Earth To Earth...: Amelia replaces Urban Earth Garden Shop

The Urban Earth Garden Co-op store has closed. At the annual meeting on January 28 members voted and passed resolutions to terminate business operations and dissolve the Co-op. Unfortunately, the current economic downturn and street closing were significant challenges this year. It was a bittersweet meeting, but as one member pointed out: "As a community, we should be proud of our collective efforts to pursue such a unique and worthwhile endeavor."

Amelia Flower & Garden Shoppe Opens

Amelia's opened February 11 in the space formerly occupied by Urban Earth.

The store, owned and operated by Christina Cassano, will provide environmentally conscious flowers, gifts and garden supplies. Fresh-cut flower bouquets and arrangements will come from local farms when in season as well as farms certified by Veriflora and the Rainforest Alliance, both of which ensure environmentally-sound and fair-labor practices. Earth-friendly gifts will include cards on 100% recycled stock, locally made clay pots, natural soaps and paraffin-free candles. A variety of houseplants will be available including orchids, terrariums and succulents. This spring Amelia will re-open the greenhouse and specialize in native plants, shrubs and trees plus natural lawn care essentials. We will also carry all the supplies needed to create your own organic vegetable, fruit and herb gardens including seeds, starters, organic fertilizers and soil.

"Our own practices in the store reflect the same consciousness we expect of the products we carry. We use recycled vases, clay pots, tissue paper and shopping bags; we compost flower and plant waste, harvest rainwater and, weather permitting, deliver orders by bicycle or on foot," says Cassano.

Amelia Flower & Garden Shoppe, 910 West 36th Street, 612.208.1205, Hours are Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.