Uncommon Gardens, a popular garden center in south Minneapolis, won't be opening for business this growing season. The retailer, which specialized in unusual plants and garden accessories, and also sold Christmas trees during the off-season, has closed its doors. An e-mail sent to the garden center's mailing list made the announcement: "After 13 wonderful years, we've decided to see what's down a new garden path and have closed our beloved store," the e-mail read. "Until we meet again, keep your hands dirty and your gardens uncommon." A call to the store indicated the phone line had been disconnected.

Uncommon Gardens' location, at 5750 Lyndale Av. S., put it in close proximity to several other prominent garden centers, including Tangletown Gardens and Bachman's flagship store on Lyndale. Uncommon Gardens' full closing message is on its website, www.uncommongardens.com.

KIM PALMER