Auctioneer Marty Higgenbotham called a halt to the public auction of real estate at Eve’s Garden when it became clear the bids were too low.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)
But, Higgenbotham and owner Evie Lynn say they will keep working to sell the property for the best price they can get.
“It was too soon, too quick,” said Lynn of the auction’s scheduled date of June 10.
Potential buyers didn’t have enough time to review the site’s commercial potential and make an offer, she said.
Higgenbotham Auctioneers International handled the auction of real estate, plants and inventory at Eve’s Garden, 5602 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
After 33 years, Lynn is relocating her business to about 55 acres in Groveland in Lake County. She anticipates a grand opening in December.
About 20 people waited under an intense sun, as Higgenbotham kicked off the auction. Only two people bid on the real estate, and their offers climbed no higher than $445,000 for one parcel. Bidding started at $400,000.
“We sell mobile homes for $400,000. Are you kidding me?” Higgenbotham said.
Total acreage is about seven acres, with frontage on U.S. 41 and lake frontage to the rear of the site. The parcels, of 2.1 acres and 4.7 acres, could be purchased separately or together.
The property includes the nursery, gift shop and warehouse. Inventory included bonsai, bamboo plants, koi fish, jewelry, nursery supplies and other gift items.
Local gardeners often came to Eve’s for bonsai and other plants and gifts. But, the vast majority of Lynn’s business has been on the wholesale side, nationwide, to gift shops, nurseries and brand name stores, such as Walgreen’s and Publix. Her bonsai nursery is one of the largest in the nation.
While the real estate didn’t sell, some plants and other inventory from Eve’s Garden and gift shop did sell.
San Antonio resident Frank Corradini and his sister-in-law, Susan Barreto, bid on several bonsai plants. Corradini has created his own bonsai for about 40 years.
He admired Lynn’s specimens.
“These are just so nice,” he said. “I want to expand my garden a bit.”
Published June 15, 2016
