Rhonda Yarrington and Grass Root Garden Company
Brian and Craig Artley founded Grass Root Gardens in 1980. The business grew into one of the most trusted and respected garden centers in Western North Carolina. The community was saddened when the original owners closed the doors in 2021. Luckily, Rhonda and Brett Yarrington purchased and reopened the business as Grass Root Garden Company at the end of 2022 after several months of learning the trade and business operations from the Artley brothers. This week Rumble sat down with Rhonda Yarrington to learn more about her family’s powerful journey.
Rumble: How long have you owned Grass Root Garden Company? Tell us about the history of the store.
Rhonda: My husband and I purchased Grass Root Gardens at the end of 2022 from the Artley brothers, who owned and operated it for 42 years. Grass Root Gardens has been a staple in Haywood County. We have clients come in and share their memories of shopping with their parents as a child. The community was quite devastated by its closing in 2021.
Rumble: What types of products and items are offered by Grass Root Garden Company?
Rhonda: Grass Root Garden Company’s offerings include a wide variety of perennials, annuals, shrubs, vegetables, and more, as well as education, experience, and community events. We offer sought-after specimens such as Japanese Maples and unusual conifers. We are working to expand our popular houseplant selection.
Rumble: Have you always been interested in landscaping, gardening, etc.?
Rhonda: Gardening has been a passion of mine for quite some time now. My focus had been on flower gardening, while my husband’s focus is more on vegetables and our landscape. Since owning the garden center, I have discovered a new passion for landscape design and have plans to pursue formal education in this area.
Rumble: Tell us a little about your background.
Rhonda: My husband and I moved to Waynesville 16 years ago from Florida. We have raised four children here and have loved every minute of it. I was a nurse for over twenty years and my husband worked in technology. We always dreamed of owning a family business. After experiencing the tragedy of losing our five year old daughter to complications of Guillain- Barre’ Syndrome in 2021, we reevaluated our life goals. A chance conversation with a former employee of the garden center started our journey to where we are now. It was meant to be.
Rumble: What do you enjoy about owning a business?
Rhonda: Owning my own business has allowed me to spend more time with my family. My Two oldest children work for the garden center. In addition, working with the community every day has been such a joy. When I am providing my clients with beautiful plants it brings them a level of happiness and peace.
Rumble: Since this is a women’s newsletter, we always like to offer some advice and inspiration. If there is a woman out there reading this who has a goal of opening her own business, what would you say to her?
Rhonda: My inspiration comes from our little girl, Bella Grace. I gather my strength and determination from her and all the obstacles she faced and overcame. Life is a gift. Take risks and you will see the rewards.
Grass Root Gardens is located at 1368 Dellwood Road in Waynesville. They are open every day 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Mondays. You can learn more by visiting their website or following them on Facebook and Instagram.
