Honestly, it’s hard to imagine River Road without the smell of fresh mulch and those rows of bright orange pumpkins every October. But the reality is finally sinking in for Morris County residents: the iconic Condursos Garden Center closing isn't just a rumor anymore. After nearly a century—96 years to be exact—the greenhouses are going dark.
It’s one of those local landmarks you just assume will always be there. Since 1929, the Condurso family has been the backbone of Montville’s agricultural scene. They survived the Great Depression, World War II, and the transition of Montville from a quiet farming community into a bustling suburb. Seeing it end like this feels like losing a piece of the town’s DNA.
The Bankruptcy Auction That Changed Everything
People were shocked when they heard the farm had plunged into bankruptcy. It’s a tough pill to swallow for a business that felt so permanent. On September 17, 2025, the 28-acre property at 96 and 97 River Road went up for auction. It wasn't some quiet private sale; it was a high-stakes showdown right on the grounds of the nursery.
The bidding started at a million dollars. Within literally 37 seconds, it hit $4 million. You could feel the tension in the air as the numbers climbed. Local developers were eyeing the land, which is a scary thought for anyone who likes seeing green space instead of another cluster of townhomes.
In the end, Montville Township stepped up in a huge way. The town’s administrator, June Hercek, held the paddle and went toe-to-toe with other bidders. The township eventually won with a $6 million bid. It’s a lot of money, but when you consider the alternative was likely a massive housing development, most neighbors are breathing a sigh of relief.
Why the Garden Center Couldn't Keep Going
So, why did a place with so much history end up in bankruptcy? It’s complicated. Running a family farm in New Jersey is basically a masterclass in stress management. You’ve got rising labor costs, insane property taxes, and the constant pressure from big-box retailers like Home Depot or Lowe’s that can sell a flat of pansies for cheaper than a small farm can grow them.
The Luciano family, who operated the center (descendants of the original founders, Bartholomew and Rose Condurso), kept things going as long as they could. But the financial weight became too much. There were also hints in public records that some historic designations on the property made it harder to sell or pivot the business in a different direction. Basically, they were caught between a rock and a hard place.
What Happens to the Land Now?
The good news is that the land isn't going to be paved over. At least, not for houses. The township officially closed on the property around October 31, 2025, which also served as the final day of the Condursos Garden Center closing sale.
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The plan is to keep it as open space and recreation. Because the property is right next to the municipal baseball fields and Lazar Middle School, it’s a perfect fit for expanding the town’s "green" footprint. We might see walking trails, more sports fields, or just preserved meadows. It’s a bittersweet victory. We lose the farm, but we keep the sky.
A Quick Trip Down Memory Lane
Before the gates locked for good, it's worth remembering how this place started. Bartholomew and Rose Condurso were immigrants from Avellino, Italy. They bought what was a 30-acre dairy farm from the Dalton family back in 1929.
Back then, River Road wasn't even paved. Bartholomew used a horse-drawn plow to prep the soil. They raised eight kids on that land. Over the decades, they transitioned from dairy to vegetables—mostly celery, lettuce, and tomatoes—and eventually into the massive flower and shrub operation we all knew. The stone barn, built in 1934 from rocks pulled right out of the fields, still stands as a testament to how hard that generation worked.
What You Need to Know if You’re a Local Gardener
If you were a regular at Condursos, you're probably wondering where to go now. The loss leaves a massive hole in the local gardening community.
- Check the inventory: By the time the final sale wrapped up in late October 2025, most of the equipment and remaining stock had been liquidated. If you missed the 50% off clearance, the shop is officially empty.
- Support other local nurseries: Places like Cerbo’s in Parsippany or various smaller spots in Towaco are still fighting the good fight.
- The township’s timeline: Don't expect to see new parks overnight. The town needs to conduct environmental assessments and planning sessions before the 28 acres are officially opened for public recreation.
Moving Forward After the Closing
It’s the end of an era, period. Seeing a century-old business go under is a reminder that even the deepest roots can be pulled up. But there's a silver lining here. Because the township stepped in, the "open space characteristics" that make Montville what it is aren't disappearing.
If you want to stay involved, keep an eye on the Montville Township Committee meetings. They'll be discussing the master plan for the "Condurso Tract" throughout 2026. This is your chance to weigh in on whether you want more soccer fields, a community garden, or just a quiet place to walk the dog where the greenhouses used to be.
The Condursos Garden Center closing is a heavy loss for the community's heritage, but the preservation of the land ensures that the Condurso family's 96-year legacy of keeping Montville green will continue, just in a different form.
To honor the history of the site, consider visiting the Montville Historical Society. They maintain records and photographs of the farm's early days, including the original 1929 farmhouse and the first glass greenhouses built in the 1950s. Keeping those stories alive is the best way to make sure the work of the Condurso family isn't forgotten as the land transitions into its next chapter.