Trying to find a happy place? There’s a new one to check out in Liberty! Vintage Leaf has opened, on Union Street (next to Village Insurance). Lifelong friends Amber Harvey and Samantha Strait have poured themselves into the plant shop, and it shows. House plants are the main focus, but you’ll find much more: home and garden items, vintage decor, metaphysical and natural items like crystals and homemade dream catchers. The ladies are both working other jobs and both have children under four at home, and they have created a lovely respite from all that, right in the middle of town. The two have been friends (more like family, they laugh) for most of their lives. They share the same familiar tone when talking to or about their plants, and get excited to show the many neat objects and curios they carry. It’s a cozy feeling inside the shop, and the air feels healthier as one stands surrounded by the plants. There are plenty of unique items to browse through, such as “Seed Cards,” a greeting card that can be planted in the soil and will later grow into a particular herb or flower. Almost all the items either come from the earth or have been upcycled somehow. There’s reusable shrink wrap made from beeswax, jewelry, soaps and lotions made from natural substances, and of course there are all kinds of plants. A coffee mug in the shop reads “Gardening is cheaper than therapy,” which was instantly proven true with a quick trip to the propagation wall, filled with clippings of plants that are just taking root. “Take a prop, leave a prop” the wall says. It’s the kind of place you’d want to stop if you’ve had a bad day…no matter what’s going on outside the shop, the plants bring a sense of peace. Amber and Sam will be hosting a grand opening this Saturday (April 22), which coincidentally is Earth Day. Stop by 9 East Union Street in Liberty this weekend and check them out. Their weekday hours will be later, due to daytime jobs: Tuesday-Friday 5:00pm - 9:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.
