Hurricane Damage Forces Double B Plant Farm to Close After 37-Year Run

A beloved Grovetown landmark, Double B Plant Farm, will close its doors for good within six months. Hurricane Helene's devastating winds and rain dealt the final blow to the family-owned business that started in 1987.

"It took us 37 years to get to the size that we were and we're not getting any younger so to build it back, not only just the cost, the monetary cost, the labor it would take to build it back, it's just too much," owner Rosalynn Burns told WFXG.

Storm damage wrecked their retail space, forcing them to switch to by-appointment sales. The steep drop in business meant laying off staff - including their own child.

Back in 1987, Joey and Rosalynn drew their first logo on plain notebook paper. While keeping their regular jobs, they built their green dream with support from their church community.

Unfortunately, like many homes and businesses around the CSRA, the hurricane's damage was too severe, including completely destroying Double B's retail shop. Now they're selling off their remaining stock before shutting down for good.

"My husband maybe thought we could stretch it a little bit longer than what we're doing now, but he's mentally and physically exhausted, we all are and he's ready to just move on," Mrs. Burns said.

Local supporters started a GoFundMe campaign while regular customers stop by to say goodbye. Their support has moved the Burns family deeply.

"It's really been very sweet, very uplifting from the customers to know what we did mean to the community and to have a good name," Mrs. Burns added.

She also feels the reality of the situation hasn't quite hit, but in retirement, she does look forward to spending more time with her kids and grandkids.

While the property's next chapter remains uncertain, talks continue about possible new uses. The farm's hardships echo many others hit by the consecutive blows of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.