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FARGO — The concrete jungle of downtown Fargo is now home to a plant paradise.
Brothers Casey and Kale McCollum of Ulen, Minnesota, opened their new store, Botanical Brothers , Friday, June 24, in the historic Loudon building , 64 4th St. N.
This is not your traditional garden center that sells annuals, perennials, trees and a few houseplants, Kale, 21, said. The main focus of Botanical Brothers is houseplants, with over 4,000 of them lining the walls and shelves of the store.
In response to the growing trend of plant collecting, the store has a number of rare plants, some costing well over $1,000.
" Collecting is a really big thing in foliage and houseplants now," Casey, 26, explained Wednesday, June 22.
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He pointed to a monstera plant that retails for around $30, and then pointed to an elbow or variegated monstera that sells for $700. Variegation is when plant leaves and stems show markings of more than one color, in this case a silver tone.
"That's the kind of stuff collectors are after, things unique, rare and different," he said.
The McCollums want to create an experience for their customers, who are encouraged to enjoy a cup of freshly-brewed coffee while they shop. Two large leather couches are available for those who want to sit down for a spell to enjoy the greenery.
"There will be no sign that says 'No loitering'. That's not what we're going for. We want you to come in and enjoy the plants. In a way, with our rare plants, this almost becomes a museum ... where you enjoy a work of art," Casey said.
Later this summer they plan to host public and private workshops and other events.
"Ultimately when you're in retail, in brick and mortar, you need to have an experience that draws your customers in. You need to provide more of an experience than you give us money and take a product home," Casey said.
The brothers looked at a number of properties before settling on the Loudon building.
"We ultimately realized downtown fits really well with what we're trying to do here," Kale said. "Most people that live around here live in apartments, and houseplants are popular with people who live in apartments."
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"You need good light quality. You need windows," Casey added. "Where can you lease a building in downtown Fargo in the middle of the concrete jungle when you can get light on three sides? If we're going to make this a go, this is the place."
Casey, who also owns Plant Perfect in Bismarck, said houseplants aren't only for people living in apartments.
"For someone like me who worked for years in a garden center, you live for the spring season and flowers. You live for homeowners," he said. "Houseplants are cool because it's gardening for all ages, for all people no matter where you live. And it's not even specific to a time of year. It's year-round gardening for everybody."
BUSINESS PROFILE
WHAT: Botanical Brothers
WHERE: 64 4th St. N., Fargo
ONLINE:
botanicalsfargo.com
or search for Botanical Brothers on Facebook and Instagram.
HOURS: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
