Black matte paint covers virtually every inside and outside wall of The Greenhouse 817 in south Fort Worth, instantly informing patrons that this isn't your usual, well, greenhouse.
"I was inspired by European designers painting Victorian homes black," owner Deryk Poynor says, providing an explanation for both her out-of-the-ordinary color palette and a hint at her unique vision.
This isn't your average florist either. Poynor does things a little differently. The Fort Worth-native started The Greenhouse 817 out of her home selling woodland-style designs and creations via her Instagram account two years ago. The business quickly took off, and she relocated to a spacious warehouse on Bryan Street, situating herself near the traffic flowing from South Main Street.
Deryk Poynor and her dog, Bella, at The Greenhouse 817
She has taken full advantage of her industrial location, enlisting local artist Sarah Ayala to paint large-scale art depicting cacti and succulents on the garage doors and throughout the shop. The duo is also currently designing a large botanical mural covering the entire south side of the building that will be complete this summer.
Splitting her time between weddings with unique aesthetics and commercial customers, Poynor counts popular Fort Worth spots like Righteous Foods, Taco Heads and the Petroleum Club as clients.
Her specialty is greenery plants, some of which she grows in her home greenhouse. "I love ferns and house plants, succulents, cacti, fresh vegetables and moss," Poynor says, adding proudly, "we rarely use roses."
On March 17, The Greenhouse 817 expanded business yet again, with the opening of a retail space adjacent to the warehouse. Small, beautifully simple and aromatic, the retail offshoot of The Greenhouse 817 concentrates on gifts and items for the home. "It's for people who aren't interested in run-of-the-mill arrangements," Poynor says. The Greenhouse 817 also prides itself on unique container options using alternative vessels in place of glass vases.
In addition to non-traditional arrangements, like an earth-toned vase filled with an asymmetrical arrangement of succulents, Poynor stocks her shop with goods from outside vendors. Other gift items include rarely found brands like organic skin-care products from Georgia-based Little Barn Apothecary and soaps from Formulary 55 out of Pueblo, Colorado.
Poynor also plans to host workshops for those hoping to grow a green thumb. This month she will host a terrarium design class (April 5), a botanical jewelry workshop (April 8) and a spring centerpiece arrangement class (April 14). Poynor will also collaborate with other tastemakers, with plans to host a cactus knitting class with popular blogger One Sheepish Girl and a styling Instagram class with Denton-based The Vision Beautiful.
Look for The Greenhouse 817 at Open Streets on Sunday, April 3, from noon – 4 p.m. The Greenhouse 817 shop is open Tuesday – Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. and by appointment anytime.
3144 Bryan Ave., thegreenhouse817.com, @thegreenhouse817
