An Austintown gardening mainstay is getting ready to close its doors after twenty years in business.

Ray Mashorda has decided to retire and close his business, Mahoning Avenue's Mashorda's County Gardens, in early August.

About his decision to step away, Mashorda said, "I figured it was time.  Every man has to come to a point where they say it's time."

The 61-year-old business owner says he got his start 45 years ago working for his father at Mashorda's original location farther east on Mahoning Avenue.

There he says he learned the value of good ethics and fair business practices from his parents.

After the elder Mashorda's passing, Ray opened the County Garden's new location in 1996.

"Mahoning Valley has been very good to me," said Mashorda about his business.  "It's very bittersweet, but it's my decision, and I have no regrets."  

Mashorda says several developers have expressed interest in his four acre property, which he currently has listed at $1.8 million.

As for him?  Mashorda says he is planning to move to Florida, where he has a home in Pompano Beach.

Mashorda's nursery and greenhouse is set to begin a liquidation sale next Thursday, July 14th.  

All nursery stock, according to Mashorda, will be 50% off, while all other store goods will be 25% off.

Mashorda also says that all his store's trucks, equipment, and fixtures are up for sale.

The liquidation sale is will last at least through the first week of August, and into the second week if necessary.