3 minute read
New roots
BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER Passion for plants
Sometimes a bud of an idea takes root and blooms into a beautiful business.
That seems to be the case with Sweet Joan Co., a locally owned and operated tropical plant store located in King’s Heights.
The store was created by owner Angela Lutz, who was inspired by her love of tropical plants and her desire to share that love with the community of Airdrie and surrounding area.
“Joan was the name of my grandmother; she really imparted her love of nature and plants to me from a young age, so the store name is an homage to her,” says Lutz.
THE ROOTS
Lutz has lived in Airdrie for 16 years and has always filled her home with flora, so she says it was a natural extension for her to share her passion for plants with others.
“An opportunity arose to open a plant shop and I took the leap to open up in the midst of the pandemic,” she says.
“I wanted to bring a bit of the beauty of the outdoors into people’s homes and spaces, especially now, considering the increased amount of time spent indoors. Plants are truly rewarding to care for.”
Sweet Joan Co. opened in March of this year. A website enabling customers to order plants online and pick them up in store will also be launched soon.
“Airdrie doesn’t have a plant shop dedicated to tropical plants. It’s long overdue to bring something like this to the community,” adds Lutz.
“There’s something fun about coming in and being surrounded by lush greenery!”
PLANT PEOPLE
Lutz says that she hopes people get plants that make them happy, no matter where they get them from. Her shop offers a small-town, laid-back experience where all are welcome.
“We are a cozy shop and I really love connecting with people
and have quite a few regulars that pop in,” she says.
“I am appreciative and thankful for the support Airdrie has given to my small business.”
She also makes it clear that you don’t have to come equipped with a green thumb to step into her store.
“There’s a plant for every person out there; it’s about figuring out if you want a low maintenance versus high maintenance (one), balancing what your home environment is able to provide for the plant, and finding that match,” she says, adding she has killed a few plants in her time.
“There are always trial and errors that you get with experience of knowing what works and modifications that need to be made to optimize plant happiness.”
She adds that the benefits of having plant life in your home far outweigh any fears you may have of not being able to care for them properly.
“The plant community is rewarding,” Lutz adds.
BOUNTIFUL BENEFITS
“Plants are great for myriad reasons, from mental health, to helping purify air or even using them as home decor. What’s not to love?” asks Lutz.
She adds that in the interest of sharing her love of plants she has set up a propagation station in the shop where residents can bring a clipping of a plant they love and someone else can pick it up and bring it home.
“It’s similar to a leave a penny, take a penny situation,” says Lutz.
“The intent is for the community to be able to share their love of plants with one another. There is no obligation to bring a plant cutting; we want them to be accessible to people and love how the community has been participating and sharing with one another. It’s rewarding seeing people happy about trading cuttings!” life WWW.SMARTAUTO.CA
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