Columbus Monthly / January 2012 / One-stop shop for indoor gardening

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One-stop shop for indoor gardening

EAGER FOR SPRING You can get ready for the growing season early when you visit Garden Connections and become involved in hydroponic growing. By starting your vegetables early in the season, you might save money on groceries later.

Get a big jump on Mother Nature by planting seeds inside, then transplanting the flowers and veggies outside to harvest a crop in about half the time it takes when starting outdoors. The staff, which works with each individual’s needs, recommends using sunlight when possible for best results. The three keys for success: Use the right soil, employ proper drainage and don’t overwater. Seeds are not sold here, but you’ll find a wide selection of hydroponic brands, including FoxFarm, Hydrofarm and Botanicare.

Ailing plants also can get new life here. When I was there, I saw some that were brought in on their last leaves and were thriving under the care of the shop’s specialists. General manager Stephen Harrold told me customers are welcome to bring in their drooping plants for advice and revitalization.

Garden Connections, 3341 Centerpoint Dr., Suite I (from I-270, take the Grove City exit, turn left onto Broadway, then left onto Centerpoint Drive), 871-0707; gardenconnectionshydro.com. Open Mon-Fri 10 am-6 pm, Sat & Sun 11 am-5 pm. In January, a new store is opening at 83 Neverland Dr., Suite 1, in Lewis Center (near Rt. 23 and Powell Road).

 

VIBRANT VINTAGE Coco Couture is a high-end vintage consignment boutique with clothing and accessories for the fashion-conscious female. Two women with eyes for style—Julia Smythe and daughter Cody Hildebrand—opened the shop three years ago in the Grandview Center because of their love of quality older clothing.

You’ll find such brands as Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci and St. John at savings of 50 percent or more. Their goal is to sell gently used designer brands at discount prices. For instance, Smythe says the shop has current BCBG apparel that sells for $400 new and is priced here at $75. You’ll also see furs and leathers on sale. Sizes range from extra small to XX. Most items are from consignments and estate sales; the jewelry, scarves and purses are new. You’ll also discover vintage luggage and trunks. In January, the owners are planning several sales, and you always can check the sales racks for bargains.

Coco Couture, 1423-A Grandview Ave., 488-3717; cococouture.com. Open Tue-Sat 10 am-6 pm; closed Sun-Mon.

 

CLOTHING COUP The MJR Sales Warehouse offers savings of up to 90 percent on clothing from such famous names as Victoria’s Secret, the Limited, Express and Lane Bryant. The company’s name, MJR, comes from the initials of the three founders’ first names.

You’ll find lingerie, tops, skirts, slacks, coats, sweaters, shoes, accessories and jewelry for women. A smaller selection for men includes New Balance and Express. There also are other brands; when I was there, I saw Ailin eco-friendly outerwear and OSU cheerleading outfits for tots.

According to assistant warehouse manager Miriam Renner, there’s a full range of sizes for women and girls that comes from manufacturers and retail warehouses. She says it’s good merchandise, not irregular. A dot system reveals the discounts: If the tag has a red dot, deduct 30 percent; a green dot, 50 percent; a blue dot, 70 percent. You can check out some of the items at mjrsales.com.

MJR Sales Warehouse, 8025 Corporate Blvd., Plain City (head west on Rt. 33/161 toward Marysville, take the Post Road exit south onto Post, turn right on Industrial Parkway, then right on Corporate Boulevard), 733-3816. Open Tue-Sat 9 am-7 pm; closed Sun-Mon.