On behalf of the many mom and pop Garden Centers located in the great agricultural state of PA, we would like to request Governor Wolf to make and exemption to the "Non Essential Business" ruling on Garden Centers. Approximately 98% of the states list Garden Centers as an "Essential Business".

Garden Centers don't sell just flowering annuals and perennials, we sell numerous types of vegetable plants and seeds, herbs and fruit bushes/trees. Gardening is a stress reliever, gets people outside doing physical labor and getting fresh air. Sun and fresh air help to improve metal outlook and curb depression from sitting inside watching depressing Covid-19 news. Gardeners get great personal satisfaction when they harvest their crops and they will reduce their grocery bills during this trying time.

Garden Centers are open air and allow customers ample room to practice social distancing. All sales can be conducted outside using today's great technology. Spring is a big season for Garden Centers and is crucial to their financial success. Garden Centers are always flexible and changing to meet customer needs.

So we are proposing that Garden Centers be allowed to open as "Essential Business": with the following guidelines:

Follow all CDC guidelines for keeping the Garden Center clean

Conduct all sales outside

All sales will be paid by hand free credit card processing

Aisles will be one way only

Limit the number of customers entering the shopping area at any given time

Provide special shopping hours for seniors and shopper with high risk conditions

Offer telephone and online ordering with curbside pick up or delivery

We are asking all home gardeners, garden center owner/employees and greenhouse/nursery owners/employees to sign this petition and spread the word to other garden centers. In addition, we encourage you to contact your state Senator/Representative or the Governor's office (TODAY/NOW) and request that Garden Centers be listed as "Essential Businesses". Thank you for your help with this issue.

Find your state Senator/Representative and their contact information at www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator