New Plant Store Capitalizes On 'Pop Up' Success In The Rivertowns

HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON, NY — Mossy Fern, a new plant company, has opened its first retail shop in downtown Hastings-on-Hudson. The business was formed in May by Harry and Catherine Fellows, who started with local “pop-ups” at street fairs and farmers’ markets.

Their first appearance at the Hastings-on-Hudson Arts & Crafts Fair was well received and led to successful pop-ups at the Tarrytown and Nyack Street Fairs, pop-ups at local businesses in the Rivertowns, booths at the Irvington and Hastings farmers’ markets and consignment sales at Depanneur Wines in Brooklyn.

Customer demand showed them the niche for a physical location.

“We started this business because we wanted to share our love of plants with the community
and to do something good for the planet,” Harry Fellows said about Mossy Fern’s
original vision. “We didn’t realize so many other people were crazy for plants and that the
interest was so intense.”

Mossy Fern is a boutique garden center. In addition to exotic plants, the shop also carries organic soils, handcrafted tools, ceramic pots, nature and garden kits for children, as well as other unique garden decor and gifts. A DIY terrarium-making station is planned. Services include repotting and plant consultation for residential and commercial spaces. A local subscription service for weekly cut flowers will also be offered.

The Fellows see Mossy Fern in step with similar shops, such as The Sill in San Francisco and Sprout in Williamsburg, that are capitalizing on a trend of millennial professionals who collect and grow exotic plants.

They have found that “plant fever” is cross-generational; they also cater to a retiring baby boomer generation with the time to care for and appreciate plants, and who fondly remember the idea of a locally-run “mom & pop” store.

The soft opening occurred Aug. 10. A grand opening event is planned for Sept. 7.

The shop is located at Movie House Mews, 579 Warburton Ave. in Space #4.