SECOND NATURE AT READS CREEK

Stop for the Plants, Stay for the Experience

By Angie Landsverk

Jennifer and David Tubbin’s passion has always been about building something special and creating experiences that bring ideas to life.

“Second Nature at Reads Creek was born out of that drive — to create a space where people not only enjoy the beauty of nature but also connect with it in meaningful ways,” she said. Their business includes a nursery, greenhouse, gift shop, and landscape design center.

They decided to include Reads Creek in the name as a tribute to the beautiful, serene feature that runs through their property. “The idyllic setting along Reads Creek is such a central part of what makes our space special, so it felt only right to honor it in the name,” she said.

Their Early Years

Since opening Second Nature at Reads Creek, the property has been a continuous work in progress, she said. “We’ve made steady improvements, from adding new garden areas to fixing structures and maintaining the systems that keep everything running smoothly. There’s always something in the works — whether it’s a new project or simply nurturing what’s already here,” Jen said.

She said they have no shortage of ideas to make the place even more beautiful. However, as is often the case with small family-owned businesses, the challenge is finding the cash to bring the dreams to life. “Still, each season brings something new, and we’re proud of the progress we’ve made to create a destination that feels special to everyone who visits,” Jen said.

They have faced challenges typical of building a business from the ground up. These include attracting customers to their location, navigating the growing pains of establishing a new company, managing wages, and adapting to the seasonality of their business.

“One of the most critical lessons we’ve learned is the importance of timing — knowing when to act, how to respond to changes, and, just as importantly, when to avoid overreacting,” Jen said. “This mindset is something that we are constantly working on because it is shaped by each one of our experiences, good and bad. Dave is a master at this and I’m still working on it.”

She said through it all, they have maintained a steadfast focus on what matters most, and that is the relationships they build. “We believe that nurturing our connections with our customers, colleagues, and visitors is what will help us overcome challenges and continue to grow,” Jen said.

In 2019, they decided to sell their product development company, allowing them to shift their focus and fully dedicate themselves to the vision behind Second Nature at Reads Creek. “We’ve poured our hearts and efforts into creating a place that aligns with our core values and are proud of creating a unique destination garden center,” she said.

Jen shared that her background includes a past career teaching young children. During that career, she learned the importance of developing lesson plans and a learning environment that engaged her students.

“Later, in our role designing home décor products for Main Street and big-box retailers, I found it was the same idea — creating something that would foster a meaningful experience for custom­ers,” she said. “Now, as we work to design outdoor living spaces for people, it’s still about that same goal: building something that people can connect with on a personal level, a space that brings them joy, peace, and a sense of belonging.”

Marketing and Connections

Dave and Jen have found word of mouth to be their most powerful marketing tool. “When people trust us and have a great experience, they can’t help but share it with their friends and family,” she said. “That kind of organic promotion is invaluable!”

They connect with their community by creating a welcoming space that brings people together, she said. “Through initiatives like our monthly market and collaborations with local artisans and businesses, we’ve created opportunities for everyone to come together. Our events provide a platform for connections and shar­ing, making our nursery a true hub for the community,” Jen said.

She said it is important to know running a small business some­times means taking scary steps toward improvement. “We focus on meeting our customers’ needs while keeping our values front and center,” Jen said. “It’s not about getting bigger; it’s about growing in ways that make sense for us and our wonderful team. And we make sure to have a little fun while doing it!”

Jen has advice for those who recently opened a gift shop. “Starting a business is an adventure, but let’s be real — it’s never easy,” she said. “Buckle in and embrace the bumps in the road as opportunities to learn, stay adaptable, and grow. Listen to your customers, your employees, and your heart.”

What Dave and Jen love most about what they do is the constant opportunity for learning, creating, and growing. “Every day brings new challenges and ideas that inspire us to innovate. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see our ideas take shape,” she said. “Our motto is ‘Come for the Plants. Stay for the Experience.’ It couldn’t be more true.”