Within walking distance from my home, along a busy but beautiful road, is a little piece of paradise. It is our local plant nursery, the oldest in town, crafted by a local family who loved their own garden so much it grew into a business. That was in the 1940’s, when the road was not busy at all, and the business still thrives. I am sure you can sense that this is not at all like the places we all see where one can almost feel the plants calling out for help, piled alongside a big box store and surrounded by asphalt and chain link. The entrance to this nursery is lined with huge and ancient Live Oak trees draping gracefully over the drive. The frontage area of lawn is replanted for each season. The signage is low key, woodsy and boasts “Since 1938.” It is a retreat. I go there a lot.
The owner is always working around the place, with his staff of busy young people and retired folks. He will quietly talk with you, in that gentle southern way, and it is quickly evident that here is a man who knows plants and gardening and has lived his life sharing that knowledge. In the spring, when planting frenzy hits, a Sheriff’s car directs traffic at the entrance. I love to go on weekdays, in the morning, when I can have the place almost to myself.
The greenhouse has a pond in the center complete with a small wooden bridge. You can feed the fish that swim there. Orchids sit nearby, so elegant and lovely. The ferns hang from above. And all around is that bright, warm, softly damp feeling permeating the air. I never buy the orchids. I always feel as if I would be taking them from their happy home.
While shopping, everyone gets to pull a small red Radio Flyer. The noise of the wheels can be heard everywhere on the brick paths between the rows of flowers. The wagons are perfect for gathering pots and containers of bedding plants for purchase. They are also perfect because they allow you to feel like a kid again. Coffee is always on in the small building that has the bird watching window. Adirondack chairs sit casually under the trees. There are flowing fountains and wooden arbors. There is a library of books, complete with cozy chairs, full of great information on all things botanical. I could go on and on.
Last week, as I stood at the outdoor cash register, purchasing “just a few more” tomato and pepper plants, I began to think about the memories this nursery holds for my family over the years. We have watched our daughter and granddaughter run down the same pathways. We’ve seen it torn apart by hurricanes; the large potted trees lying down and the flowers shredded and blown all over the place. We have been in awe of the autumn displays of mountainous mums. We have driven away with our trunk full of pansies and petunias, flushed with spring fever. We have ordered wedding flowers and funeral sprays and Valentine bouquets. We have bundled up in sweaters to thoughtfully choose our Christmas tree. On cold December evenings, huge lighted balls hang from the oaks, and a firepit is burning. Poinsettias are everywhere, even in huge hanging baskets. Hot chocolate is always served.
Last year, after Hurricane Katrina swept through to the west of us, gasoline pumps all over town were covered with plastic bags that read “out of order.” For days, my husband and I did not drive anywhere unless it was absolutely necessary. For fun, we grabbed our bottled water, our sun hats, and walked to the nursery. It was a little difficult carrying plants home, but we had a great time anyway!
I am really looking forward to the fall weather and cooler temps. I know the nursery will have hundreds of yellow chrysanthemums, and bales of pine straw will smell fragrant. Goblin statues will peek out of the pots of flowers, and pumpkins will line the paths.
I know the chain store plant departments serve a great purpose. You can buy bedding plants while you also get light bulbs and perhaps a new shower curtain. But I hope we never get so addicted to convenience that we let go of the real beauty a plant nursery can provide. For me, this little piece of heaven nearby inspires me to create my own; it gives me ideas, teaches me, and allows me time to “smell the roses” literally.
Do you have a favorite place like this? Support it and learn from it. What a pleasure it is in a busy world.