by Claire Sachse
Clearing and clean up work has started on the three and a half acre property formerly owned by A Growing Concern on Hwy. 108 between Columbus and Mill Spring. Purchased by Jay Harden of Jay’s Lawn Service and Landscaping Company, the property will be transformed over the next four months in preparation for opening on January 1.
“We have been patiently waiting for this. This has been a long term goal for the past eight years,” said Harden, whose business will relocate from Tryon to this property with its three greenhouses, a log cabin and a soon-to-be-constructed warehouse.
Harden will announce the name of the nursery center, located at 2676 Hwy. 108 East, closer to its grand opening.
“We plan to be competitive with our pricing,” said Harden. He added that the center will be a wholesale/retail business, where people in the landscaping industry or the general public can purchase materials.
In the landscaping business for 17 years, Harden plans to transform several aspects of the property, starting with the waterfall and pond at the front.
He will also add an outdoor kitchen area, samples of retaining walls, and outdoor lighting to highlight the new landscaping.
The greenhouses will be outfitted with automated irrigation systems and will contain a variety of annuals and perennials. Since the greenhouses are heated, Harden said that he will be able to grow vegetables and herbs for sale year round. Trees and shrubs will also be available for sale.
Harden will begin construction soon on a 3,500 sq. ft. warehouse toward the back of the property for hay, fertilizer, seed, lime, mulch, soil amendments and other landscaping materials.
“The plan,” said Harden, “is for this to be a full service nursery and landscape supply company.”
Upon opening, Harden anticipates hiring at least three people to work the grounds. His landscaping business currently employs 15.
“They are a vital part of our business,” said Harden. “We are a team, it takes all of us.”
By opening in the middle of winter, Harden’s wife Jennifer said they will have time to stock materials before the spring rush. Harden added that the survivability of trees in burlap at that time of year is better than other times of the year.