We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Silver and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
Our small business, Silver Garden Co., has allowed me to express myself in a way that fulfills the creative side of me that I always wanted to explore. I bought a home about 4 years ago and really enjoyed making it a home these past few years. Part of making my house a home was finding unique and special decor pieces and beautiful plants that made me truly appreciate the joy of being home (with my plants). Since launching Silver Garden Co. in August of 2020 what has really made me happy is seeing our customers become successful plant parents. I really enjoy being able to find the right pair of plant and planter to fit each customer’s home style and environment. I have been able to share my love of plants with others and inspire people to add some greenery into their homes and learn to grow to have that same feeling of joy. Now that we have been providing the service of styled houseplants for 7 months I love receiving pictures of our customer’s plant babies thriving months later!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My day job is as a second grade teacher for Miami Dade County Public Schools. I love to teach little ones and feel the reward at the end of the year when I see how far my students have come and how much they have grown. My days as a teacher are long and mentally exhausting at times, but coming home to my plants and garden has been such a nice therapy. Developing this hobby has allowed me to grow in ways that I am very proud of.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As plant people we always recommend some of our favorite nurseries and gardens. Isaac Farms on Krome Ave is a must stop for any succulent or cacti lover. Fairchild Gardens in Pinecrest is also a beautiful place for anyone looking to escape into our lush, tropical habitat. Another excellent spot to explore our natural urban habitat here is a walk or bike ride down Old Cutler in the Grove and Gables. As Miami is on the water, the Upper Keys and Miami Beach are both excellent launching points for a day trip on a kayak or stand-up paddle board. Being able to paddle right up to the natural mangrove habitat is such an experience, and seeing how those trees are able to protect our shorelines makes you respect the land that we live on. On that note, we are also blessed by nature to have 2 National Parks close by – the Everglades are truly one of the most ecologically diverse and unique ecosystems in the world. One of the benefits of being born and raised in Miami is the proximity of my family. Whenever my husband or I have family or friends in town, a lot of the downtime will be spent at family backyard parties. There is no better way to get to know Miami than hanging out with a big extended family and friends grilling steaks, sharing a bottle of wine and just enjoying the company.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Robert Silver, has been right by my side every step of the way since beginning this business. We are true soil mates and work together on each project from start to finish. We both have fun plant shopping, playing with dirt and sitting through long car rides for deliveries.

Website: silvergardenco.miami

Instagram: @silvergardenco

Other: email: mel@silvergardenco.miami

Image Credits
Carolina Salcedo

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