Cheryl Janis explores local businesses, many with coupons in Chinook Book. Artemisia, a store of art and garden curios, has a coupon for $5 off and many surprises.

I had walked by Artemisia Garden Nursery and Gallery (110 SE 28th Avenue) a few times on my way to the grocery store before I actually ventured in.  

The dazzling window display is a design lover’s dream, and each time I looked in, I felt like a child gazing into the window of a candy store. It was a magic and wondrous moment.

I specifically remember standing outside of the store in the rain, my head moving from side to side, my eyes peering in the window, wanting to see more, and promising myself that I would return. Yet, somehow, I felt a bit intimidated. After all, while I am proficient in many things including design, I’ll be the first to admit that when it comes to things plants and garden, I have a beginner’s mind and a not-so-green thumb.  

Of course all my fears were instantly washed away after I took one step through the door and was greeted by the friendly, sweet-faced co-owner Amy Bryant Aiello, who is also by trade a Plant Spirit Medicine Practitioner (one who practices an ancient way of healing with plants).

I was filled with curiosity and admiration for all the beautiful objects in the store, and suddenly I couldn’t get enough. I wanted to know more about these creative entrepreneurs, their inspiration, and what they offered to the community.

Amy and her husband Michael Aiello own the company, buy from local growers, and help their clients with edible garden choices and decorative garden ideas, both indoor and out. They also support local artists by selling their work in the store. You can view their own art on links from the Artemisia blog.

The company was born five years ago out of the desire to blend sustainable living, gardening, and art. Both Amy and Michael graduated from Pacific Northwest College of Arts and were active in the art community.  As Amy reflects, “For many years [art and garden] were separate and I didn’t understand how they were going to blend together.  When we opened this place, we realized that we could basically do the two things we really loved. We use very traditional means including paint and photography, and the plants naturally become a medium as well.”

Amy graciously showed me around the store, answering all of my questions. I was perplexed about where a garden novice starts. What plants does one choose? As Amy put it, “All you have to do is to choose plants you love and are drawn to. I’ll be your guide in developing a relationship with your indoor garden or outdoor sanctuary, no matter what the size.” In other words, release your fears, listen to your heart, and the rest will follow.

And that’s just what I did. My eye first rested upon the beautiful centerpiece (at left) --a terrarium with air plants.

You might be wondering what an air plant is. I, too, was curious. This was the first time I had been introduced to the unique plant that, as Amy explained, “does not need to root into soil. Instead the plant takes its nutrients and water from the surrounding air and stores them in its leaves.” The only care required for these adorable creatures is to soak them submerged in water for an hour once every two weeks in the winter and once a week in the summer, place them in a high light area, and give them lots of love.

Imagine the decorative possibilities with such beautiful pieces. Amy says “the plants, when hung, become wall art.”  

Yes, indeed. Ranging in price from $4 to $22, these living organisms can be used as decorative centerpieces for weddings, parties and at home on your dining room table flanked by candles. You can gently twist and mold the plants into unique expressions of your own creativity.

With spring on the horizon, I was curious about Amy’s outdoor recommendations for the season. “I am really into dwarf edibles this year,” she shares. “One of the benefits of the economic slow down has been the increase in our clients’ desires to create their own edible gardens at home.”  Artemisia offers dwarf fruit trees including figs and apple trees (priced from $14.00 - $26.00 for one and two gallon containers). Current cool weather edibles (shown above) including lettuce, kale, swiss chard, bok choy, and spinach, which can go right into the ground, are offered at $2.50 per four to six pack.

Amy is also available for garden design consultations at $50 per hour.

For more on Artemisia visit the website.

Use your Chinook Book coupon to save $5 off $25 or more on perennials at Artemisia.

Images: Cheryl Janis for ecometro.com.