Tucked in the heart of the community, Lakewood Plant Company isn’t just a store; it’s a little slice of nature’s paradise. Whether you’re a total beginner, a seasoned gardener, or someone who loves surrounding themselves with greenery, this place feels like home. With its wide variety of indoor and outdoor plants and a welcoming atmosphere, Lakewood Plant Company has become a favorite spot for many.
What truly sets it apart are the workshops and events designed to unite residents over a shared love for the environment. Laurie Sanders, the manager of Lakewood Plant Company’s events, emphasizes their core mission: “We are all about educating people. We want all of our plant parents to be successful. I don’t want anyone to leave the shop feeling like they’ve killed all their plants. That’s not what we’re here for.” Laurie adds, “We want our customers to come back because they’re successful—because they’ve been able to grow something really cool and keep it going.”
This focus on success starts young. Laurie shares that they even host birthday parties for kids ages 4 to 10, “It’s awesome. These kids are really engaged, and they want to learn more. They’re starting their plant journey very early, which is just fantastic to see.”
One of their new and upcoming events, Plant 101 Bingo Night, exemplifies their educational approach. Laurie describes it as “more than just a game; it’s an educational adventure wrapped in entertainment.” Held monthly, the event takes place in the cozy, plant-filled store, where participants gather around tables decorated with plants and colorful bingo cards. Instead of numbers, the cards feature images and names of common houseplants, succulents, herbs, and more.
Laurie explains, “We read clues and facts about the plants, and instead of numbers, players mark off what they know or learn about new plants. It’s a relaxed way to learn, and everyone walks away with a little more knowledge—and a prize, of course.” She notes that the event encourages conversations and connections among plant lovers of all ages. “We want everyone to feel comfortable asking questions—whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting. That’s what makes it special.”
Beyond Bingo Night, the company offers a variety of workshops designed to help people improve their plant skills and deepen their understanding. Laurie shares that many of these classes began as her experiments: “I started hosting workshops just to see what people enjoyed, and it’s grown from there.” These sessions range from Plant Care 101, which covers watering, light, and soil basics, to more advanced classes such as propagation, terrarium building, and even moss art.
She emphasizes the importance of making these workshops interactive: “We want people not only to learn but to feel confident in caring for their plants. We’ll be doing tutorials on repotting, changing soils, and seasonal care because we want everyone to succeed.” Laurie also mentions plans to expand these offerings, perhaps adding levels like Plants 201 or special themed workshops based on what customers are seeking most.
Lakewood High senior Lauren Lamparyk said, “I came across the Lakewood Plant Company page, as their February activity is a couples plant workshop, so they really do have something for everyone. I’ve never been able to keep a plant alive, but it’s things like these that I think can make it fun to engage with the community and Lakewood’s small businesses.”
Sanders notes that their workshops and events are about more than just plants—they’re about bringing people together. “We’ve been hosting workshops for about five years now, even through COVID, because we believe in the importance of community,” she says.
Events like plant swaps, sustainability fairs, and gardening competitions help foster a sense of belonging. Laurie adds, “Everyone who comes in feels like they’re part of something bigger. The staff is friendly and approachable, whether you’re planting your very first seed or cultivating a lush outdoor garden.”
For Sanders, the motivation behind all their efforts is clear: “We want to inspire people to see how important plants are—not just for their beauty but for their benefits. Plants can brighten your winter months, improve your mood, and connect you to nature.” The ultimate goal is to inspire people to see the benefits of greenery beyond aesthetics.
Sanders is especially excited about upcoming events like the Brunch Bingo at Lago downtown, where she plans to incorporate her passion for education and fun into larger community gatherings. Sanders concludes with a heartfelt note: “Our hope is that every person who walks through our doors leaves with a little more knowledge, a little more confidence, and a whole lot of love for their plants.”
