Welcome to Plant Odyssey’s web site! My name is Libby Rich, owner of this high-end garden center located on Birmingham’s Southside. For thirty-two years I have been privileged to serve my community by selling a wide selection of houseplants, herbs, perennials and annuals. What separates my store from others is my great passion for plants, my knowledge and my willingness to share that knowledge. I wish for everyone to partake of the joy plants bring to our lives.
My decision to enter the business world was largely based on my failure to succeed as an employee. Fired from every job I held for being too outspoken, too opinionated, too demanding (i.e. equal pay for equal work) and way to the left politically of most co-workers, I found myself unemployed, again, at the ripe age of twenty-three. Knowing I was unwilling to change, I thought about how I could make a living being self-employed. I turned to my two great loves, books and plants. Buying a bookstore was not feasible due to my lack of funds. So for two years, I held garage sales in my backyard and sold plants I had lovingly raised in a 12’ by 15’ greenhouse. Money saved from these sales led to a search for a small retail space.
A tiny storefront on the corner of a busy street became available for $225 a month. Located next to a neighborhood grocery store with a fair amount of walk-in traffic, I took a chance and signed a years’ lease. I figured I could sell enough plants to pay the rent plus my salary of $75 dollars a week. And so Plant Odyssey was born. The name was chosen to honor the journey plants have made from their native lands, through cultivation and back out into the world so millions of people could enjoy them. Word got around about the young brash woman who was sometimes testy but who really knew and loved her plants. I started making money and my dream of being self-employed became a reality. For 17 years I stayed on that corner, expanding at every opportunity. A greenhouse went up after a year, an outdoor area filled with annuals and herbs the next, and when the space the grocery store occupied became available, I rented it and proceeded to fill every square inch with more merchandise and plants. A far cry from my opening day when there was no cash register, no phone, no hot water heater, no pots, no saucers, no fertilizer, no baskets. Just me and my plants.
As my space expanded, so did my selection. Not being formally educated in horticulture, much of what I learned was from hands on experience and asking the growers lots and lots of questions. And I loved every single minute. The world of plants continued to fascinate and intrigue me. But I needed more space.
When the owner of the property finally agreed to sell, the price was so ridiculously high I couldn’t afford it. The search was on for a piece of property I could own and design to fit my needs and desires. The perfect location was found just two blocks away and was empty save for four beautiful trees. On a scrap piece of paper I drew the building of my dreams and my husband, Joe, made it a reality. After fourteen years, and lots of changes, I am proud to say I own this garden center. Greenhouses filled with houseplants, gardens under the trees, birds that say “hello” to you, a dog that might stay by your side as you wander, plants of unusual character, classical music to soothe your soul…what more can I ask, except the opportunity to continue to serve you.
Come, walk through my garden...
Libby Rich is featured every other Monday morning at 8:15 a.m. with Bill Bolen on Fox 6's Good Day Alabama, in Birmingham. Tune in, and enjoy.
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