A Mandan yard and garden center will close by the end of the month, the owners said.

Classic Yard, 1701 Mandan Ave., is going to close by July 29 because owner Ron Carrick is ready to retire, he said.

"I've been in business in Mandan for roughly 45 years,"Carrick said.

The lawn and garden center has been open for a little more than 10 years, Carrick said, selling everything from garden supplies to rock and outdoor decorations; the business also hosted garden classes.

They have five full-time employees during the busy season and several part-timers.

Carrick said they're now pricing down and selling through the inventory in preparation for the close. After, they close, they're just going to sit back and relax a little.

"We haven't really made big plans, but we're going to take a couple of trips and settle back and relax a little,"he said. "This particular type of business is quite consuming during the spring and summer."

Carrick said the lot is for sale, but the business is not - and he's already had a couple of people asking questions about the property.

- Crystal R. Reid