The scent of fresh-cut flowers and luscious greens fills the atmosphere as you walk into The Root in Scituate. With high ceilings and natural sunlight flowing in from floor-to-ceiling windows, this boutique garden center, which recently opened, features an expansive collection of plants and flowers. Two long-time friends, Cherie Myatt and Lisa Swanson, said they “saw the potential” as they drove by 405 First Parish Road. As extensive renovations have been completed and their new business venture is up and running, they look forward to welcoming local customers passionate about nature and the Scituate community.
With a marketing background, Myatt created The Root after selling her company, The CM Group. As a California native, Myatt was inspired by the numerous flower farms and plant shops in San Francisco and wanted to bring a touch of this natural beauty to the East Coast. Swanson is a creative entrepreneur who owns her landscaping business, Zinnia Designs. Myatt handles the business side while Swanson embarks on her creative endeavors.
Before opening The Root, Swanson operated a flower farm, Root to Rise, in Hingham. “We were doing bouquets and growing all the flowers out of the farm. And so, we still grow there and bring them out here. [The Root] is an extension from something small,” she explained. At the stand, people could drive up and grab bouquets: “An honor system,” Myatt said.
The Root is more than just a store to purchase plants and flowers: the business covers various services, including floral subscriptions, container services, and weekly workshops. Floral subscriptions can be delivered bi-weekly or monthly, with customizable themes and colors such as the combination of orange and black for Halloween! Recently, a stunning 6-foot olive tree towered over myriad flora and pots while it was being prepped to be shipped out for an order.
According to Myatt, one of the most rewarding parts of owning The Root is “the Scituate community” and “being able to help others.” The Root’s mission is to create a space where people can explore their love for nature through the purchase of plants and flowers and the many workshops they offer. These workshops range from “Beginner’s Floristry” to “Vegetarian Harvest Soups & Stews.” The store hosts family-friendly workshops like “‘Spooky’ Fairy House Making” to provide an educational and interactive experience for all ages.
Former Gates Middle School art teacher Eileen Rotty exclaimed, “I have taken three workshops at The Root!” She adds, “I learned a lot about flower arranging and came home with some beautiful arrangements that I was proud of,” commenting, “I didn’t think I would have been as successful before the workshops.”
The stunning exterior of the property features an enchanting string-lit patio. Myatt and Swanson share a future vision that includes serving coffee and providing customers with a relaxing space to enjoy their beverages. “Rosie,” a van in the back of the property, is used during bridal showers as a bouquet-building station and pop-up stand. Another aspect of the store is the lush greenhouse full of plants and flowers, which displays an endless array of colors.
The Root offers a truly unique experience that you can’t miss. Show your support for one of Scituate’s newest businesses and immerse yourself in the natural beauty The Root has to offer.