It’s been more than a year-and-a-half in the making for Thrasher’s Garden Centre to bloom again.
Gardening enthusiasts and members of the public are being invited to the business’ grand reopening on Saturday at 26 North Front St.
The building was rebuilt following a devastating fire in August 2023 that left much of the main portion of the business completely destroyed with heavy damage.
David Robertson pleaded guilty to arson charges and was sentenced to one day in jail, in addition to the 11 plus months he has been in custody, along with three years probation in connection to the blaze.
This forced a move to a temporary location on Harriet St. to an old warehouse to offer animal feed, which Garden Centre owner Michelle Thrasher said she was appreciative of in a dark time.
Upon completion, staff and items moved back into the rebuilt facility for a month-long soft opening starting on May 7.
The business welcomed InQuinte.ca to the facility on Friday for a view of the new digs.
Thrasher said she and her family have dealt with a lot of sleepless nights, but it’s gratifying to see all their hard rebuilding efforts pay off.
“It’s very exciting to finally be open, to finally be here. The place looks beautiful. It’s been a long road. It was a lot of work, but we made it through, especially with the community support,” she said.
Thrasher praised the staff at local building company Harmony Homes for taking charge on the rebuild and the community for sticking by them for support during some trying days.
“It was huge. It was fantastic, we couldn’t have done it without them. I wouldn’t be here without them.”
What customers will find in the rebuilt shop when they come is a slightly changed layout, an increase in house plant and pot selection, and larger décor.
The grand reopening event, held 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, will feature special discounts on trees and shrubs, among other items, along with prize raffles, fun activities for kids with balloons and a little bit of champagne for the adults.
For store opening hours and other information, visit Thrasher’s Garden Centre’s Facebook page.
