Barton Springs Nursery has been a dedicated green space in Austin for four decades, with an equally dedicated staff to maintain it. Five years ago, couple Amy Hovis and Greg Thomas bought the nursery and have since been transforming it into a space that’s “presentable, welcoming and centering in on education and community,” Hovis explained.
The background
Hovis and Thomas relocated to Austin from New Jersey several years ago. After the move, one of Hovis’ first acts was to landscape their new residence; thus, she drove straight to Barton Springs Nursery.
“I used to always say, ‘I wish I could just work at Barton Springs Nursery,’” Hovis said.
The Eden Garden Design office is still located adjacent to the nursery. The business was founded in 2008. (Katlynn Fox/Community Impact)
Her wish came true, and her ties to the nursery deepened as she leased an office space at Barton Springs Nursery for her architectural landscaping business, Eden Garden Design.
Hovis wanted to help redesign and restore the business, and when the previous owners were ready to retire, they approached her about buying the business.
More details
Barton Springs Nursery specializes in native and adapted plants. Barton Springs grows its own hard-to-find native plants and is the only retail nursery in Texas to grow and sell its own, Hovis said.
The nursery has its own tropical house stocked with house plants and a greenhouse equipped with small herbs and vegetables. The nursery also carries four-inch pots of several plants so that people can experiment, Hovis said.
The gift shop has a range of pottery, candles, cloth napkins and more. Each product has been tested personally by Hovis, she said. (Katlynn Fox/Community Impact)
In addition to greenery, the store has a curated selection of pots, gifts, gardening equipment, textiles from Oaxaca, Mexico, and more.
The nursery is also home to wildlife, including birds, tortoises and fish.
What’s special about it
Hovis and Thomas also strive to create a people-centric space, designed for visitors to enjoy the space without the pressure to purchase anything. The business also offers free coffee.
“I would love for everyone to know that it's for them,” Hovis said. “They're welcome to just come and read a book. They don't have to buy anything, and a lot of people don't.”
Also of note
The nursery has a robust staff, some of whom have been with the company for decades now. The owners instated a career counseling program to help employees develop in their roles, or create new positions to match employee interests.
“We've grown from the inside out because it's our systems that we're really proud of and how we manage our staff,” Hovis said.
Barton Springs Nursery sells a mixture of indoor and outdoor plants, seeds and bulbs. (Katlynn Fox/Community Impact)
A new chapter
Hovis and Thomas recently expanded the nursery to include a new location on North Lamar Boulevard with a focus on architectural design and installation.
“That's my roots from how I started, and now it's coming full circle,” Hovis said.
Barton Springs Nursery Showroom and Design Studio officially opened in mid-March, offering consultations, design services, installations and a curated selection of gifts, homegoods and furniture.
Who its for
“I know that living around plants and living around gardens and butterflies and nature changes you—it has changed me completely, and it's changed anyone who works here,” Hovis said. “We just want to spread that.”
