The greenhouses at Lawrence Greenhouses are all empty, save for a few tomato plants, marigolds, petunias and a smattering of other flats. It’s a normal site at this time of year as the growing and selling season is winding down, said owner George Lawrence.
Only this time, that empty feeling at the business located at 679 Hathaway Road will linger a bit longer, as George is retiring after 42 years.
“Customers are sad. There have been tears and hugs,” he said. He’s sold plants and flowers to three generations of loyal customers. “We’re certainly going to miss our customers and employees.”
The business was started by George’s grandfather, Antone Lawrence, 77 years ago. The property then was a sprawling 13 acres. Then, in the early ’60s, Interstate-195 came barreling through gobbling up all but one acre of the farm.
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