Nurseries and plant retail stores in sunny Wilmington are flourishing, driven by a passion for plants and the joy they bring to people’s lives.

“Sometimes folks just come by to say hi and hang out with the plants for a while after a bad day,” said Kelly Houghland, co-owner of Let it Grow, along with her daughter, April. “Plants make people feel better, and we are more than happy to share that with anyone who wants to stop by.”

Let it Grow opened last year on Carolina Beach Road, a venture that originated from April Houghland’s experience selling plants at pop-up markets during her college years. What began as a simple passion for sharing her love of houseplants evolved into a dream come true when she and her mother decided to open their own shop to respond to numerous customer requests. While running a plant store comes with its share of challenges, the rewards of pursuing their dream – offering indoor plants, cacti and fruit trees – make every effort worthwhile, said Kelly Houghland.

“Plants assist in cleaning the air we breathe and providing oxygen,” said April Houghland. “They can reduce stress levels, improve moods, provide a feeling of accomplishment and responsibility, and are just beautiful …We are huge advocates for greenspace in everyday areas.”

Let it Grow also offers classes to plant enthusiasts and crafters, which are posted on its website and social media.

The Houghlands plan to open a new Let it Grow location at 1516 Market St. in Wilmington in December.

The Plant Outpost, 624 S. 17th St., Unit B, in the Cargo District, opened its doors in 2020. Before launching a permanent storefront, the business operated as a pop-up shop starting in 2019. The owner, Sarah Mertz, hadn’t planned to start a plant shop; she was working a 9-to-5 office job at the time.

“I remember talking to a friend who owned a business and mentioned to him how cool it would be to have a shop, but I had no idea where even to start,” said Mertz. “He said, ‘If you don’t do it now, someone else will ’… My inspiration was not wanting to go back to an office job and being able to offer plants to everyone in Wilmington.”

Her business has grown significantly over the past five years, offering indoor and tropical houseplants, as well as arid plants.

“We love adding plants to homes, and we love adding them to businesses as well,” Mertz said. “We have a handful of plant installs around town in different local businesses, and it really adds some life to the space and makes it more inviting.”

Choosing the right houseplant for specific conditions can be challenging, but asking the right questions improves the plant’s chances.

“We always ask folks what their lighting is like in their house,” Mertz said. “A lot of customers assume they need very bright and direct sunlight, but that isn’t the case with a lot of houseplants.”

One of the largest plant nurseries in the Wilmington area, The Plant Place, 6114 Market St., has been nurturing life and beauty for nearly 50 years, under the dedicated stewardship of Bill and Bobbie Edwards. Although Bill’s death last year was a profound loss, Bobbie Edwards said, she continues to lead the business forward with a devoted team.

“My husband, Bill Edwards, had always been interested in the process of growing and planting,” said Bobbie Edwards. “Growing up, he worked in his family’s florist and greenhouse business, and he received his horticultural degree from Cornell in 1963, so it was no surprise he knew exactly what he was doing. It has allowed us to open our own greenhouse and connect with our community, promote native plants and help people reconnect with nature.”

With 34 greenhouses in operation, it’s a significant undertaking each year. The Plant Place offers a diverse selection of both indoor and outdoor plants, as well as a variety of vegetables and herbs.

“We have a greenhouse dedicated to our houseplant lovers, and we continuously search for those hard-to-find plants that you can’t get anywhere else,” Bobbie Edwards said. “All while keeping the basics in mind for those just beginning their plant journey. Our outdoor greenhouses are full of different varieties of annuals and perennials.”

The Plant Place caters to a diverse customer base throughout the year.

“We have tons of new residents moving to Wilmington and looking to fill their gardens and homes with plants that do best down here in Zone 8b (mild winters and long, warm summers),” she said. “As well as businesses looking to create an inviting first impression to draw in their customers and clients.”

Plants play a vital role in enhancing people’s lives, and that’s precisely what fuels the passion of those in the plant business, Bobbie Edwards said.

“Plants can truly improve the way we feel and function in that space, and some even find gardening therapeutic,” she said. “It can wash away our stress, boost our mood and overall create a welcoming space that balances our lives.”