What makes the business stand out: Thompson enjoys getting to know her customers so she can customize floral arrangements for them. During the warmer months, TJ’s Gardens is stocked with perennials and unusual plants like succulents not often found in flower shops. Thompson also makes recommendations for drought-tolerant flowers and plants that thrive in this area. Many of the cut flowers are grown locally by Thompson. In addition to being a Bellbrook business owner, Thompson is also known in the community for the volunteer plantings she has done as a Greene County Master Gardener and as a past member of the Bellbrook Garden Club.
How the business started: As a small child she had love of gardening instilled in her by her grandmother, a love that she carried with her into adulthood while working for NCR in a financial position. A third generation entrepreneur, Thompson learned first-hand how to run a business from her grandfather, Clarence Schwieterman, who owned Schwieterman Hardware on North Main Street in Dayton and her father, Fred Schwieterman, who owned a body shop in Centerville. She opened the business in 2010.
Thompson saved money and unique vases and planters over the years in preparation for the day she would have her own shop. Finally with the emotional support of her husband Tommy, the mother of three, opened TJ’s Gardens, naming it after her children, Taylor, Jaclyn and Jennifer.
Customer comment: “It is a delight to have the respite of TJ’s Gardens in our little town,” said Kim Warren, of Bellbrook. “The shop is inviting with it’s unique and lovely array of handmade pottery, garden accents, gifts and unusual houseplants. She uses an eclectic array of fresh flowers for her arrangements. It is always so rewarding to see what she comes up with on my orders. “
Contact information: (937) 310-1505
Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tues. – Fri; 11a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday
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