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Eclectic Nature
Rating Details »
6 reviews for Eclectic Nature
I'm into this place! I usually do a speed-browse when I'm waiting on my order from Al's, which was the case today.
Fluffy was in full effect dozing on the couch. They've got about five or six rooms, each sort of themed, but all rammed with various things so you really need to look at EVERYTHING.
You can grab cute gifts for almost anyone here--but I have to admit it's definitely geared toward us ladies. Candles, picture frames, jewelery boxes, knick-knacks, jewelry, bags, robes, etc. They sell lightweight totes by Two's Company that make awesome giftbags at $8 a pop. I always get compliments on mine. Lots of plants and lawn and garden adornments, and good gardening supplies too (gloves, tools).
Eclectic Nature is one of my favorite places to visit on a lazy afternoon. The business is half garden/nursery, half gift/home decor shop. I'm not into gardening, but from what I could tell, the nursery area had a lot to offer. The shop, which sells lots of odds and ends is located inside the old house. I love the smell of this place when you walk through the front door, kind of like a peppery smell with a hint of vanilla and orange. They have a great selection of unique merchandise, which is sure to keep you walking back and forth from room to room.
Just when you think you've seen everything and searched through all the little rooms, you'll spot something you must have, like the delicate cloche I purchased during my last visit or a silk handbag embroidered to resemble something vintage. They carry a lot of basics, like candles, books, and bath products. They also house many original pieces of art done by local artists. The guy who usually works the front desk is very warm and friendly. All they need is a chunky, old housecat named fluffy, which would lounge on the front porch and welcome me during each visit. The store is located in Del Ray, which means that once you're done browsing, you can hit up the antique store on the corner and then finish off the afternoon with a cup of frozen custard from The Dairy Godmother.
A great place to pick up plants. The folks working there are knowledgeable (most of them) and helpful (all of them). While the draw for me is the nature, I have found a few things of interest in the eclectic gift shop inside.
Since the merchandise (outside at least) is seasonal, you can't always count on finding what you want if you don't pick it up on your first visit. That said, if stuff doesn't sell, there's usually an end-of-season sale to look forward to.
Note to Kirsta: There is usually a fluffy and friendly orange kitty walking about the place in search of a scratch behind the ear.
I'll second the previous review and say that if you need something for your local garden, you should stop here and look around. Their staff sometimes have been stumped with relatively simple questions, but they are attentive and helpful - and their plants and settings are very well done.
Keep an eye out for their seasonal offerings, because their stock does change and adjusts with what planting times are available. Also they offer bulk mulch and ground coverings and some great statuary for your garden needs.
Funky store with really cool gifts (like the garden in a bag), but not enough of a selection of outdoor plants when I visited to make it a garden hot spot.
the nursery is very expensive - much more than others in alexandria. am not very pleased with the customer service either.