Gifts & Gardening: Clay Garden & Gifts combines community, seaside charm By Teresa McPherson

As seen in Waterfront Living 2024.

Clay Garden and Gifts opened in 2012 after a downturn in the economy and an oil spill closed the previous nursery that had been located in the same spot. Anna-Lisa Daniel said she and husband Jason Daniel merged their talents and professions (he in horticulture, and she in interior design) and opened Clay.

Over the years, Daniel said they believe that God is ever shaping and molding the company.

“In 2020, right as COVID restrictions were beginning, we took on partners,” she said. “This was a blessing because partners were able to help us make decisions regarding unchartered territory. With partners, we were also able to make capital improvements, including adding pavers throughout the garden and a new permanent outdoor sales kiosk. We opened a wholesale plant division for our landscape customers and purchased the lot next to our nursery where we would eventually move four historic cottages to expand our offerings.”

COTTAGE COLLECTIONS

These cottages, formerly comprising a motel called Seagrove Cottages, were renovated and opened to its customers last year, each housing different product categories. The garden cottage offers a large selection of chemicals, tools, seeds, birding and windchimes, while the outdoor living cottage contains outdoor furniture and accessories, including pillows and rugs, lighting, citronella candles and outdoor tableware.

The front cottage is the new home to 1920 & Co., a local community floral business acquired last year.

“It was a great fit for us,” Daniel said. “We shared a lot of the same customer base and were both involved in a lot of the same community events and charities. We were continually being asked to offer fresh flowers to our business by our second-home customers and tourists. We do not offer events and weddings at this time, but plan to expand our fresh stems.”

Rounding out its offerings, Clay’s gift shop — housed in an old cottage that had been transplanted on site in the 1970s — stocks planters, jewelry, candles, terrariums, books, vases and local art.

Daniel said plans are in the works to add a butterfly garden space outdoors, as well as to use a fourth cottage — not currently open — for educational and artistic classes.

GULFSIDE GOODS

Located on East Scenic Highway 30A in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, Daniel said they’re always on the lookout for new products for their customers that will withstand their harsh Gulf Coast weather.

“Hot temperatures, high humidity and salt air can be brutal on outdoor living and garden items,” she said. “We carry resin wicker furniture, powder-coated stainless steel lanterns and outdoor candles, all-copper rain chains, resin baskets, teak wood tables and benches. And although we live in a beach vacation area, we try to remain true to themes that are native to our coast and landscape.”