Plant-Parenting Made Easy at Earthscapes Garden & Home
By Janna Zepp | Photos by Justin Borja
Many Texans had (or still have) a grandmother, more often than not called “Gammy,” who kept a back porch greenhouse at her home full of lush, green plants that were her special guilty pleasure. And those Texans with a “greenhouse gammy” remember loving to wander around that little, warm oasis every time they went to see her. It was a chance to spend time with her and learn every plant’s name, what the name meant and how to care for it. That greenhouse was full of humidity, the smell of plant fertilizer and the undeniable feelings of joy and love.
If you did not have a grandparent with a green thumb, don’t worry. You can experience a little of that essential Texas family experience at Earthscapes Garden & Home at 5713 Loop 205 Drive in Temple. The shop at which you enter is filled with all sorts of interesting soaps, lotions and home décor that take you back to another era or a stress-free time in your life. There are shady spots on porches around the place to sit and enjoy the view, and it is tempting to bring an iced drink with you just to sit and relax. Owners, Mike and Kay Lynch make you feel like family the moment you walk in.
“We love using our abilities to draw people’s attentions to God’s creations. It is so fun and rewarding to help make our customers’ dreams a reality, whether for an indoor jungle or backyard oasis,” says Kay.
The Lynches have worked on many commercial projects that have improved and enhanced the beauty of Central Texas. Kay says that in their residential designs, they have also helped many people make their house a home, drawing on creativity and expansive knowledge of plants that will thrive in this area.
“Before we were married, Mike and I met at Texas A&M University, where we were both studying Landscape Architecture. After we graduated, Mike started working in Temple since he’s from Troy, while I gained experience in Dallas,” says Kay. “Eventually in June of 1987, we decided to take the leap and start our own business together. We’ve been open and serving the Central Texas area for over 33 years as a local garden center and gift shop, as well as professional landscape architects.”
The Lynches never stop learning and growing in landscape design. They stay current on trends in landscaping styles through continuing education programs so that architectural plans are relevant to their customers’ needs and desires.
“As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on our customer service. We recognize that people are at various points in their plant-parent journey and we are eager to help no matter what your experience,” says Mike.
The greenhouse behind the shop is worth the trip. It’s full of vibrant greenery and if you’re having a little trouble deciding which plant to take home, Freckles the Nursery Cat is available to help you, as only cats can do.
“Freckles has been here since she was a kitten. She has her routine around the place and she gets a little sad when we all go home in the evening,” says Mike, giving the cat a scratch behind the ears. “Sometimes I think the customers come to see her as much as they come to see us.”
For more information, find Earthscapes online at earthscapesintemple.com or on Facebook as Earthscapes Garden & Home, call 254-773-4668 or email at earthscapes@hot.rr.com.
