Faced with the possibility of prolonged coronavirus-related shutdowns, the owners of many local garden centers are worried about the future of their businesses, writes Andrew Maykuth for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
When the emergency order arrived to close all non-essential businesses, David Green had just received several shipments of plants and supplies in preparation for the big spring kickoff at Primex Garden Center in Glenside.
With the expensive and perishable inventory already purchased, the news felt like a gut punch to him, especially since the business typically makes 60 percent of its annual sales over the next three months.
He was forced to lay off most of his staff, uncertain of what the future might bring.
“This is survival,” said Green.
Cleveland Ott & Son, a wholesale commercial farm in Collegeville, is in a similar predicament.
“We’ve got thousands and thousands of dollars of Easter plants that we will actually have to dump out,” said Cleve Ott Jr.
Some garden centers have managed to stay open as they are connected with a life-sustaining business, including Holod’s Nursery and Landscape Supply in Lafayette Hill. However, social distancing rules are applicable to any customers.
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