Our city recently gained a new resident in the NEON District – Plant Norfolk. This bright and airy plant shop is as vibrant and energizing as its storefront, making it the perfect addition to the NEON (New Energy of Norfolk) District. The NEON District is renowned for having a solid art scene, bursting with creativity at every corner. It only makes sense that the new tenant in the neighborhood captures that same creative and quirky vibe. 

The Vision Behind Plant Norfolk

Plant Norfolk owner Heather Anderson and her husband Jonathan had the store’s grand opening the last weekend in March, but their vision for the store came about during the pandemic. Heather and Jonathan both had a knowledge and appreciation for plants before the pandemic hit. Still, once people were housebound with little time outside, they gained a new fondness for plants, as did many others trying to find ways to spark joy and maintain a healthy mental space.

People throughout Norfolk were adding plants to their homes for various health benefits, from bringing the outdoors inside to increase mood and energy. Heather and Jonathan saw the desire and need for more plant life and wanted to bring that to their community. When the spot next to Zeke’s Beans and Bowls became available, the couple jumped on the opportunity to get their life dream to fruition.

A Peek into Plant Norfolk

Before even stepping foot into the space, the exterior of Plant Norfolk draws attention from down the road with the majestic sign hand-painted by Ashley with Restless Roots Signs.

Customers can expect that same energy and aesthetic as they walk through the door into the artistic and cozy greenhouse that is Plant Norfolk. Guests are greeted with endless beautiful plant varieties, ranging from potted pothos plants to a comprehensive cactus collection. In addition to the wide variety of foliage throughout the shop, visitors can expect to be greeted with a warm, friendly smile from the owner Heather. Whether you’ve got a green thumb or are a first-time plant parent, Heather is knowledgeable and can help you find your perfect plant. 

Plant Norfolk is the ideal spot to peruse florae, as the mood is much more enjoyable than finding a plant somewhere like a Home Depot or Walmart, where it’s noisy and crowded with a much smaller selection. This local spot is a mood booster and will leave you feeling a better disposition than when you walked in. You’ll see subtle messages of positivity throughout to remind you to enjoy the small moments – such as finding your perfect new house or office plant.

Everyone could use a little more positivity these days, and introducing plants to your space is the perfect way to do it. If you haven’t paid a visit to Plant Norfolk yet, you can find them at 802 Granby St. Wednesday through Friday from noon – 6 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am – 6 pm. And if you need some extra eye candy in your feed, check out their Instagram page.  

Tiffany Frazier

Ghent, NFK

Tiffany grew up in Chesapeake but has called Norfolk home for the past seven years. She fell in love with the city while working with Festevents during college summer breaks. She graduated from James Madison University (Go Dukes!) with a degree in corporate communication. Tiffany now works as a digital marketing specialist and enjoys strolling and rollerblading her way around Norfolk. She lives in Ghent with her husband Trevor, and their two cats, Tux and Joe.