For Immediate Release...

Event date: April 7, 2007

Brimfield—Salli and Marty Greene are passionate about gardening. One could say they are “garden aficionados,” for they are people who see and use their gardens as an extension of their homes, for entertaining and relaxing. Now, this brother and sister team is melding their knowledge and enthusiasm for gardening with the opening of Velvet Greene Garden Center in Brimfield.
    “Gardening is in our blood,” said Sturbridge resident Salli Greene. “Our parents had a beautiful yard. Their home on Cedar Street in Sturbridge had vegetable gardens, several flowers gardens, all of which they were very proud. Working in the garden was a family affair. That’s why Marty and I are passionate about gardening.”
    Velvet Greene Garden Center is located adjacent to The Green Thumb Florist at 381 Sturbridge Road (Rte. 20) in Brimfield, just over the Sturbridge line. “Joyce (owner of Green Thumb) and I are good friends,” said Salli. “Having the spot next to her shop is perfect.”
    Velvet Greene is a full service garden center. Their tag line, Escape the Ordinary, represents the heart of their business, for there is nothing garden-variety about Velvet Greene. “We take extraordinary care to provide a large selection of healthy garden flowers and plants, which we’ve nurtured from seedlings and plugs. What makes us stand out from the large retail stores is the varieties of organic and heirloom herbs, vegetables and seeds that we’ll carry,” said Salli. In addition to garden flowers and plants, Velvet Greene will carry shrubs and trees. “And we’ll have a large variety of mulch and soil available for both pick up and delivery.” Velvet Greene will sell both organic and regular fertilizers, as well as gardening gloves and tools, lawn and garden ornamentation, and pottery.
    Velvet Greene has history. In 1977, Salli operated the Velvet Greene culinary herb cart at Quincy Market in Boston. For people who love to cook, having a culinary herb garden is de rigueur. “We are one of the few places that carry organic culinary herbs.”  In addition to culinary herbs, Velvet Greene Garden Center will also carry medicinal herbs. Not sure what you may need or how to use them? Talk with Salli. Salli completed an apprenticeship in herbal medicines with Diane Nuckles at Earth Spirits Herbal Apothecary and Holistic Center. She is currently undergoing a second apprenticeship with Rosemary Gladstar.
    Salli and Marty are excited about being in business together. “We have a harmonious relationship and a strong work ethic, fostered by our parents,” said Marty Greene, a native of Sturbridge. “For Salli and I to work together doing something we both love is an opportunity of a lifetime.”
    “We want people to experience the true satisfaction we feel when we’re in our gardens,” Salli added. “Unlike the large retail stores, we’ll help people select plants that are right for their garden environment, and offer tips and teach techniques we’ve learned throughout the years.” The Greenes also plan to start a kids garden club, and would like to be involved with area schools as a way for children to explore and discover the wonderful world of gardening.
    Velvet Greene Garden Center will have its Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, April 7. “We have a sorts of fun events and surprises planned for that day. So plan to bring the whole family here to explore Velvet Greene.”
    Open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, contact Salli or Marty at 413-245-7900.
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