Michele Witt and Sandy Rolf [Photo: Kaila Jones]

Just in time for spring, something special has bloomed at the Village Shops – Rock City Oceanside.

Just prior to its official March 9 opening, owners Rhonda and Tom Lowe hosted an invitational gathering for longtime customers of the Wabasso-based Rock City Gardens, lovingly referred to by all who have been there as “seven acres of inspiration.”

The new location is a natural extension of the expansive nursery which the couple opened nearly 40 years ago, that features lush, meandering pathways around a lake, outdoor fireplaces ready to heat things up, and greenhouses overflowing with a plethora of vibrant flora. The magical setting is also a favored spot for special events.

“We’ve talked about having a second location for years,” said Rhonda Lowe. “We’ll have arrangements, orchids and bromeliads here; things that people can pick up and carry with them. If they need more than what they see here, bigger pots and things like that, then we can send them to the nursery.”

News of the second Rock City location had spread like a rapidly growing vine, with visitors to the garden boutique eager to make purchases from the selection of unique gifts and garden accessories during the reception.

A pair of elegant cranes was purchased and another customer called dibs on a beautifully potted arrangement. Natural hand creams, handmade candles, potted plants, jewelry, decorative accent pieces and even a lampshade made out of real leaves were scattered about the shop drawing folks in like bees to a hive to get a closer look.

“The other shop owners have made us feel welcome,” Rhonda Lowe added, commenting on how convenient it will be for visitors to enjoy an afternoon of shopping and dining at the Village Shops, which will now include taking home something from Rock City Oceanside to spruce up their home or garden.

Ann Webber, one of the founders of the Art in Bloom luncheons at VBMA, is a woman who really knows her way around the garden, and said she was thrilled to learn Rock City was opening up a shop near her home.

“This has been a friendship that has blossomed into all sorts of experiences,” said Webber, a Rock City patron since 2002. “This [new location] is a wonderful way to pull people into our little community here.”

As the sound of steel drums lightly played in the background, guests murmured over artfully displayed items and potted plants, while enjoying cocktails and a charcuterie table laden with delectable nibbles out on the patio.