Open 9am - 6:00pm Everyday
(360) 676 - 5480
Created with Love.
The Garden Spot was founded by Marcy Plattner over 35 years ago and has been a Bellingham staple and a gathering place for friends and gardeners ever since.
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In 1985, Marcy opened the first Garden Spot Nursery in Wallingford Center in Seattle. Five years later she opened a second seasonal location in Sunnyland Square where Cruising Coffee is now. After a few years, Marcy sold the Seattle Garden Spot Location and the Bellingham location moved down the street to the corner of Alabama and King Street. In January 2021, she turned the reins over to her successor, Paige Lanham.
Our owner, Paige.
Paige grew up in Washington and moved to Bellingham to attend Western Washington University, where she double majored in Biology and English.
In Spring of 2012, Paige walked in looking for a job to help her get through college, something flexible where she could work outside and learn about plants, and quickly fell in love with the work, the people, and the science of gardening. She started as a cashier and knew very little about plants. After a few years, Paige became the plant receiver and worked behind the scenes processing orders. In more recent years, she has worked the sales floor, helping gardeners and playing with plants.
In addition to being a gardener, Paige also worked as a Licensed Veterinary Technician. She has worked in general practice, wildlife rehab, sanctuary medicine, and emergency medicine. “The work that is done in the veterinary field is so important and so under appreciated,” she says, “If you want to meet some real life heroes, visit any veterinary emergency room.” Although her time is spent entirely at the nursery now, she is excited to work with organizations like the Humane Society that are so vital to our community.
Teaching has been one of Paige’s passions and she teaches a series of composting classes. Soil science and earthworms have always fascinated her. “There is so much information out there and always more to learn,” she says, “taking care of our soil is so important, especially for our future food security.”
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Her favorite gardening book is ‘Teaming with Microbes,’ by Jeff Lowenfels, which is filled with interesting gardening science for beginners. Tomatoes are her favorite plants and hundreds of them find homes in her garden every summer.
When Paige is not at the nursery, she enjoys hiking, reading, writing, gardening, and spending time with her husband Aaron and their cat Toby and dog Poppy. She encourages everyone to step out of their comfort zone to learn something new.
"Even a humble beginner gardener can
blossom into a strong nursery woman."
Garden Spot has always been the place for community gatherings. Paige is excited to expand the nursery events with more classes and guest speakers.
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Giving back to Bellingham and especially the Sunnyland neighborhood through education and cooperation is her goal. “Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive,” she says, “I will always work hard with our team to keep the Garden Spot a safe space that welcomes everyone.”