Shelley Crist and her husband, Bob, live on a small farm nicknamed “crazy farm” and “island of misfits” by family members who know the Scio couple can’t say no to any animal in need of a home.
And if that isn’t enough, the Crists in their “spare” time are busy with their kids as well as growing fruits and veggies and experimenting in their greenhouse. What they raise they sell at Gardener’s Eden Nursery, Coffee & Gift Shoppe in the little red schoolhouse behind Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant in Stayton.
“It was time to do something we could look forward to everyday,” said Crist, who has worked with her husband 27 of 31 years of marriage. “I have been gardening since I was five, and Bob grew up working on a farm. We wanted to have a place where people can gather, and we could get to know the community. We wanted a place that would bring people in no matter the season. So, we took our love of plants and coffee and added in a gift shop to provide a little something for everyone.”
The new venue opened in February with lots of indoor seating, which had to be reduced to accommodate ample space between tables when COVID-19 restrictions called for social distancing.
“We did add outdoor seating to provide more seating options,” Crist said. “We were hoping to have some workshops and group events that we have had to put on hold for now. Opening a new business during a pandemic was definitely not ideal timing, but we are working through the challenges.”
Inside, a full espresso bar with homemade pastries, grab-and-go lunches, and Italian soda offers visitors a break from their shopping. The nursery portion provides perennials, annuals and succulents, plus soils, seeds, fertilizers and pots.
“In our gift shop, we carry something for everyone,” Crist said. “We are constantly adding to the gift shop as that has become quite popular, and we love searching out interesting finds. We also have cards and gift bags for your one-stop shopping needs.”
Carrie Jenkins posted on their Facebook page, “Great selection of veggies and flowers to plant. Being able to get a coffee and pastry is a bonus!” Jenkins also purchased a birdhouse for her garden from the gift shop.
Marilyn Hare calls Gardener’s Eden “our family’s new weekend treat!”
Some of the most popular plants at Gardener’s Eden include echinacea, salvias, lavenders, and the succulents, but the nursery also has lots of mums, cyclamen, asters, pansies and violas, Crist said.
“We also try to carry as many unusual or hard-to-find plants that we can find,” she added. “We will soon be growing some varieties that are hard to find along with medicinal plants.”
The Crists “absolutely love this town and the people in it.”
“We welcome any suggestions, requests or comments and will do our best to oblige,” Crist said. “We want to provide what our customers want to see so we would love to hear from them.”
Crist encourages visitors to check out their Facebook page.
“We have had to put our grand opening on hold for now until COVID restrictions lift,” she said.
Despite recent challenges, Crist said they could not have picked a more “warm and welcoming” town for their undertaking.
“Every single person that has come through our door has been so kind and encouraging,” Crist said. “We just love
it here!”
Gardener’s Eden is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday at 151 W. Locust St. in Stayton. For more information, call 503-769-2488, email [email protected], or visit Gardener’s Eden on Facebook.
