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As springtime returns to the area, many with a green thumb are anxious to return to their gardens, as others crave the taste of their favorite frozen treats. Fortunately, neither has to look far for a solution, as The Potting Bench, located at 324 Matthews Blvd., South Williamsport, has seamlessly married the two.
In late 2019, owner Dustin Solomon purchased the property on which a greenhouse formerly stood.
"It sort of fell into some disrepair just because no one was operating it, so when we purchased it, we just started to do a bunch of renovations," he said.
"My mom, dad and I always liked and had an interest in plants," Solomon said.
It was following their first season that they decided to introduce ice cream into the mix.
"After COVID, we grew plants in the spring, and we sold through all of our plants that first season before June, so we knew at that point that in order to extend our season, we needed to do something," he said.
"My dad and I had been talking, and I always had this dream since I was about 10-years-old, that we should have an ice cream store," he said.
Solomon said he, his family and staff take great pride in ensuring that their customers get matched up with exactly what they need.
"We spend a lot of time trying to provide customer service so that people can make the right decisions for plants in their yard, whether that be annuals or spring flowers and how to make their own planter, or if they want us to make a planter for them, we do that as well, along with hanging baskets," he said.
The Potting Bench's team also works with customers to help them design larger home landscapes that will survive a wide range of conditions.
"We also offer workshops. In the spring, fall and at Christmas time, we have workshops where people come in and can do a DIY either craft or arrangement or even make their own planter," Solomon said.
Many of the plants available in the garden center are grown by The Potting Bench itself, with others provided by two growers with greenhouses dedicated to the business, as well as other large scale greenhouses and nurseries across the state.
The inventory of the garden center ranges from vegetables and herbs to perennials and small shrubs, to indoor plants, and even a selection of tropical plants.
For those that have questions or concerns about plants they already own, Solomon said his staff are willing and able to offer advice, though he stresses anyone seeking their input should bring only photos of the plants, so as to not spread possible infections or other issues to the plants onsite.
For those customers who are unsure of just what they're looking for, The Potting Bench offers an expansive list of goodies to snack on while browsing the garden center, including their very own soft serve ice cream.
"We carry Sunset hard ice cream. So for those people that can't find it locally, that's an option," Solomon said.
Even those sensitive to milk products can join in the dining experience as The Potting Bench also carries a fruit-based Dole soft serve, as well as lactose-free soft vanilla ice cream.
"We spend a lot of time coming up with unique ideas for our specialty Sundaes, that are a little bit different that you might see elsewhere," Solomon said.
"Candy cake is one of them. We make a strawberry shortcake sundae," he said.
Other specialty treats include a blueberry crumb cake during blueberry season, and a carrot cake sundae and peanut butter Easter egg sundae for Easter.
"It's always theme-related, usually, and they're all homemade," Solomon said.
Several hot foods are available as well, including pork barbeque sandwiches, and on special occasions, soft pretzels.
"Our first special event is going to be on national pretzel day, which is also our fifth year anniversary celebration," Solomon said.
Shoppers needing to quench their thirst while on the hunt for that perfect plant are also in luck, as The Potting Bench offers several unique drink options.
"Obviously milkshakes and ice cream-related, but then we have refreshers. We do make our own homemade lemonade and homemade lemonade slushies, we have boba drinks," he said.
Several upgrades have been made in anticipation of opening day, including heightened shopping tables, updates to the gift shop and a covered dining pavilion.
With an eye towards the community, The Potting Bench offers several fundraising options.
"Whether that be a school group, a club or an adult organization, they can sign up to either sell plants, planters or we also offer coupon books, and then they take a very large portion of the proceeds, and use it for their organization," Solomon explained.
Solomon said the business also sees a large share of field trips from schools and preschools all across Lycoming County.
For Solomon, the key to The Potting Bench's success has been their focus on providing their customers with an exceptional experience.
"We strive to have the highest quality and the best customer service, so we're always trying to be the most knowledgeable on whatever it is that we're trying to offer, and then at the same time, making sure that whatever it is that we offer, it's the best that you're going to find in the area," he said.
For more information on The Potting Bench and its many offerings, check out their Facebook page or visit them at www.pottingbenchmarket.com.