Spencer Parsons with his winning tomato at the annual Cartersville Farmers Market Tomato Festival.
Spencer is a Member of Our Backyard Growers Business Center which is why he is being featured here.
I am a former web/mobile developer putting my college degree to good use: making baby plants!! I’ve been in the landscaping business for several years now and in January of 2019 I started Owl Creek Nursery in Acworth, GA. So far I love it!
A critical part of my journey into the backyard nursery business was learning as much as I could from Mike McGroarty and joining the Backyard Growers Group (I am now a Lifetime Member). I was able to go from zero knowledge of propagation to having a very successful booth at 3 local farmers markets in my first year. (Acworth, Cartersville, and Kennesaw.)
I keep my availability and location information on my website: https://owlcreeknurseryga.com. Drop by any farmers markets I’ve listed there to say hello! I currently sell plants at the house by appointment only, except for our Spring/Fall public plant sales.
I am always expanding my selection, but I currently offer over 100 different varieties of plants, all grown using organic methods: hybrid and heirloom vegetables, herbs, ornamental shrubs, ornamental grasses, succulents, perennials, and more.
I really enjoy growing things that can’t be found easily in my area, as well as unpatented old-school varieties that are passed over by big box stores in favor of their newer patented varieties. When I read Mike’s article about “saving” the varieties that are going extinct because of this, that really struck a chord with me! I’m so excited to be a part of keeping these wonderful plants available to my local community.
One of my favorite parts of this business is connecting with people in my communities through the farmers markets. I love meeting new people, talking about plants, and helping them find which plants work for their needs. I’m passionate about my plants and spend countless hours reading, listening, and watching as much information as I can about them, and I think people appreciate buying from someone who can give them that information.
There’s something about plants, blooming ones especially that bring a unique joy to people’s day, and I look forward to every opportunity to bring that to them, even if they don’t buy anything!
I have developed some health issues over the past couple years that I believe are partly linked to pesticides and herbicides that I come in contact with daily at my lawncare day job. Because of this we are launching an organic lawncare alternative for the health of our workers, and I make that a priority in my nursery as well by using only organic methods and products for my plants. Many of my customers are amazed at how well and fast my plants grow, and I attribute this to using the “good stuff”.
If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, or just want to buy organic, visit my website and drop by my booth! I’d love to meet you. Also, starting Spring of 2020, my full selection of plants will be on my website, with the ability to order and pickup at the market closest to you. https://owlcreeknurseryga.com
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