A few weeks ago, I wasn’t sure if or when I’d share this story with you. I wasn’t sure if this was something that was ready to be shared.

But then these plants surprised me, and plant surprises are the best surprises. They need and deserve to be shared.  

Today marks the start of our biannual Customer Appreciation Weekend.

We’ve been hosting these weekends for a couple of years now, and as is true with everything we do, we’re constantly listening, learning, and tweaking our offerings in an attempt to create something meaningful and interesting – something that will encourage you to plan to visit and support our local, independent business.

I thought I might take you on a walk through my own garden, because let me tell you something - I needed it today.

In point of fact, I don’t think I would have made it through this marathon of a year if it hadn’t been for this garden that I’ve been cultivating throughout 2024. My approach has changed a lot this year, and I’ve been trying and experimenting with so manynew things. There’s been a lot of learning, and that’s been the best part, actually.

What story could possibly be told around e-commerce.

Is it about extending and expanding our reach and our impact and audience? Sure.

Is it about generating a new source of revenue to keep us afloat in uncertain times? Definitely.

Is it about the anxiety of launching an online storefront and figuring out things like shipping labels and package weights for the first time and making sure everything is configured and integrated correctly? Heck yes.

It’s all of those things.

And, it’s also about all of the people that follow us from afar and have never been able to visit or moved away and haven’t visited in a while.

Suddenly, we’ll be able to be closer to you, reconnecting, or connecting in a new way for the first time. This all feels important…

Ultimately, this is a story about sharing the things that bring us joy with people we care about.

Anytime I hear someone describe a business like ours as a “small business,” I often feel compelled to offer a gentle redirection.

A few years ago, a fellow business owner in our neighborhood referred to her corner bookshop as “local and independent” rather than “small.” In that moment, something clicked in my brain, and I was reminded yet again how important and impactful it is to choose our words with care.

I’d like to tell you about my day.  

This morning, I sent out an invitation to stop by the Shop for popsicles, a bonfire, and some late-night plant shopping. I had no clue what would happen, and zero expectations. Would anyone show up?

For whatever it’s worth – and you’re going to hear this message from me a lot more in the days ahead - for us local, independent businesses who care so deeply about building community, I think it’s worth remembering that we’ll never be able to compete with big-box stores and online retailers when it comes to cost or convenience, and there’s now even more uncertainty in the days ahead for us.

The one thing we can offer you that none of those mega-corps can’t: community. All of the local businesses in this community, Botany included, need you now more than ever. Please don’t forget about us, and don’t forget you can continue to vote with your dollars even if the election may be over.

Christmas Trees will debut for the first time on Saturday, November 23 during our first-ever Holiday Open House, and we can’t wait to welcome you. Here are some important things to know as you plan your visit.