In a small shop downtown, almost hidden from hurried passers by, there is a secret corner perfect for all plant lovers. 

Across from a record shop, a plant shop makes home to a variety of plants, as well as multiple items to make terrariums, soils and seeds, decorations and even clothing. The place is a small, cozy environment where you feel relaxed from the minute you step in. 

The owners, Jesssica Vollmer and her partner Cody Cynor, welcome any walker who has a minute to come in and admire their collection of herbs and flowers.

Though relatively new, Verdant Curiosities are growing steadily fast. This small shop had their grand opening last October, and only four months after they are running out of space to host all the people that want to come and learn.  

“Last weekend I did two classes in the same day just because we have that many people that wanted to sign up,” Vollmer said. 

What started as trading plants on Facebook during quarantine turned into a successful side job for the both of them. Back in the pandemic, Vollmer started using what used to be her photography studio to keep her plants, but soon her hobby turned into a side job as casual trading became selling plants. 

Now, her and her partner also offer classes for anyone curious on how to take care of their plants. Their upcoming course, House Plants 101, will teach how to keep your plants thriving in an environment as cold and dry as Wisconsin. 

The following week, Verdant Curiosities will host Plant Yoga, where people will be able to stretch their bodies and their mind surrounded by calming plants. 

On top of their scheduled classes, Vollmer and Cynor offer Plant Consultations, where you can ask for advice on anything from repotting to making sure your plants are kid and pet friendly. 

Consultations are one on one sessions, in person or online, dedicated solely for solving any doubts one might have regarding their plants. While they welcome any walk-ins who are interested in chatting about plants for a couple of minutes, the consultations are paid, and have to be scheduled beforehand. 

If you do not catch them at their store, the couple most probably are to be found in a vendor market. The Brewing Project often hosts markets, where anyone can swap plants and wander around. This last Saturday, Verdant Curiosities made a very successful  apparition. 

“A lot of the vendors sold out half way through,” Vollmer said. “Yeah, it was – it was crazy.”

Vollmer expressed her love for the vendor market, a place where she can “talk about plants until I lose my voice.”

With Spring knocking at the door, make sure to stop by Verdant Curiosities to add a little color in your space. This unique space is full of life, and it quickly makes one’s day better just by stopping by.

One of the plants adorning the place, a huge philodendron, just bloomed, get your seeds and start your own collection!

Orozco can be reached at [email protected]