Hi, I’m Izzy! I started Garden and Gather because I wanted to be able to share my enthusiasm and knowledge of plants, gardening and nature with the public on my own terms - as someone who has worked for both small rural nurseries and larger local garden centers, my experiences have shaped my views of how cultivating and enjoying plants should be an accessible outlet for everyone, not a luxury pursuit for the few.
Though Garden & Gather is currently a small-scale grassroots business, it is constantly growing, flourishing and will only continue to blossom. My end goal is to create a mobile garden shop with a curated selection of terrariums, art, unique plants and accessories where everyone from the budding beginner to the cultivation connoisseur can learn about and enjoy plants in a judgment free environment and feel encouraged, not snubbed for lack of knowledge, confidence or experience. In addition to being a retail operation Garden & Gather is dedicated to community outreach and education, and a variety of classes and workshops are available publicly in partnership with local businesses, or privately for schools, businesses and other organizations as well as on an individual and small group basis.
Currently, my primary inventory consists of terrariums and container plantings made from locally and sustainably sourced botanicals in reclaimed and repurposed glassware, as well as stunning vibrant fine art and prints, and nature-themed accouterments that complement my overarching aesthetics of lush, verdant greenery and florals - all created in-house by my wife Char and myself!
Terrariums are an excellent way to experience plants in low maintenance, visually pleasing ecosystems and are ideal for people who may not have the space for a garden or landscape planting, who have limitations when it comes to physically or emotionally caring for plants, or people who may not get as much time to enjoy nature and the outdoors as they might like. I am constantly pushing myself with my designs and concepts to create new environments with a diverse range of plants, from tropical foliage and carnivores to native plants and garden favorites while still staying in a reasonable price range, as terrariums are often found at an inaccessible price point.
Our business is built on a foundation of universal accessibility, quality and ethics.
I have an extensive background in botany and entomology as well as environmental sciences and conservation, and I believe that the more people learn about the natural world, the more they will be inspired to protect and value it. I will always strive to communicate these values through my work and wares, and I hope that everyone will enjoy them as much as I do.
