AUBURN — The Grow Depot, an indoor and outdoor garden supply retailer, celebrated its official grand opening Thursday afternoon in front of elected officials, family and friends.

Owner Jim Parisi said he believes the the 245 Center Street Plaza facility will serve local gardeners well due to the convenient location and large inventory of garden supplies.

“The Lewiston and Auburn area and the surrounding communities will have a convenient location when shopping for their garden needs,” Parisi said. “Rather than long distance driving or ordering their organic and hydroponic supplies online, the store will be staffed seven days a week with the right products and knowledgeable staff to answer any questions.”

Specializing in outdoor products with an emphasis on indoor gardening, Parisi highlighted the benefits of utilizing hydroponic gardens inside the home or greenhouse due to the shortened Maine growing season.

“Hydroponic gardening initially turns a lot of people off that aren’t familiar with the methodology,” said Parisi. “But in reality, all we’re doing is replacing traditional soil with water which makes the growing process that much cleaner and easier, especially inside the home.”

In addition to advice and experience by the knowledgeable staff, Grow Depot will provide indoor grow lights and lighting accessories, ballasts, reflectors, organic soil mediums, grow pots and containers, organic nutrients, hydroponic supplies, indoor grow houses, plant care products, climate control products, books and CDs.

The Grow Depot is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more information about the Grow Depot, go to www.growdepotofmaine.com or call (207) 312-5535.