Sundae Horn
Pretty in pink
Pretty in pink

Everything’s coming up geraniums – and roses, and daisies, and begonias, and more! – at the new Ocracoke Garden Center.

Ocracoke Garden Center is located at the back of the Variety Store parking lot, between the liquor store and Eduardo’s. It’s a new business name and a new location for proprietor Jennifer Rich, formerly of Homegrown Hettie’s.

“Things were getting a little tight at Hettie’s and I needed more room,” Jennifer said about her decision to relocate.

It was also hard for visitors to find, tucked away off Sarah Ellen Drive. Homegrown Hettie’s was a great hobby, she said, but after three years, Jennifer was ready to expand the business and try to make some money at it.

So much to choose from!
So much to choose from!

She approached Variety Store owner Tommy Hutcherson about leasing the property, and he thought it was a great fit. “They don’t ever plan to build back her,” Jennifer said, leaving her with a large, part-sunny, part-shaded, sheltered spot.

Jennifer cleaned up the lot, cleared out a few cedars (and mulched them for her plants), and commissioned a beautiful new greenhouse rated for 140mph winds.

Local carpenter and gardener Kevin Hardy did the construction, telling Jennifer, “I can’t believe I get to build the greenhouse of my dreams – and I’m getting paid for it!”

Somebody's garden needs some ceramic fungi and birdies. (By the way, my birthday's July 20th.)
Somebody's garden needs some ceramic fungi and birdies. (By the way, my birthday's July 20th.)

Jennifer hopes to put in a second greenhouse that will be even bigger. She needs the room to grow as the Garden Center expands to include a wide selection of flowers, veggies, herbs, trees, shrubs, vines, local fig trees, hanging baskets, and grasses for landscaping. Eventually, she'll have sod available for Ocracoke yards. 

Gorgeous new plants arrive every day. Jennifer's motto is "beautifying Ocracoke, one yard at a time." She also takes care of some local gardens and flower beds, and her magic touch can be seen all over the island. 

Guinness greets visitors to the dream greenhouse
Guinness greets visitors to the dream greenhouse

In addition to all the many plants (carefully selected to weather Ocracoke's unique gardening conditions), there’s also seeds, gift items, Slogger shoes (colorful gardening clogs), garden décor, and pottery.

The Garden Center will be open through Thanksgiving, and re-open in March. Spring/summer hours are 8am-5pm Monday-Saturday, and 10am-3pm on Sunday.

Jennifer (on left) poses with employee Teresa Adams.
Jennifer (on left) poses with employee Teresa Adams.