Old Country Gardens Owner Listed Store for Sale
The Wilmington garden center's owner has put the business on the market ahead of planned retirement.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Stephen Keulmann has listed Old Country Gardens for sale after 25 years of ownership. The business, which has served the area for 55 years, could permanently close at the end of 2026 if a buyer is not found.
Why it matters
The potential closure marks the end of a long-standing fixture for local gardeners and residents in Wilmington. The owner, 70, is seeking a successor to take over operations as he prepares for retirement.
Old Country Gardens has operated for 55 years at the intersection of Wilson Road and Foulk Road. Owner Stephen Keulmann has managed the business since 2000.
The players
Stephen Keulmann
The 70-year-old owner of Old Country Gardens has operated the local business since 2000.
Old Country Gardens
This Wilmington garden center has served the local community for over five decades.
The details
The garden store is currently listed for sale on its business website as the owner looks to transition out of the industry. Despite the listing, the store plans to proceed with its seasonal operations, including the opening of its Christmas shop.
Timeline
Stephen Keulmann acquired the store in 2000.
The store was open with inventory on October 8, 2026.
As of October 12, 2026, no official buyer had purchased the property.
The annual Christmas shop will open on October 20, 2026.
The store is scheduled to close on December 31, 2026, if no buyer is found.
Market Landscape
The sale follows the broader trend of long-term small business owners divesting as they reach retirement age. This transition highlights the challenges of transferring established local institutions to new management in a shifting retail climate.
Regular customers can continue to access the garden center's inventory and upcoming holiday shop throughout the remainder of the year. The future availability of the store's products and services remains dependent on the success of the ongoing sale process.
The takeaway
Business owners looking to exit should begin succession planning years in advance to ensure a smooth transition of legacy operations. Customers should monitor the store's official website for any updates regarding change in ownership or service changes.
What happens next
The store is scheduled to open its annual Christmas shop on October 20, 2026, and faces a potential permanent closure date of December 31, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on local retail shifts, visit the Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News Journal.
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