Gardeners, plant lovers, and even those who do not like to get their hands dirty (me!) will love Outdoor Design and Living, a new shop in Guilford. This aromatic shop is a combo platter of plants, containers, outdoor furniture, and thoughtful gifts for people with green thumbs (I absolutely loved the Bouquet Notebook for water-coloring pretty arrangements, the block-printed tablecloths, and the floral paper plates). Landscaping and hardscaping are available, too, as they have a team of experts. 

The ready-made, filled containers are modern and unusual, with quite a few ready-to-go. Or make use of the potting bar in the back where you can choose your own container, pick out your plants, and the staff will give you a hand and advice. Keep an eye on the website for upcoming classes.

It’s a charming and inspirational shop, even for someone like me who, when I gaze at a plant, it withers. It gave me hope. 

Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm & Sunday 11am-4pm

17 Whitfield Street, Guilford

outdoordesign.com