Garden Gallery of Hixson grows plants together from seed to make long-lasting container gardens.• What: Custom grown container gardens
• Company: Garden Gallery
• Address: 1813 Gold Point Circle North, Hixson
• Website: www.gardengallery.us
• Telephone: 842-5666
• Owners: Linda Geinosky and William Sickafoose
• What's special: Unlike many "box" greenhouses that sell container gardens made with adult plants grown separately, Garden Gallery's containers use only plants grown together from seed. The resulting arrangements last longer, said Geinosky. "The plants have an opportunity to ... create a composed arrangement," she said. "We know what plants work well together and share the same cultural requirements, so they will perform better for longer."
• The origin story: After attending a horticultural program in her native Illinois, Geinosky relocated to Chattanooga four years ago to take advantage of the area's longer growing season. She and her partner, William Sickafoose, renovated 30-year-old greenhouses that had fallen into disrepair. Their first growing season was in late 2007, and Garden Gallery opened the following March.
• How long does it take to make: Custom containers using pre-existing greenhouse plants can be put together in a day but most custom arrangements require 8-10 weeks to grow.
• Where it's sold: Only at Garden Gallery's physical location, though the company does offer on-site consultation for custom orders
• What it costs: $15-$40, depending on the size of containers and types of plants
• Future expansions planned: Garden Gallery started a landscaping division, G2 Landscaping, in 2010, and Geinosky said that is where she intends to focus her efforts for the next several years.
• Lessons of the trade: "I've learned that people appreciate quality plant material, and that there is a real demand for unique and healthy plants that you can't find at a box store," Geinosky said. "People really appreciate a well-constructed container and demand a container that will last more than just a few months. We take special care to plant plants that will stand up to our high summer heat."