Little Bird Plants
Viroqua, WI
Sarah Mercer was born with a passion for plants and says, “Having the opportunity to start Little Bird Plants is a dream come true.” Her new business is located in the historic greenhouses at 520 E Terhune Street in the middle of Viroqua. Sarah first became involved with the greenhouses as part of her education at Thoreau College, where she furthered her knowledge of plants and propagation. She continues to be inspired by the help and advice of local plant experts, including longtime mentor and Wisconsin Master Gardener Arwyn Wildingway, whom Sarah affectionately calls “the grandmother of the greenhouse.” As the owner of Little Bird Plants, Sarah shares her passion through her business that cultivates community, is rooted in history, and, of course, is all about plants.
The historic facility has four connected greenhouses that house tropical plants, herbs, annuals, vegetable starts and native butterfly and bird-loving perennials. The longstanding greenhouses were formerly operated by The Flower Basket Greenhouses and Floral Shop before they were taken over by Pleasant Ridge Waldorf School and then, Thoreau College. Sarah says, “Growing luscious green plants year-round in our Midwest climate and continuing the legacy of Viroqua's historic greenhouses is really special.”
Sarah's vision is to create a place that cultivates community. She not only wants to create a retail space, but she also wants to create a place for community. This is why you will find places to sit and relax with a friend scattered throughout the property. Last winter, she hosted a music event and potlucks to encourage visitors and share the space. Many of her plants have a history too! She is proud to start most of her plants with cuttings and seeds, many passed down from local folks.
As a new business owner, Sarah relies on community partnerships like the one she has with the Viroqua Food Co+op. She says, "I love having a little plant display at the co-op! It gives shoppers a chance to purchase plants even when the greenhouse isn’t open and my display at the co-op also helps advertise my business.” Little Bird Plants can also be found at the greenhouse, at Pennycress Studio in Viroqua and at Firefly Farm and Mercantile in Cashton. New this year, Sarah captures a niche market growing veggie starts for Driftless Seed Supply.
While she doesn’t have organic certification, Sarah is committed to earth-friendly growing practices. She focuses on easy-growing plants with the customer in mind, “ I want to inspire people to grow their own plants and create a green space for themselves,” Sarah says, “It is rewarding to know that I’m helping to keep Viroqua beautiful, one plant at a time.” You can find out more about Little Bird Plants, including greenhouse hours, at www.littlebirdplants.com.