Letter: Sheridan Gardens has closed its doors

On Feb. 20, Sheridan Gardens, a part of the Burbank community for more than 30 years, closed its doors permanently. Many of its longtime customers didn’t have a chance to say goodbye and thank you.

With its display of unique gifts indoors and flowers, trees, shrubs outdoors, it was a place of quiet beauty. In past spring times, I bought pansies, petunias, even violets to plant. A few days before Easter, they ordered potted Easter lilies that covered the floor before being sold. At Christmas time, the shop was stunningly beautiful with elaborately decorated trees, each with its own theme. It never seemed that the intricate displays were created just to sell goods, but rather to provide a warm, welcoming space for people to come and pause and feel a little better.

I visited there often, not just to buy something, but to enjoy the warm welcome given by Chris and Arlene, both of whom worked there for more than 30 years. With their extensive knowledge, they patiently spent as much time as necessary to answer gardening questions. Their friendliness and genuine caring brightened many a day for multitudes of customers.

Increasingly Burbank streets are congested with traffic. Plans for more and larger buildings abound. Now one of the last small family-owned nursery and gift shops is gone. It’s an irreplaceable loss.

Marilyn Kierscey
Burbank