<b>Owners: </b>
Carla Thomas and Randee Wilson
<b>Short bio: </b>
Randee, a Detroit native, comes from a finance background (MBA, Michigan State University). Carla, a sixth-generation Washingtonian, attended the University of Maryland and used to be a software developer.
<b>Why did you choose this particular business? </b>
We were avid hobby gardeners who soon became frustrated with the selection of plant material available at mainstream nurseries. There seemed to be too much emphasis on instant gratification - fast growing trees that were ultimately too large for urban lots, plants that were vigorous to the point of being invasive, and not enough emphasis on native plants and balanced ecologies for wildlife. Also, it seemed that most homeowners were too focused on lawns, even to the point of removing mature trees because they couldn't get grass to grow under them. When we asked them why the lawn was so important, we found most had no ready answer! Some even complained that they couldn't sit outside in summer because it was too hot. You guessed it - they had no shade trees. We thought it was time to let homeowners know that, with woodland gardens, they could put away the mowers and blowers and just be outside enjoying nature. So we decided to open an environmentally responsible garden center.
<b>Why did you choose to work for yourself rather than as an employee for someone else? </b>
We do almost everything differently from mainstream nurseries. We don't use pesticides or chemical fertilizers. We don't force plants into bloom. We don't coddle our plants; our approach is "sink or swim." We refuse to sell invasive exotic plants, which are wreaking environmental havoc on our region. I had to laugh once when I saw an article in the paper about an invasive exotic removal project next to an ad for a garden center. The nursery was advertising one of the plants the volunteers had been removing! We couldn't imagine working for a nursery that is not as dedicated as we are to the concept of gardening in harmony with nature.
<b>What have you learned from being in business? </b>
We have learned that plants are, taken as a whole, much more logical and orderly in their habits than, say, computers. And we've learned to look at plants in an entirely new way. We can't just take a walk anymore. Even in winter, there's always something of interest - bark, berries, and "bones" all beautify the winter landscape. Also, we've learned that native plant gardeners are some of the best and most considerate customers anyone could wish for.
<b>Share an anecdote of a challenging or humorous experience or biggest surprise learned from working your business: </b>
We knew we still had a long way to go educating gardeners when a customer asked "I have planted a beautiful butterfly garden, and there are all these terrible caterpillars eating the leaves; what should I spray them with?" I think she realized almost as soon as she asked the question that something was wrong!
<b>What have been the advantages and/or disadvantages of operating a business in Alexandria? </b>
Alexandria gardeners are very environmentally conscious. They understand that what they do in their yards could impact Dyke Marsh, the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay. The school system has done a great job teaching kids about habitats and the roles played by native plants. What may be a disadvantage in other areas - small lot sizes - has not been a problem here; the average Old Town rowhouse garden contains many more plants than most half-acre lots in the exurbs.
<b>Key staff: </b>
Michelle Zimmermann, shift supervisor, oversees production and manages the nursery on our days off.
<b>Description of services and/or products: </b>
Our principal products are native trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, and annuals. We also sell a carefully chosen selection of non-native plants selected for their lack of invasiveness potential. These include many winter-hardy tropical plants, such as palms, camellias, and gardenias, that will withstand Alexandria winters. Many of our offerings are quite rare and often unavailable elsewhere in the Washington area. We also sell organic soil blends and amendments, and other supplies for organic gardening.