Northaven Gardens was virtually leveled after the Oct. 18 tornado, but its historic marque, shown here updated, weathered the storm.
Beloved since 1951, nursery will be rebuilt
By Sharon Wisch-Ray
When Sunday’s EF3 tornado plowed through Northaven Gardens, a fixture on Northaven Road since 1951, the nursery was all but leveled. NHG was started by the late Muriel and Ralph Pinkus, and now owned by Lillian and Jon Pinkus.
General manager Cody Hoya explained that the oldest building is a “pile of rubble.”
Other buildings, the art gallery, the café, administrative offices and a small community conference room suffered various degrees of damage.
“With the odd characteristics of storms like this, there’s complete destruction and the marquee has every letter in tact.” That marquee has been updated to say, “NHG WILL BLOOM AGAIN.”
Hoya said that there is an active and enthusiastic plan to rebuild. Initially, his team will analyze the property, continue the care of the plants that need it and plan for the future and how they can better utilize the space.
He explained that the whole experience has been surreal and emotional.
“All of us who are part of the family of employees hold it very close that we are part of a family history like this one. The outpouring of support among our employees has been unbelievable as has been the support of our patrons and customers.”
Hoya said that Pinkus family has been particularly touched by the outpouring of support from the Jewish community.
