Plantworks has been around since 1974. In 2009, the Voice named it the city's Best Plant Shop:
The best mom-and-pop nursery in the city, it's packed with everything from common spider plants and bamboo to towering palms and Dracaena. The shop also sells an excellent selection of ceramic pots, seeds, fertilizers, and a noteworthy device called the Drip Drip, a ball that slowly releases drops of water onto your plant while you're away on vacation.
But in the new era of the Bowery, "mom and pop" might as well mean "doom and gloom." Across the street is where the controversial hotel project threatens the well-being of the Merchant's House Museum. This stretch of East Fourth Street includes the B Bar, the upscale housing at 2 Cooper Square and the boutique hotel Lafayette House.
The space has apparently been on the market for some time... the listing at RKF note that the "current tenant is month-to-month" on the lease. Also, "food not accepted." And 7-Eleven gets billing as a neighbor.
I asked the Plantworks folks if they were planning on moving. "Probably closing and not moving."
hate.
ReplyDelete(if i recall correctly, they also feature a novelty planter of a man opening his pants with a cactus spear springing out of it.)
That is too bad, but the one plant I did buy from there had bugs and it was gross so I never returned.
ReplyDeleteThey have nice plants but far more expensive than anyway in the city.
ReplyDeleteSad to see that type of store go, but yes they were hella expensive. Every time I tried to support them, I was turned off by their $35 plants (minimum).
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ReplyDeleteSorry to see them go, but...not so surprised since the last time I was there (two weeks ago) the clerk made change with a $10.00 dollar bill from his sock.
Every year we go here to get the supplies for our fire escape garden. I'm sad to see them go. They were a little overpriced, but always helpful and neighborly.
ReplyDeleteThis is horrible news but then what else is there these days. Plantworks was, literally, a breath of fresh air amidst the cacophony of bars, luxury boxes, and fratholes in this area. It's like a tiny pocket park where you could stroll in the outdoor area and enjoy the air and greenery. So deeply hurt to know they're disappearing. Truly so sad.
ReplyDeleteI always loved nurseries, that little slice of exotic nature- all kinds of interesting plants on display- it'll be sad to see another unique independent business gone- especially when you think of what will be on the way (useless fake-ass luxury boutique is usually it)
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