Native Plant Center saved by new ownership, expects September opening

WARNER ROBINS — In the span of a few weeks, Native Plant Center customers have had a roller coaster of emotions. The center was temporarily closed in conjunction with Georgia Military College’s Warner Robins campus. Now the center has new ownership and a new location. 

Owners Steven and Stephanie Welch, currently own Southern Accents Landscaping Supply. They plan to open the new location to the public in early September. 

Steven Welch approached former Native Plant Center Director Bob White about starting a nursery alongside his business. His wife and co-owner Stephanie Welch said in an interview that their plans for a plant nursery never came to fruition until now. 

She said their neighbor is a huge fan of the Native Plant Center and pleaded with them to save it saying it would go “hand in hand” with what they do. 

After both talking with White and knowing how much they impacted the community such as education practices and reliance from the community, Welch said it was a no brainer to go forward in new ownership. 

“This is not only just for us but for the community as a resource, education resource and also a pollinating resource,” she said. “We cannot let this go.” 

Native plants are historically known for being very important for the pollinators and bee and butterfly populations. According to the Georgia Native Plant Society, native plants support the ecosystem, are easier to plant and maintain, and attract other pollinators to one’s garden while reflecting the natural beauty of the area. 

“We want to keep this a resource that is so vital to this area going,” she said “We want to expand, see it grow and keep an interest in native plants specifically.” 

With new ownership comes the fear of change. Welch said they want to try to keep everything the same and the education aspect will still continue. 

Changes may come to the decoration. Welch said they’ve been thinking about adding new walkways and pathways that pair well with the plants. Welch also hopes to expand educational opportunities as well.

Former Director of the Native Plant Center Bob White said in an interview he had known the Warner Robins campus was closing at some point. They thought of other ways to save the Native Plant Center by having talks with Middle Georgia State and the University of Georgia but nothing materialized. White said the loyal patrons felt disappointed and shocked about not having a source to get native plants. 

The Native Plant Center started as a small project for GMC students and school groups. They partnered with GMC, City of Warner Robins and Keep Warner Robins Beautiful. 

“We would do education classes and lecture series [to start], then we would do plant sales,” he said. “When we started it was a few weekends in spring and fall, and that just slowly grew every year.” 

Welch said her and her husband do not have any prior experience with nursing plants, but they do have applicable help to make the transition a lot smoother. Horticulturist Eleanor Freeman, who played a key role at the old location, will be joining the Welch’s at the new center. 

“[Freeman] has fit in so well and has been fantastic. Moving [the plants] out of there has been a breeze because she has kept everything organized,” Welch said. 

White said he plans to still be involved with the Native Plant Center. 

After announcing the switch to new ownership, Stephanie Welch said the support and excitement has been felt from every direction. 

“We’re just ready to open it up so that they can see it and get to enjoy it again,” she said.