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Ch Ch Ch Ch Changes...

As you may have noticed, there is something distinctly different at Sky Nursery. For some time now we have been hinting about, even trying to describe, the impending changes. Well, it's happening, really happening, and boy is it big.

Starting in the spring of 2009, we will be opening the new and improved 35,000 square foot retail greenhouse area. This structure will effectively replace all of our current covered outdoor plant areas. Replace is precisely what we mean too, because starting in late February we will begin to dismantle the existing Lath House, one half of our House Plant Department and one section from the existing Flower Shed. Additionally, the last of the remaining outbuildings will be removed.

Our goal essentially is to flip the property from the way it was. What once was open to the sky is now covered. Where building and roof once prevailed, is now the new open area of the nursery. And while our final step is to move the existing store into the new facility, that will be another year from now. So while we are making lots of changes to the place, visiting Sky Nursery will still be through the same entrance, for now.

I know for many folks the idea of change is a difficult one. Many of us who have been working here for several years will certainly miss a lot of the charm that our current facility possesses. I know for me, I'll miss how the wind can make all the condensation on the plastic roof rain on the inside, harder than it does outside. On the brighter side, the new greenhouse will be all glass, letting in unobstructed sunlight, that is until we pull a shade cloth to help block it during that week of summer.

Seriously though, while we may be doing away with a lot of the 'charm' and lived-in feel that 56 years of business can create, we can't help but be excited to open and operate in our new playground. We promise not to change our great plant selections, our friendly and knowledgeable staff or the enthusiasm we have for doing what we love.

By Joe Abken
Skylights Spring 2009, Vol 24, No. 1

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