Seven Oaks Plant Shop expanding into adjacent Goodyear Tire building
August 27, 2024
Seven Oaks Plant Shop, a staple of the local community since 1978, is set to expand into the adjacent Goodyear Tire building on St. Andrew’s Rd. in Columbia, SC. The new space, undergoing renovations to harmonize with the existing plant shop and greenhouses, will enhance the shopping experience for plant enthusiasts and garden lovers.
The expanded location will feature a wide range of new offerings. Customers can look forward to an extensive selection of garden books, house plants of all sizes, and both handmade and high-quality indoor and outdoor pottery. Additionally, the shop will offer garden hats, aprons, and home decor items. A highlight of the new space will be a section dedicated to local peaches, paying tribute to the shop’s partnership with Brown Box Veggies, a local produce service.
The expansion promises more than just an increase in inventory. New features will include:
- a curated selection of larger indoor plants and shrubbery
- a diverse array of outdoor pottery and statuary
- exciting new outdoor furniture
- pop-up events showcasing local artisans
- farm-to-table dinners, with the inaugural event scheduled for October
- an artist-in-residency program
Seven Oaks Plant Shop has deep roots in the community. Founded in March 1978 by Doug and Jan Hull as Seven Oaks Farm Fresh Market, the business began on a small parcel of land off St. Andrews Road in Columbia. The shop originally focused on produce, but after Jan Hull’s successful experiment with selling hanging baskets, the business shifted its focus entirely to plants by 1994.
Today, Seven Oaks Plant Shop is under new ownership. Karen Hedgepath, Holli Miller, and Heather Hardy, who took over in 2024, are committed to continuing the legacy established by the Hulls. They are excited about the expansion and eager to welcome customers to the enhanced plant shop, ensuring that the spirit of Seven Oaks lives on.
Heather Hardy talked about the origins of the idea for expansion, “We were at the plant shop talking to Doug Hull and saw the Goodyear folks moving out. Doug indicated he knew the owners of the building. I called them that day (the Boozer family) and after hearing our story of how we came to purchase the plant shop they made a verbal commitment to lease the building to us.”
A key feature of the new building is a mural commissioned by Seven Oaks Plant Shop. Local artist Kate Batten recently completed the mural, which covers the entire side of the expansion building. The mural is intended to be a vibrant focal point, enhancing the local community and attracting visitors from across the Midlands.
For more information about the expansion and upcoming events, visit Seven Oaks Plant Shop’s website and their Facebook page.
