Your Retail Therapy is Helping the Community

Julie M., M.B.A. in Sustainable Business and West Seattle Nursery Employee

In a world where convenience often drives our purchasing decisions, there's a hidden gem in choosing to shop local. The concept of "retail therapy" takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to supporting your neighborhood plant nursery. I had the opportunity to chat with Julie M., an expert in sustainable business practices, who many of you know from the garden center. Julie shed light on some of the remarkable benefits of shopping at the West Seattle Nursery that go far beyond the pleasant experience that we try to provide.

Julie echoed the sentiment that supporting small businesses has far more positive impact on our local community than most people realize. She shared, “Choosing the West Seattle Nursery over a big box store gives you more than just quality products at good prices with conscientious service. It means that rather than sending the bulk of your retail dollars to strangers, they stay right here in the local community - helping your neighbors help you create a personalized garden that benefits us all”.

Mike and JoanE of ‘Rent’s Due Ranch’, a West Seattle Nursery vegetable supplier. Photo by PCC Markets.

Beyond the economic aspect, there's a compelling environmental angle to shopping at local nurseries. Julie shared, "We source most of our plants from local farmers who are stewards of their land—they do not use pesticides or herbicides that large growers do, because they understand how their choices impact the environment that we all share". This insight underscores the sustainability of local plant nurseries. By choosing to purchase plants that are grown without harmful chemicals and are sourced from nearby farms, you're not just investing in your garden's beauty and a healthier backyard food supply – you're helping build a sustainable local ecosystem.

It's also worth noting that the commitment of local nurseries goes beyond the plants themselves. “Unlike big box stores that take plants on consignment and only pay for the items they sell,” Julie explained, “West Seattle Nursery takes a more involved approach. We pay our suppliers upfront and maintain a team of horticulturalists who nurture our plants until they find their forever homes. This not only ensures that you get the best quality products but also creates a cycle of support that strengthens the local network of businesses.”

Ceramic artist Nihar Desai with his pop-up pottery stand. (Instagram: @niharkd)

The benefits don't stop there. This past summer, West Seattle Nursery offered a platform for select Seattle artists and organizations to showcase their work. This collaboration highlights the ways that we can all help build a more beautiful and sustainable community. It's a great example of how a nursery can be more than just a place to buy plants – it can be a hub that nurtures both nature and culture.

In all, Julie M.'s insights resonate strongly: when you choose to shop at a local businesses like West Seattle Nursery, you're not just participating in retail therapy – you're making a conscious decision to uplift your community. By helping build a stronger local economy and ecosystem, your choice to buy your plants here ripples far beyond its personal benefits. So, the next time you're in search of green companions for your home, take a moment to congratulate yourself for all of the ways that your decision to shop at West Settle Nursery is helping to create positive change right in your own neighborhood.