Nancy's Dream has moved

WAITSBURG-Nancy's Dream Garden Center has moved closer to main Main Street. Owner/operators Janet Lawrence and Doug Biolo said the move has been great for business, with a new surprising customer base picking up.

At the new address, 124 Warren Street, the brother-sister duo now have room to grow Nancy's Dream bigger than they ever imagined. The former site had just enough room for a single greenhouse and an outdoor display, but limited parking, especially for semi-trucks, was a problem. The new location has already doubled the greenhouse space, added more retail space, and includes a wide selection of mulch and bark for basic landscaping.

The new location still has a few final touches that Biolo and Lawrence plan to add over the next couple of years. Another greenhouse will be going in, with hopes of finding a local grower to utilize the space.

"Having our own grower on-site really boosts inventory," Lawrence said. "We know exactly what we have at all times." Biolo went on to explain that they have a grower from Dayton in mind, but nothing has been finalized yet.

The landscaping is still underway utilizing plants that grow well in the area, so customers can see how plants could look in their yards.

Over the next couple of years, Biolo and Lawrence plan on adding a bicyclist rest stop and a few tiny cabins for short-term rentals, but those plans are still in the making. The duo is keeping their newest customer group, truckers, in mind as well, hoping to add showers and a rest area that can accommodate the big rigs.

"We've had a lot of trucks and big rigs stop since we've moved," Lawrence said. "This location makes it easier for trucks and trailers to park. We just didn't have that space before."

The edge of the property runs along W 2nd Street, which is also State Route 124 and a popular truck route. Lawrence and Biolo are pleasantly surprised with the increase of visitors 'passing through' and stopping at the garden center for the first time.

Though many things have changed, many will remain the same. The garden center will again help pick and sell pumpkins for the annual Schultke Family Fundraiser, just in time for Halloween. For more than 12 years, the Schultke family, of Walla Walla, has been selling pumpkins to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House in memory of their son, Cooper, who passed in 2002 after a valiant fight against a brain tumor. Those pumpkins should be available by the beginning of October. The garden center will also have Christmas trees closer to winter.

Biolo and Lawrence both said they could not thank the community enough for all of their support, as they continue to grow a dream that is near and dear to them. Visit the garden center for a wide selection of annuals, perennials, succulents and houseplants, trees, and basic landscaping needs.