Major change for McShane’s Nursery and Landscape Supply

A major change for a Salinas landmark. Come September 30, McShane’s Nursery and Landscape Supply will cease nursery operations after more than ten years.

“We’ve been in business for 11 years and I’ll tell you, this is a sign of the times,” said owner Steve McShane. “Gardening isn’t what it used to be. It’s changed and McShane’s is changing with that.”

The business is shifting its focus from nursery sales to landscape supply and design, helping customers with drought tolerant, low maintenance and cost effective hardscaping options like rocks, soils, statuary products and fountains.

He anticipates an increase in design services, as people look for advice and direction with their yards.

He said gardening is now a luxury hobby for many.

“You need a lot of property, you need a lot of time, you need a lot of patience,” McShane said. “And all of those things are harder to come by these days. I also say we compete with new forms of entertainment, whether it’s electronic social media or just on-demand television.”

But that’s the same reason many people say they choose to garden.

“I love gardening because it’s stress-free,” said Vivian Rimando. “I mean, you get out into the garden and your mind is clear, no gadget, no technology, no nothing. Just the birds, just you and the plants.”

Rimando has a small backyard space, and when we met her on Tuesday, had purchased an artichoke plant. McShane has also noticed more people living in smaller spaces coming in for fairy gardens or nursery boxes.

However, some still have large front yards that require a lot of maintenance. That’s something Belinda Bailey is working on.

“They’re gorgeous but it does require a lot of watering and a lot of taking care and time to do it and people don’t want to do that anymore,” Bailey said. “They don’t want to be spending their time outside working in the yard.”

McShane’s is not the only garden center in trouble these days. He said there are six other independent nurseries within 50 miles that are closing its doors also.

We asked McShane why he doesn’t explore the latest cash crop of cannabis. He said it’s something that’s never been part of his business plan.

The landscaping center will remain at its current spot next to the nursery. As for what will replace the nursery, McShane said the property owner will decide.