The store first opened on Cherry Street before moving in 1989 to its current location on Washington Street. Current owner Sue Carlson began with the business on Cherry Street in 1981, and purchased the Washington Street business in 1996.

Her favorite part of the business is the customers.

“Everybody has been great,” Carlson said. “We appreciate the customers that have made the business a success. This is something I have always wanted to do. I graduated from Cornell University with a degree in horticulture and started up here soon after.”

The decision to close came after the building was purchased in the middle of last summer. The business leased the building for a while, but with Carlson now having grandkids and other things in life she needs to focus on, she decided to close the store, having no one else that wanted to take over.

The sign in front of Girton’s Flowers welcomes customers. P-J photo by Michael Zabrodsky

The building was purchased by its neighbor, JMI, which Carlson said has also purchased a few other buildings on the street.

Located at 1519 Washington St., Carlson said Girton’s will be open for deliveries until June 23, and officially closing June 30. There will be a closing sale going on for the last month.

“It’s bittersweet,” Carlson said. “I’m excited to be able to spend time with my kids and grandkids, and to spend time in my own garden. But I know the last time I lock the door I will be sad.”

As for what comes next, Carlson said she was looking forward to relaxing and gardening. “I will wait and see what the world has to offer me,” she added. “I’m open to new adventures.”

But more than anything, Carlson wants people to know how much she has appreciated the support over the years.

“I want people to know how much I appreciate everybody, and how much fun it all was,” Carlson said.