Everything meaningful takes time.
- Brianna Wiest
Owning a retail nursery in northern Iowa definitely comes with its challenges, and one of the toughest hurdles to overcome is our reliance on the weather. Every day, it seems like Mother Nature is reminding us who's really in charge, and spoiler alert—it's not us! As much as we'd love to control the elements, the reality is, we're just along for the ride. As humans, we hate that. We think that if we are in control life is easier (but that’s actually not true!)
Embrace the Unknown
Owning Natural Plus has taught us the art of embracing uncertainty and having faith that things unfold in their own time. We live seasonally and cyclically, even when the rest of the world may be doing something different. A mantra we often repeat to ourselves, especially amidst the whirlwind of spring, is "I'm in no rush." It's not just a saying; it's a mindset we fully embody. If you've ever interacted with us, you've probably noticed our deliberate pace—we take our time to respond and prioritize plant care and serving our in-person customers.
Working with plants, which are living beings, brings both immense satisfaction and a fair share of challenges - the plants need daily care and attention, hello water!! 💦 We pride ourselves in having healthy plants for you to take home and enjoy for years.
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished”
-Lao Tzu
Plants Take Their Time
If you've ever visited our nursery during the vibrant buzz of spring, you've felt the contagious energy in the air. Yet, what truly captivates us is the gentle pace of nature. Here, time seems to stretch and bend to the rhythm of the plants. They bloom at their own leisure, rest when needed, and never rush through life's seasons. Next time you’re here, slow down, enjoy being outside, take notice of the smells of the blooms, the sounds of the birds, and savor the colors and textures of all of our offerings. And don't forget to give Sunny a belly rub—trust me, she'll love you forever!
The logistics and frenzy of spring has always been one of our biggest stresses (and also blessings!). From deciding when to open our doors to coordinating employee schedules and managing shipments, it's been quite the learning journey for us. But you know what? We're beyond thankful for our incredible team and loyal customers who navigate this journey with kindness, patience, and flexibility. They understand that when you're in sync with nature and the Earth, rushing is simply not an option.
Spring is coming, I promise.
So as we sit here at the end of March watching the snow fall, we know, spring is coming. It always does, exactly when it's good and ready. In the meantime, slow down and enjoy the beauty of nature's transition; embrace the waiting game as anticipation of spring’s color and vibrancy builds.