For those in southeast Va and northeast NC who have been into gardening for years, the name of White’s Nursery and Greenhouses will be familiar. In business since 1956, it has put up for sale its 20 acres of commercial greenhouses and its property of 65 acres. The Easter Lily crop and some annuals will be the last production through it. Citing labor expense and high interest rates plus reduced demand for plants, it’s for sale for $13,500,000. Zoned for mixed development it will probably become a residential community. White’s plans keep its retail garden center open.
White’s helped popularize fall garden mums and sales of their plants were widespread. A few of my horticulture classmates from NC State worked there back in 80’s. I am surprised they lasted as long as they have when competing with huge horticultural operations out of North Carolina dominating the wholesale market in the southeast.