For more than 30 years, North Augusta Feed and Seed has provided a spot of greenery and color downtown.
Travis Still manages the family-owned garden center on the corner of Georgia and Pine Grove avenues.
When it opened in 1978, Still's grandfather, Pete Economos, predominantly sold feed.
Today, the store operates as a nursery and garden center, offering in-season plants and gardening supplies while sowing homegrown customer service.
"We just try to give them the customer service they can't get other places," Still said.
One of those services is garden design.
Still or one of his associates will help customers design a garden that fits the customer's vision while suggesting plants that will work best in the yards' conditions.
"We just try to tell them what will grow best where," Still said.
They will also plant container gardens for customers who bring containers to the store.
The design services are free as long as the customer buys the plants from North Augusta Feed and Seed.
Still, who grew up helping out in the store, said he never expected to take it over one day but found he enjoys it more than he expected.
"It's satisfying when you turn a piece of dirt into something that people ride by and stop and look at," he said.
Many of Still's customers are hobbyists who have patronized the store for years. But he is noticing that interest in gardening has picked up among younger generations.
Interest in vegetable gardens has increased since the economy went sour, also.
Customers who are not growing vegetables to save money are doing it to be environmentally conscious, Still said.
"There's nothing like picking a fresh tomato out of the garden," he said. "We've definitely (noticed) more people bought tomatoes and vegetables this year."
Still expects business to slow down as the colder weather limits the amount of colorful plants as well as gardening activity.
"There aren't as many (plants) that can take a freeze," he said. "You don't have quite the selection."
During those cold, slow months, Still may close the store a little early if there are no customers.
Until then, North Augusta Feed and Seed is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Reach Lisa Kaylor at lisa.kaylor@northaugustatoday.com.
NORTH AUGUSTA FEED AND SEED
ADDRESS: 502 Georgia Ave.
PHONE: (803) 279-9497
HOURS: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
