 | | | Owner Garth Jacober thinks he will miss the painted mural running the length of his nursery the most. Photo Cathy Dausman | | | | | | The hurt comes through loud and clear in Garth Jacober's voice. "We opened for business March 1, 2007; we're closing Feb. 28, 2018 - one day short of our 11th anniversary."
Retirement, sickness or health has not forced Jacober to close his nursery, although you might argue that someone else's health, or lack of health, precipitated this decision.
A lot has happened since Jacober received a lawsuit in November accusing his business of denying access last August to someone with physical disabilities; he is still troubled by his decision to close, but says it was purely a matter of finances.
"I do the best I can," Jacober insists, explaining his nursery has accommodated those in wheelchairs and walkers over time. "My brother was in a wheelchair for 22 years," he says.
Jacober labeled the lawsuit a shakedown, saying it is not about advocating for people with disabilities as much as it is "abuse by attorney" - an abuse that disrupts communities and small businesses alike. "If there is something good to come of this (closure)," he says, it is raising awareness that something similar could happen to another business.
Jacober, a Lamorinda local, has been in the "green biz" since he first mowed lawns as a boy. He worked at what was then called Harry's Nursery from 1976 to 1978, coming full circle to own the business in 2007.
His loyal customer base is evident even online, and for that Jacober is very grateful. "Charming and inviting," says one review; "enthusiastic customer service," another. "For a small place, a gem."
The nursery closes Feb. 28, but Jacober is honoring outstanding gift certificates and taking special orders. He says he will continue to serve the Lamorinda area as a landscape consultant.
While the nursery may be closing, the nurseryman plans to grow his business.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA