Hines Nurseries LLC, which has been part of Orange County's agricultural scene for 53 years, will stop growing plants and flowers in Irvine at the end of the year and will lay off about half its 160 workers, according to the Orange County Register.
The lease on the 288 acres is up at the end of the year. The land is zoned for residential, and home construction will begin as the market demands.
Hines will concentrate its California flower and plant growing business in Fallbrook and in Winters, according to the story.