At Secret Garden Landscapes, we love supporting other small businesses in our community. Here are some of our favorite places in Lafayette, California to shop and buy gifts for others.
Resource Fill (@shopresourcefill & shopresourcefill.com/)
The owners of Resource Fill are on a mission to reduce our communities single use plastic needs by offering a place to refill home and body care essentials. Their shop is filled with so many environmentally friendly alternatives for your home. It is a fun shop to poke around in and see what small changes you can make in your home to start becoming more eco-friendly. However, this store is so much more than just a shop. You can also recycle corks, oral care products, shavers and writing instruments which most people don't realize should be recycled differently. They also have designated part of the store as a reuse room where you can find gently used items such as clothes and other treasures. In addition, they carry products made by local artisans such as jewelry and candles.
Amphora Nueva (@amphoralafayette & amphoranueva.com/Lafayette)
This small chain store (additional stores in Marin, Castro Valley & Berkeley) has some of the best olive oil and vinegar you can find. The friendly staff will help you find the perfect option for your needs and give samples so you can taste them (Covid restrictions may be in place).
Our favorite summer drink is flavored vinegar (from Amphora) and sparkling water. My kids are obsessed with this drink in the summer and as a mom, I love that this drink is healthy and not filled with sugar (as most other drinks my kids love are). Some of my kids' favorite flavors are pomegranate quince, Cara Cara orange & vanilla, and cranberry pear. Just add 2 teaspoons of vinegar with 8 oz. of sparkling water. Mix and serve. For adults you can also add a splash of your favorite alcoholic spirit to make a festive summer cocktail.
Hollie Homegrown (@hollieshomegrown & hollieshomegrown.com)
Hollie's Homegrown is such a fun store to pop into. You will find an array of consumable products such as homemade honey, tea, seasoning and bath/beauty products. They have some great gift options throughout the store and highlight local artisan's products such as jewelry makers, photographers, textile makers and ceramicists. They also offer wine tasting at the store. The owner's father makes premium wine that you can sample. Hollie's Homegrown also hosts events and educational talks at their store making the store truly a community hub. Check out their website for upcoming events and sign up for their newsletter.
White Barn (@white_barn_home & whitebarnhome.net)
White Barn is a mother & daughter owned business that not only sells beautiful housewares, but they can also build you a beautiful barn door for your home. The shop is curated with fun modern farmhouse decor mixed in with some unique antiques. They have linens, soaps, candles, kitchen wares, lighting, jewelry, garden elements and furniture all in their cute downtown shop. Perusing the store is a fun activity in itself. There are some amazing decor elements that can be used in your garden making it a go to place for us.
Shop Emerson Grace (@shopemersongracedesign & emersongracedesign.com)
Emerson Grace Designs is the design studio and shop of the design firm Emerson Grace. Owner/Lead designer Stefanie Cannizzo has such a fun and bright design style and she brings her curated style into her store. Visit the shop to find unique treasures to make your home cozy and inviting. We personally love all her pillow selections and furniture options. Shop Emerson Grace also hosts local pop events for local artists and small businesses to showcase their work. If you haven't visited this hidden gem, be sure to visit soon as their inventory is always changing making it a fun place to visit often.