Carlee WrightA plant for everyone. Salem boasts a handful of specialty plant shops to engage your green thumb.
UPDATE: This story was updated June 24, 2022.
Over the past year, plants became a new hobby for some people, collecting and learning to care for something more than themselves. For others, tending plants helped focus their free time, channeling energy once filled by social outings. And then there were those who invested their green in the green looking to create a tranquil, indoor sanctuary of a space where they were spending most of their days and nights.
House plants have become therapy and then some — and there are a number of local businesses meeting the wants and needs of those looking to grow their indoor greenery.
Green Space Design by Jude
Opened in April, Green Space Design by Jude is a serene setting of lush green foliage and zen music. This inviting plant-lovers oasis offers indoor and outdoor greenery, plus a wide variety of unique pots and home decor. Find a pot you like with no drainage hole? No worries, they’ll drill one for you. Not sure about replanting your new best friend? They’ve got you covered. They will pot your plant into a custom mix for no additional charge while you wait. Their passion to create peaceful green spaces that delight your senses shines. See for yourself 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 12 to 5 p.m. Saturday and 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday at 990 Commercial St. SE. Info: 503-779-3506, greenspace.design
The Sun Bear Den Plant Shop
The Sun Bear Den Plant Shop got its start as a local online plant delivery store. In November 2020, they opened a store in The Reed downtown in the perfect corner spot for a plant shop. A visual delight, windows overflowing with the most glorious, colossal greenery will beckon you in. Their plants are grown, propagated, and seeded largely from the Pacific NorthWest. Bonus: they have a stamp card for plants. Buy 10, get 10% off. And Tuesdays are Two-Stamp- Tuesday where you get double stamps for all of your plant purchases. Check it out 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at 189 Liberty St NE #101. Info: thesunbearden.com
Furbish
While not technically a plant shop (they have so much more than plants), we have to give props to Furbish – A Salvage Place – because their space is filled with a glorious smattering of plants throughout. It’s an adventure to wander through the showroom which changes on a weekly basis. You never know what treasure you will discover — plant or otherwise. Visit |10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday at 1185 12th St SE. Info: furbishsalvage.com
The following shops are closed as of June 24, 2022.
Fern’s Garden Shop — CLOSED
Fern’s Garden Shop is a family affair for a mother and two daughters. This quaint two-room boutique features plants, tea, art and gifts galore. Specializing in the locally made, this is where you will find the ceramics of artist Shannon Staab Ross, the artwork of Kendra Larson (which focus on the ephemerality of Pacific NW landscapes) and gift items specially selected by Ashely Larson. The shop features a lovely variety of vintage containers just waiting to be transformed into a fairy garden or terrarium. Not sure how to make one? They’ve got a class for that. Pop in and explore 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday at Pringle Park Plaza, 395 High St SE. Info: 541-252-3131, facebook.com/fernsgardenshop
Windowsill — CLOSED
Windowsill first opened in the summer of 2019. During the pandemic, the shop evolved so it could continue to provide plants — and joy. After holding two locations for a while, the shop eventually moved everything into its larger space which offers room for classes, events and expanded inventory. From the classic to the funky, you will find a grand assortment of houseplants, succulents and pots. They boast something for everyone. Go explore 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 12 to 6 p.m. Sunday at 4910 Turner Rd SE #100. Info: 503-584-1957, windowsillsalem.com
The Instigator
