Turning a New Leaf: Saying Goodbye to Our Family Garden Center

Hey friends, I’ve been trying to find the right words for weeks now, and I think it’s finally time to share. For those who don’t know, my dad sold our family garden center (South Pleasantburg Nursery) earlier this summer and officially retired two weeks ago. This place has been a part of my life since, well, forever. My dad worked there my whole life and owned it for most of it.

You know those places that are more than just a business? That was our garden center. Many Sundays of my childhood we’d go there to help water plants and pick up fallen bushes. It wasn’t just work; it was family time. We learned so many valuable lessons there, watching my dad pour his heart and soul into the business.

One of my favorite memories? Picking out our Christmas tree there every year. It was a tradition we kept alive with my own kids. I always thought this place would stay in our family forever.

When Dad first mentioned selling a few months ago, I’m not gonna lie – I was a mess of emotions. Angry, sad, hurt – you name it. I’ve never been good with change, especially when it’s something that’s been such a huge part of our lives for so long.

But you know what? Ecclesiastes 3:1 keeps coming to mind: “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” It’s helping me see this change through God’s eyes. Maybe this is the season for a new chapter in our lives.

The garden center wasn’t just a business; it was the backdrop to so many important moments in our lives. My sister’s graduation party, part of our wedding reception, our first baby’s gender reveal, telling Dad and my brother about our pregnancy – all these precious memories are rooted in that place.

I know the new owner and his family are nice, and I’m sure they’ll keep it a great family nursery. But it’s still hard, you know? It’s why it’s taken me so long to even write this down. My brother and sister will still be working there, but it is just different.

Change is tough, but I’m holding onto my faith. I truly believe God is doing something in this new journey for all of us, especially for my dad. He’s worked so hard for so long; he deserves this retirement. And just like we nurture plants to grow, I know God is nurturing us through this transition.

As we turn this new leaf (pun intended!), I’m grateful for all the memories, lessons, and love that grew in that garden center. It might not be ours anymore, but the roots it planted in our hearts will always be there. And isn’t that just like our faith? It grows, it changes, but it always remains a part of us.

To everyone who’s been a part of this journey with us – thank you. Your support means more than you know. I’m excited to see what God has in store for this next season of our lives.

Here’s to new beginnings, cherished memories, and trusting in God’s perfect timing. Passing this on to the next family and generation and praying SPN blesses Rory and his family too!

With a grateful (if slightly teary) heart,

Sarah (MindOverMom)