HAY RIVER - The patriarch of a family-run farm outside Hay River says this may be the last year for his growing operation.

Eugene Patterson, owner of Patterson's Green Valley Gardens, located 20 kilometres south of Hay River, said he may close his business after fulfilling an order for flowers for the Town of Hay River this summer.

"I can hardly walk. I'm too old!" said the green-thumbed nonagenarian, who will celebrate his 91st birthday next month. "I think we're going to phase it out after this year, I suspect. It depends on how well I am."

The farm, which has traditionally grown cherries, tomatoes, strawberries and cucumbers, made approximately $25,000 from the sale of homegrown flowers in 2010, said Patterson.

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