Nestled in the heart of Shalimar, Florida, Wildwood Garden Shoppe & Nursery has blossomed into a captivating botanical destination under the nurturing care of owners Aaron and Amanda Rippert.
- The husband-and-wife team acquired the once run-down property in 2021, transforming it into a thriving family-owned boutique nursery, gift shop, and event venue.
The couple’s roots in the landscaping industry trace back to 2016 when they established Aranda Lawn & Garden. According to Aaron, they started the business by chance when he was transitioning out of his previous career field and Amanda was in college. “I was looking for something new to do, and landscaping had the lowest barrier to entry,” he explained.
Despite their modest beginnings, the duo had a vision to branch out beyond lawn maintenance. They aspired to have a landscape crew, obtain their chemical license, and become a one-stop shop with a nursery.
- However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, their plans were temporarily derailed. “We went from a hundred applicants a month down to zero for two years,” Aaron recalled. “So we just switched gears and built this.”
Amanda’s love for plants blossomed alongside the business. She found inspiration in Aaron’s work and began taking pictures of spaces, creating diagrams of potential landscaping designs using a small iPad app. “We realized there was way more interest and passion behind the landscaping side,” she said.
At Wildwood Garden, customers can explore a diverse selection of Florida-friendly plants tailored for the region’s climate. The knowledgeable staff, including a horticulturist, guides customers in choosing the right plants for their landscapes. From native species to annuals, tropicals, succulents, and collector specimens, the nursery offers a wide variety suited for different preferences and environments.
- Amanda emphasizes the importance of using plants that are well-suited for their intended location. “We want to use plants that are going to be the right place for them,” she said. “It’s important that we have natives, but we also have plants that work well for this planting zone.”
In addition to offering an extensive plant selection, Wildwood Garden specializes in creating custom seasonal planters for homes and businesses. These eye-catching arrangements add a touch of natural beauty to any space and can be tailored to suit various styles and occasions.
Beyond the nursery, Wildwood Garden offers a unique boutique gift shop filled with charming and whimsical gardening-themed items, indoor plants, and collector specimens. There is also a scavenger hunt for kids to embark on throughout the property while parents are shopping.Â
For those looking to host a special event, Wildwood Garden provides an intimate and exclusive venue. The space is ideal for hosting private gatherings such as bridal showers, baby showers, birthday parties, and even weddings. The Ripperts also offer private workshops for team-building experiences or leisurely activities.
One of the standout features of Wildwood Garden is their Inspiration Station, which includes a terrarium bar and paint-a-pot activities. At the terrarium bar, customers can craft their own miniature living gardens, selecting from a variety of plants, substrates, and decorative elements.
- The paint-a-pot activity allows visitors to express their creativity by designing and painting their own pottery, which they can then fill with a plant of their choice.
For those seeking landscape design services, Wildwood Garden offers in-store guidance for small projects and DIY enthusiasts. Amanda is happy to provide assistance and recommendations, creating hand-sketched designs and offering plant suggestions. However, for larger, more complex projects, she recommends turning to Aranda Lawn & Garden, their sister company.
Aranda Lawn & Garden, led by Aaron, provides a full spectrum of landscaping services, from plant installation and irrigation to outdoor living spaces. “Aranda does a variety of landscaping, from plants, grass, irrigation, outdoor living spaces, the full spectrum,” Aaron said. “Anything you can dream up, we can make it happen with our team of contractors.”
The Ripperts’ commitment to education and customer service sets Wildwood Garden apart. They strive to be a valuable resource for both DIY enthusiasts and those who prefer to hire professionals for their landscaping needs. “Our goal is to hire and work with the most knowledgeable and professional people in our area,” Aaron explained.
- This dedication to education extends across all aspects of their business. Whether customers are browsing the nursery, attending a workshop, or consulting with the Ripperts about their landscaping needs, they can expect to receive expert guidance and support throughout their gardening journey.
Amanda believes in the power of asking questions and engaging with customers to better understand their needs and desires. “If you start asking customers questions, they’re going to start giving you more information about their project so that you can better guide them.”
As Wildwood Garden continues to flourish, the couple remains focused on staying consistent and adapting to challenges. And despite typical growing pains, they have experienced their most significant growth to date. Looking ahead, Aaron shared their ambitious plans for expansion. “Our big goal this year is to get the greenhouse built across the street.”
Through their unwavering commitment to quality, education, and nurturing a love for gardening, Aaron and Amanda Rippert have firmly planted Wildwood Garden Shoppe & Nursery as a blossoming gem in the Emerald Coast community.
With their passion for plants, dedication to customer service, and innovative approach to landscaping and boutique experiences, the Ripperts have cultivated a truly unique and inspiring destination that continues to grow and thrive.
Wildwood Garden Shoppe & Nursery is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and is conveniently located at 6 10th Ave, Shalimar, FL 32579. Click here for more details.
