Sep 6, 2011

Cottage industry Grows at GardensBy Shelly BirkeloGazettExtra.com

Janesville, WI – Sales almost doubled one month after the newly reorganized gift shop at Rotary Botanical Gardens opened July 1.

“Our first full month was phenomenal and we expect the sale of merchandise flying off the shelves to continue,” said Mary Willmer-Sheedy, gardens board chairwoman.

Cottage Garden Gallery, the gardens’ renovated gift shop, offers a wide variety of handmade, one-of-a-kind items from local artists that is very affordable, said Barb Mallon, gardens board member and gift shop committee member.

“If you’re decorating your home, looking for a gift or buying something for yourself, this is the place to come,” said Sally Edelman, gardens board member and gift shop committee member.

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