Earlier this month, air was buzzing with excitement last week at DeWayne's, and it wasn't just the happy hum of our pollinator-friendly plants. We had the distinct honor of being a featured destination on a prestigious tour of Raleigh's five best retail garden centers, an event that brought horticulture lovers and industry experts from all over to our doors. It was a day of community, inspiration, and unforgettable moments, and we are still glowing from the incredible feedback we received.

The scale of this event was truly something to behold. As one of our aerial photos shows, the parking lot was lined with five charter buses that had transported attendees to our garden center. This was a national gathering in the truest sense; we had the pleasure of speaking with guests who traveled to Raleigh from states as far as Arizona, Ohio, and Texas. Of course, we were also thrilled to welcome many local garden lovers from right here in the Raleigh-Durham area, adding a wonderful community feel to the day.

To cap off the experience, we wanted to share a taste of true Southern hospitality. Our second aerial photograph captures the beautiful sight of our guests enjoying a catered North Carolina BBQ dinner right here in our garden center. We transformed the space with dozens of elegantly set tables, complete with crisp white tablecloths and pumpkin centerpieces, creating a memorable dining experience amidst the greenery.

Being selected for this exclusive tour, celebrated by esteemed industry organizations like The Garden Center Group and recognized in publications such as Garden Center Magazine, was a true testament to our team's passion and hard work. This event showcases the pinnacle of retail garden center innovation, customer experience, and horticultural excellence in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. For attendees, this tour is a unique opportunity to gather inspiration, discover new trends, and learn from the most innovative garden centers in the region. To stand alongside the other top-tier garden centers in our community was a privilege, and we were determined to create an experience that our visitors wouldn't soon forget.

Our marketing team was on-site to capture the day's magic through photos and videos. But more importantly, they were there to engage with our guests, answer questions, and share in the excitement of the day. The spontaneous, heartfelt comments we received were more rewarding than any picture could ever be - a genuine, unfiltered reflection of the atmosphere we strive to cultivate every single day.

From the moment visitors stepped of the buses, the comments began. We heard repeated exclamations of "Amazing!" and simple, powerful, "All I have to say is WOW." For many, the sheer scale and variety of offerings were a delightful surprise. One guest perfectly captured this feeling, describing it as "Overwhelming, but in a good way."

This is the exact reaction we aim for. We want DeWayne's to be more than just a place to buy plants; we want it to be a destination for discovery. We heard many people say, "There's so much to take in," as they wandered through our vibrant, sprawling displays of unique plants, home décor, and landscape supplies. Our goal is to ensure every visit to DeWayne's offers something new to see and experience.

For attendees of this special tour, the experience extended far beyond our retail floors. In a unique show of transparency, we threw open the doors to the operations that make the magic happen. Rather than a guided tour, we invited guests to freely explore our 'behind-the-scenes' areas, offering an unfiltered look at the heart of our business.

This all-access pass meant attendees could wander into our bustling warehouse, the central hub where our team receives and processes shipments of the incredible products you see in our store. They could see firsthand the scale of our operations and the logistical care that goes into managing our vast inventory. The tour also included open access to our creative marketing department, giving visitors a glimpse into the strategies and teamwork that help tell the DeWayne's story. This look into our operational core helped connect the dots between the comment of being "Very clean and organized" on the floor and the well-oiled machine running behind it.

As a premier plant nursery in the Raleigh area, we take immense pride in our seasonal selections, and our autumn offerings were on full display. Fall in North Carolina is a special time, and nothing says autumn like a burst of colorful chrysanthemums. We were thrilled to hear one guest enthusiastically ask another attendee, "Did you see the size of those mums!" This comment highlights our commitment to sourcing the biggest, healthiest, and most vibrant seasonal plants available.

Beyond the plants, we received overwhelming praise for the care that goes into our presentation. We believe that a garden center should be as beautiful and inspiring as the gardens our customers create. And it's this commitment to creating a magical atmosphere that led to what might be the greatest compliment we've ever received. One visitor, taking in the entire scene, turned to their friend and said: 

"This is Walt Disney World if it was a garden center."

This single comment perfectly encapsulates our mission. We aim to create an experience filled with wonder, magic, and impeccable attention to detail, where every corner holds a new delight.

A trip to DeWayne's isn't complete without a stop at our famous Sweet Shop. As tour groups made their way through, we loved hearing one guest exclaim upon entering, "It smells delicious!" The aroma of freshly made waffle cones and fresh roasted warm nuts is an essential part of the DeWayne's experience, a reminder that beauty can be found in all the senses.

To the organizers of the garden tour and to every single person who walked through our doors, thank you. Your kind words and genuine appreciation have energized our entire team. If you missed the tour, we extend a warm invitation to you. Come and see for yourself why our visitors were saying "WOW." Explore our vast selection of plants, get lost in our beautifully staged displays, and treat yourself at the Sweet Shop. We can't wait to share the magic of DeWayne's with you.