A Fire At A New Hampshire Garden Center Challenges Spring Sales

Petal Pushers Farm street signA two-alarm fire broke out at Petal Pushers Farm in Laconia, NH,  just two weeks before Mother’s Day weekend. The main retail building was spared, although the growing division suffered heavy damage.

“The fire damage was extensive, but we are still able to operate for retail,” says co-owner Patty Gianunzio.

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The fire likely started in a large mulch pile, the Union Leader reports, then spread to nearby fields, which burned through the next day.

“We lost a lot of vegetable plants. Fortunately, we can grow from seed again,” Gianunzio says. “The end wall of the greenhouse was burned and is currently being rebuilt by a local contractor. We are still not sure if the burner is working, and we lost a lot of hoses and the plastic that covers the greenhouse. We also lost a $20,000 piece of equipment for our composting operation.”

Petal Pushers Farm is insured, the local paper reports. But timing of the fire poses major complications. The Gianunzios, whose garden center and farm stand is seasonal, will need the help of the green industry to help them get through these vital spring months.

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If you have equipment, greenhouse covering, or labor you can spare, you can contact Pat and Patty Gianunzio via email.

“We appreciate anything that you can do to help us recover from our loss,” Gianunzio says.

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