John Redding

One of the things that is beginning to warrant some personal activity, as the weather shows promises of warming, is the planning, preparation and initiation of gardening and yard projects. With the onset of the pandemic at this time last year, an uptick occurred in the numbers of those gardening and involving themselves in similar projects. As the pandemic ends, some of this increase in activity is expected to remain.

If you are one of those who are attacking such projects, I urge you to think locally when you are purchasing, seeds, plants, chemicals, tools or whatever you need to get the job done. There are several local alternatives to pursue for these. The order of mentioning these is intentional to start with the most local and proceed to the more corporate entities,

Just the other day, I ventured out to Village Gardens and Greenhouse and had a great conversation with its owner, Lisa O’Brien. I purchased onion plants and asked about additional needs as the time to plant them arrives. Lisa stressed that many of the big box stores put on the push to sell their plants early and in many cases such purchases get planted too early and do not flourish. Check out Village Gardens on their website or their Facebook page. Let me add an additional plug for them as they are a chamber member.

Another locally owned supplier of plants and such is Wilt Farms at 1364 Oakleigh Avenue. I have a personal connection to their operation as the land on which they live and work was once part of my family’s ancestral farm. More information can also be obtained from their website or Facebook page.

Coleman Farm Supply is another great source of such supplies. The Coleman Southern States store has operated in Appomattox for multiple generations of the family and is a long-time chamber member. Although their selections of plants is usually smaller than some of the other alternatives, their selection of most everything else is more than ample. Enjoy the mural on the side of their building as you approach the store.

True Value Hardware on west U.S. 460 is locally owned and stocks a great number of plants each year. They are also a source of many chemicals, tools, and other necessities.

Jamerson Building Supply (chamber member) while not a source for plants can provide tools and materials for landscaping such as rock, mulch, and timber products.

Tractor Supply (chamber member) is another source of many of the needs of the home gardener or landscaper. They periodically stock some plants and have a wide selection of many other necessities.

Finally, our local Walmart (chamber member) has a large garden center and quite a number of varieties of plants and seasonal products. While the concept of “shopping locally” is more applicable to many of the options above, Walmart is a good community citizen and benefits our commerce with tax revenues, contributions and serves as a business draw to bring in shoppers from neighboring counties.

Happy gardening and wishes of cooperating weather and pests, producing success in your efforts.

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