Natureworks was started by the owner, Nancy DuBrule, in 1983. With $500 and a beat-up orange Datsun pickup truck, Nancy began taking care of both outdoor and indoor gardens in the Branford area. Within a year, it became clear that working out of the backyard of a rented house was impractical. Natureworks opened a small retail store in a converted gas station on a corner at the entrance to Stony Creek, CT. Nancy, and eventually a small crew, would work in gardens all week. On the weekends, the retail store would be open.

The business grew, taking on more help and eventually keeping the shop open seven days a week. The focus shifted entirely to outdoor gardening in 1988. In 1989, the building that housed Natureworks was sold. The search began for a country location on a main road, with room for gardens. In 1990, Natureworks moved to its present location on Forest Rd. (Rte. 22) in Northford, CT.