WILLIAMSBURG — Ray Ray’s Plants, recently opened in Midtown, aims to turn places into homes, one plant at a time.
Rachel Neighbors, who moved to the area with her husband four years ago, originally launched the business at markets on weekends, selling plants, stickers and other items she designed. However, when she found out her family would be growing last September with twins on the way, she realized that continuing to do markets wasn’t going to be sustainable.
“I have a strong sense that houseplants make homes for people, whether that’s a dorm room or an office or the family home, that they bring inspiration to us in the spaces that we spend the most time in,” she explained. “When the opportunity came up to have a store in Williamsburg, we thought, well, Williamsburg doesn’t have a dedicated houseplant store, so we jumped at the opportunity to do it.”
Neighbors’ plant knowledge is completely self-taught. Her mother was a gardener, and while she wasn’t a fan of dirt as a child, she found a new appreciation for working with soil as an adult.
“I found working with my hands in soil and in plants really healing, really reassuring, really life-giving. So I learned to take care of plants in my house and really expand my knowledge of different kinds of plants, mostly houseplants,” she explained.
All of the pots for plants in the store are thrifted. While not necessarily originally intended for plants, the shop makes sure the pots are plant-habitable by drilling drainage holes into them in-house. After that, they will choose a plant that is suitable for the size and style of the thrifted pot before adding it to the shelves.
In addition to plants, the business also offers classes for groups, where participants can choose a project to work on together. It also offers information on houseplant care and making soil.
The business is located in Midtown Row next to Silver Hand Meadery at 226 Monticello Ave. in Williamsburg. For more information, visit its official website.
