By Christine Galeone

If you’ve been for a drive in the Blackstone Valley lately, you’ve probably noticed them. The bright yellow forsythia bushes, the deep purple rhododendrons and the beautiful pink cherry blossom trees adorn the roadsides and yards with outstanding vibrancy. But the positive growth and energy they inspire extend beyond drivers.

Recently, several Grafton businesses and organizations have been reflecting the vibrant nature of spring. They’ve been celebrating milestones, reinventing themselves, and expanding to the delight of many of the people they serve.   

In addition to a wide array of flowers, bushes, trees, mulch, yard and garden supplies, fairy garden supplies and gifts, Perreault Nursery & Landscape Supply in North Grafton has something wonderful to celebrate. This month, the nursery celebrated its 30th anniversary. On its Facebook page, a post read, “Since then, we have grown in so many ways and are proud to continue serving our family of loyal gardening enthusiasts. Thanks to all of you for getting us here…..we look forward to 30 more!”

    On Friday, May 7 through Friday, May 14, Community Harvest Project will hold its annual Plantapalooza fundraiser. The North Grafton nonprofit farm that supports hunger relief in Massachusetts will again hold the fundraiser online in order to ensure safety. Sponsored by Wegmans and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation, the online store can be found by going to https://community-harvest.org/events/. Purchased plants can be picked up at the farm on Saturday, May 15. 

Another farm re-opened earlier than usual and is looking forward to some exciting new ventures. Houlden Farm, the multi-generational family-owned farm that sells a variety of its produce along with dairy items, baked goods and more, re-opened on April 5. This year, it launched its first CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture). Although that one is now closed, the farm may hold another in the fall. It’s also expanding parking, its store and its family-friendly animal enclosure, where families can visit with goats and pigs. Additionally, the Houlden family hopes to add a walking trail, events and a food truck with farm-to-table meals.    

Elsewhere in North Grafton, Koopman Lumber, the hardware and paint store, has been expanding in a different way. The store recently expanded its hours of operation. Its Grafton, Whitinsville and Uxbridge locations are now open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. As of the time this column was written, the business also has several new job openings at its Grafton location, as well as at other locations. 

Some North Grafton restaurants have been reinventing the way they serve its customers.  Recently, Cancun’s Family Mexican Restaurant, the Post Office Pub, Pub 122 and Reunion Tap & Table requested and received permission from the Grafton Planning Board to move to increased outdoor seating until December 1. Moving more of the dining experiences outdoors allows the restaurants to safely accommodate more of their customers. Additionally, Reunion Tap & Table received approval from the Select Board to bring live outdoor music back to its restaurant.   

Seeing the abundance of brilliant colors decorating the area is uplifting. But it’s just as encouraging to see so many businesses and organizations being rejuvenated during this season of growth and renewal.  

Please note that this information was correct at the time the column was written. However, because the pandemic is rapidly changing things, it’s best to check the websites and social media pages of any business to see if new changes have been implemented. 

Contact Christine with your business news items at [email protected].