Local Nursery Facing Move

    After 13 years at its current Dona Vista location, Bz's Happy Plants is on the move. Owner Bea Carlson and her staff are hustling to reduce inventory and move to its new location, with all eyes on June 11 final day at its current SR 19 location across from the Mason Jar restaurant.
   "I was renting, and the property sold. End of story," Carlson said this week.   But the story of the area's largest plant nursery isn't ending.
   “Thanks to Sunsational Farms, we have a place to go.”
   The home of the Big Orange is carving out a space for Carlson, and for at least the short term she will be able to operate out of Sunsational's expansive grounds. Longer-term homes for the nursery are still being developed with hopes of a permanent solution by this fall.
   “All the plants are going to Sunsational,” Carlson said. “Our final day here is June 11. Thanks to Sunsational Farms for allowing us to partner with them.” Carlson also is thankful for the staff at Umatilla’s Old Packing House, which is allowing her to store larger, non-plant items.
   Carlson is offering a variety of discounts on inventory to help reduce the number of plants that need to be moved, as hundreds, if not thousands of items will need to be removed by Carlson and employees Molly and Tom.
   “Anyone with a truck or trailer who would like to volunteer an hour or two is welcome to help us.”
   But they aren't waiting for the deadline to get 'on the move'. Already, a large, front section of the nursery has been vacated, in anticipation of tree work at the beginning of June. And discounts on items have led to strong sales. A fountain has been taken off the property, as have some large display tables.
   “Sunsational takes a vacation in early July. I think we might take one then, also. I think we are going to need it after all this,” Carlson says.