Destinations: Terrain at Styer's, Glenn Mills

Since the demise of Smith & Hawken (and subsequent acquisition of the brand by Target) there has been a void of beautifully designed high-end home and garden supplies with wide availability. Maybe that is in part because of the changing marketplace; economic pressures have made $1500 wheelbarrows - even if you can afford them - too pretentious to be seen with. 

Of course the internet is an unlimited source for any product you are looking for, though it is my opinion that A) sometimes we don't know what we are looking for, B) in that case of something as tactile as a tool, it is really helpful to be able to handle it before buying, and C) sexy sells - and by that I mean sexy retail displays or even crisp catalog pages begging to be dog-eared, torn out and savored (Pinterest notwithstanding).

A flat image of product isolated on a white screen or even displayed in an attractively photographed scene is nothing compared to a lush display of fragrant pots of lavender with smooth stones, the cool water of a trickling fountain and the rough texture of burlap. We, as gardeners, love to be able to touch, smell and hear our purchases. Nothing inspires you to tackle an ambitious and frivolous botanical pursuit (terrarium anyone?) quite like seeing the magical beast alive. There it seems so tangible...so easy to recreate and maintain. 

"Shop local" has (happily) become an economic and social trend many of us choose to live by which has a positive effect on our local garden centers who offer up well made tools, quality supplies and healthy plants - all with friendly service and advice. None, though, (in my opinion, anyways) has had quite the ambiance of S&H...that is until now. 

Terrain is not so new to the scene, having opened over a year ago at Styer’s - already an excellent garden center on Baltimore Pike (202) in Glenn Mills, Pennsylvania. Much has been written about Terrain in both local and national horticulture venues. It was a holiday feature of Garden Design Magazine (a personal favorite), reviewed by Susan Cohen of Miss Rumphius Rules blog and many more. A second location will be opening soon in Westport, Connecticut so you can expect to see it featured by Martha Stewart any...day...now. The online store places Terrain's wares with-in a mouse click of any customer, but here in the Bucks County, Main Line and greater Philadelphia areas we have the advantage of enjoying it's incredible appeal in person and still being able to call it "local." 

Terrain's parent company is Urban Outfitters,  the hip retailer that also owns Anthropoligie. They are merchants who understand their retail concepts - generating 1.5 billion dollars in sales in 2007. As such, each and every aspect of the store is well thought out to showcase not only what is for sale, but also how to incorporate it into your home. The destination itself is - most likely - designed, installed and maintained by Styer's own well-trained and talented landscapers. Unique materials including rough cut lumber siding and rustic twig fencing juxtapose with industrial architectural salvage. Lushly planted containers dot the parking lot and nursery where garden vignettes illustrate how you might combine the flora offered. 

An ample selection of plants are available for selection in the traditional nursery-style setting, while also being used in sample plantings which adorn the store and as interior accessories to the home goods. A shade house shields ferns, hosta and other shady ephemerals while a hot house protects the tropicals and house plants. The potting shed houses garden practicalities like hand tools and amendments.  You won't find everything you could want here, but what they have is high-quality, unique and/or timeless, with more than enough to satisfy most gardeners (if not landscapers.) Of course Terrain also offers a landscape design studio and no doubt has the capabilities to source any material you could desire - but hey, so do we!

The interior is a mix of finishes: bluestone, polished concrete, reclaimed (or so they seem) pine boards and sleek aluminum girders. The minimally designed space is open and sparsely populated by well-thought out displays where new merchandise accompanies one-of-a-kind vintage finds creating sculptural arrangements of retail which speak for themselves - or more appropriately sing like a choir of sirens. Each is richly layered with  a mix of materials so wonderfully blended that the shopper feels they have made a discovery when uncovering a gem hidden by the surrounding products. Individual shops are housed in cleverly designed shed-like structures and each has its own focus.  The main shop displays garden ornaments, plants, small pots, furniture, books and an area for spa products with a green wall of  staghorn ferns and other epiphytic perennials.    

Terrain's events calender includes, currently: a chocolate workshop, spring branch forcing demonstration, Valentine's Day Dinner, orchid lecture and - of course - a terrarium workshop (because after a visit  you will feel inspired to fill your former fish tank with delicate botanical specimens.) 


The venue also boasts a cafe and hosts private events at its restored antique greenhouse, lodge, and terrace - including personal chef dinners, picnics, afternoon tea, anniversaries and fundraisers. Judging by the buzz it has also received on wedding blogs - it is an incredibly popular location for engagement parties, showers, rehearsal diners, ceremonies and receptions as well. Take THAT Target!