A great community needs a short list of staple businesses. With a burgeoning population in our area, that's truer than ever. Some are obvious, you can think of immediately: Proximity to grocery stores, great restaurants, etc. One you might not think of at first is that reliable, well-stocked Local gardening supply store. An avid gardener myself, as well as a REALTOR who has found myself installing flower pots and beds for extra curb appeal, it has steadily risen up my own list of most important Local destinations. The I LUV Winter Park Small Business of the Month for May, Town's Winter Park Garden Center, has become my quick destination for seasonal color, gorgeous pottery and more. When I needed not just flowers in hanging baskets but colorful attention-getters to stage our own house, Towns' came through in a BIG, beautiful way!
As I LUV Winter Park spotlights the business, My Winter Park Neighbor has become the place to understand a bit more about the owner, get some background. Below, some questions I put to Towns Ellis, its owner.
How long has your business been a garden center? And, how long have you owned it? : There has been a garden center on this property for over 50 years. We took over and revamped the location just over 13 years ago.
Towns is your name . . . . it’s unique. How did you come to be named Towns? : It's a family name that has been passed down since my great grandfather. It was the last name of the doctor who delivered him.
Since you purchased the center you’ve made lots of changes. Can you tell me about them? : Since we purchased the center, we have focused on rebranding. The goal being, not only a leader in quality foliage, but also a destination known for our extensive and eclectic pottery inventory. That takes time when your focus is bringing quality to your community to keep them coming back. We have also expanded our footprint by removing the long standing greenhouse in order to make room for a greater selection of seasonal flowers as well as those eye-catching centerpieces that really “wow” the customer no matter their tastes.
How would you describe your garden center to someone who hasn’t visited? : It is a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life! From the road, you really have no idea what awaits you! We hear that all of the time. Whether you visit with time to kill, you're on a break from work, or you've come in on a mission; it can be a truly magical experience.
Tell us about all the things you carry and why they are a part of the mix? : Well, we make sure that we offer the best of each season for sure. Whether it be Spring and we put out beautiful blossoms, pollinators, our stunning vegetables and herbs, our wind chimes, and maybe our extensive selection of succulents. We make sure that we have something for everyone that walks through the door, even the kids! Spring is also when we stock up on our Talavera pottery. We are proud to be the largest vendor in Central Florida. Fall and winter is another magical time here. We pride ourselves by offering the best local firewood!
Who is your most frequent customer? : It's hard to say, we have so many regular customers that come to sit in our rocking chairs to relax or that pop in to check out our new products every week.
What do you wish others would know about your shop they may not get immediately? : That we are a full service lawn maintenance, landscape, and pool service company as well. We also offer event space rentals.
What time of year is your busiest? And what do you sell mostly during that time? : The busiest time is definitely spring-time. Between March and April. It is the perfect time of year when we are inspired by nature, when the air is brisk and when everything is blooming.
What’s your own favorite plant or plants? : Seasonal color hanging baskets are our most popular item during that time. As a connoisseur of exotic and tropical palm trees, I've always had an obsession with the beauty of a Traveler's palm.
Do you dream about plants? : That’s a funny question. I dream about what is to come; dreams that have been slowly coming true since we became a part of this community. Are their plants involved…always.
What do you think most of your Winter Park customers are looking for in a garden center? : I think, like most of us, they are looking, or at least hoping for, that one stop destination. We recognize that our customers are busy and we try to cater to those needs. We also hope they’ll learn that they can find the unexpected here. Those little surprises that can inspire one to change directions, find that perfect gift, or discover a plant or flower that they must have!
Was business much different for you during Covid 19? If so, how? : Business actually increased for us during the pandemic. I think when people were stuck at home, they started noticing things they wanted to spruce up around their homes and a lot of it had to do with plants and their yard.
Any changes / goals on the horizon? : We are in the planning process of expanding into two other locations. Stay tuned for details.
What’s the best part of having a small business in this area? : The community - my family really loves Winter Park and the people that make it up. It's home to us.