alpine plants. Stonecrop Nursery soon followed in the 1960s offering a broad selection of choice alpines to enthusiasts in the region as well as by mail order around the country. In the mid 1980s the Cabots wanted to make the gardens available to all. That is when the director, Caroline Burgess came from England. She has been here ever since, creating the diverse gardens Stonecrop is known for.