Find your niche

Back in April, I had the opportunity to visit several independent garden centers in and around the San Francisco, Calif., area. Each of the stores had something that set it apart from the rest. Flora Grubb Garden’s artsy locale with a coffee shop encourages customers to linger, while Orchard Nursery’s “Lazy K House” brings in customers interested in unique gifts set in a nearly century-old home on the property. Alden Lane Nursery’s expansive grounds that incorporate the natural landscape and ample meeting space make it a destination for groups of all sizes.
 

A natural destination for customers

Before turning its focus to being a retail garden center, Alden Lane Nursery in Livermore, Calif., in was just that — a nursery. Owner Jacquie Williams-Courtright grew up in the nursery her parents founded in 1955, and she has strived to preserve its rich history, while still adapting to modern circumstances. The result? A beautiful, welcoming destination for customers that incorporates the natural surroundings into it. It’s truly an experience to visit the business — and it's what keeps customers coming back.

When the store and surrounding layout was redesigned in 2002 by Ernest Wertheim and Jack Klemeyer, Williams-Courtright knew she wanted to keep certain original elements in the new layout, especially the trees that create the peaceful, shady atmosphere and hold a special place in the business’ history. An outdoor deck was built around an existing tree with removable floor slats so that the tree could continue to grow without damage to either the deck or the tree. She says that they’ve already had to remove a few pieces since the deck’s installation.

Many community groups meet and events are held at Alden Lane, both indoors and outside. Ruthie’s Room is one of its event and retail rooms and is named after Williams-Courtright’s mother, Ruth Williams. Used for various events and classes, the room was painted peach in honor of Williams, and colorful murals were painted to make the small space brighter and more appealing. The outdoor spaces are also well used. Williams-Courtright calls a space around one of the two “fallen” oak trees (the trees are growing both horizontally and vertically) the “outdoor multipurpose room” and they hold some kids programming out there still. “Before we did the reconfiguration [in 2002], that was the only meeting space that we had,” she says. Alden Lane also holds an annual quilt show with an average of 150 quilts hung from the branches of the oak trees on the property.

Alden Lane Nursery continues to offer a wide variety of trees and shrubs as it always has, although Williams-Courtright recognizes many garden centers are pulling back in that area. “I think there’s a benefit [to having a strong tree/shrub department],” she says. “A lot of people would say ‘Gosh you’re way too long in trees and shrubs,’ but when [all the other garden centers] get out of that, your garden center becomes the place to go.” Alden Lane knows where it fits in, and is sticking with it.

Oasis in the city

Flora Grubb Gardens strives to be as much of a great place to hang out, admire unique art pieces and drink great coffee as it does be a garden center. Customers can take a load off in any number of chairs and benches placed throughout the garden center with a cup of their preferred type of artisanal joe from the small San Francisco chain Ritual Coffee. “Because we have the Ritual Coffee bar and we have places to hang out, it’s a weekend activity for people to come to us,” says Jason Dewees, horticulturist and Palm Broker at the store. In addition, there is a small parking lot, a rarity in San Francisco, and a recently built light rail line that goes right by the store. There are even bistro tables and chairs set up in the back of the orange pickup truck that takes center stage in the edibles section. It used to deliver pumpkins in the fall, and now it’s part of the store.

Artwork and unique products gracing the outer and inner walls of the store create a warm and inviting scene for visitors. Art is often created with plants, as seen in the succulent vertical garden and some of the gift items. Owner Flora Grubb is continually creating new items for the store. The best part? Almost everything is for sale. So for customers that like the look and feel of the store, it’s easy to recreate at least a small part at home. If they don’t want to take the time to do it themselves, there are two on-site designers to help them out.

Home away from home

Orchard Nursery & Florist in Lafayette, Calif., while known for its exceptional plant material and gardening products, also boasts a unique gift shop. Known as Lazy K House, Orchard Nursery’s gift and accessories boutique is situated in a nearly century old home on the property, which was once a ranch. The house was originally located where the freeway stands today, and was the family home of the original ranch owners, the Kergens, and later by current owner Tom Courtright and his family. It was converted into the gift shop it is today in 1977. Its name comes from the Kergen family cattle brand, “Lazy K.”

Before passing through the arched front door decorated with the seasons, customers can peruse the items displayed in the side yard and entryway to the store. Entering the store truly feels like you’re walking into a cozy, welcoming home, complete with mantles, corner cabinets, art on the walls and other details that remind you that it wasn’t always a store.

The current Lazy K House staff members, who have worked there for 22 to 33 years each, take great pride in the displays and layout they’ve created—and it shows. I spoke with one customer outside of the shop who told me that she makes the hour and a half trip out a couple of times a year because, even after moving out of the area, it’s still her preferred nursery and gift shop.

Story and photos, except where noted, by Karen E. Varga.