A business rooted at the heart of a community for almost 30 years has closed – and in its place could be homes and offices.

Grafty Garden Centre had blossomed into a popular hub for plants, pets and other supplies, as well as a cafe, but after nearly three decades, owner Pauline Parkinson has decided to take a well-earned rest.

Mrs Parkinson, who will turn 70 next year, retired when the site in Headcorn Road, Grafty Green, shut for the last time a couple of weeks ago.

Mrs Parkinson said: “I can’t thank the customers enough for their support over the years and I will miss those who became garden centre friends.”

The centre’s staff also wanted to clarify the firm had not gone out of business, following some rumours.

Mrs Parkinson spent 16 years as a housewife before she set up her own company in 1980. She started out by working in a wooden shed off the A20 Ashford Road, in Harrietsham.

She opened Grafty Garden Centre six years later and its reputation spread across Maidstone, especially when its floral sheep creation caused controversy in the town centre.

The landmark, affectionately named as Shorn, divided opinions when it was put on display in the lower High Street and then in Romney Place, but Maidstone Town Centre Management believed it was attracting tourists.

The vacant garden centre has now been taken over by
Quinn Estates, based in Canterbury.

The developer has proposed to change the land into a mixed use scheme of residential and employment space. The proposal includes 14 family homes with a small amount of office accommodation.

More details about the redevelopment will be on show at Grafty Green Village Hall, Church Road, during a two-day public consultation.

The first session will be from 7pm to 9pm on Friday, May 1, and the second will run between 10am and noon on Saturday, May 2.