When Alonzo Ferandez opened his florist shop Our Secret Garden in 2015 he had big dreams. A self taught floral designer he wanted to create arrangements both fresh and dried, terrariums, sell house plants, gifts, home decor and art. The problem was space. The original location, in the walkway between 42nd SW and California Ave. SW in the West Seattle Junction was only 350 square feet. He did as much as possible in that tiny space and developed a reputation for unique work and friendly service. But that location while reasonably well suited to the shop's name also meant not many people knew where he was, and when the pandemic happened it meant even fewer people could come in.

Now he's taken a leap of faith, buoyed by a loyal following and moved to a new location at 5020 California Ave SW, about 1/2 block north of Rite Aid on the east side, on the ground floor of the Blake Apartments.

The new space is nearly four times larger. at 1145 square feet. Incredibly the majority of his inventory was at the old location. Now it's got room to breathe and be seen.

He focuses on cut flowers, green arrangements, terrariums, and "green wall art" he said, which he creates on site. "It's preserved with moss, mushrooms, and branches, requiring no maintenance," he said.

Alonzo created the shop he said, "As a way to express myself. I used to work in a hospital but I didn't want to work under management. This way I know the commitment I make and work I do is for my own good." As to how he came to be able to create his unique art he said, "I don't know, I see something and it's easy for me to replicate it."

He has plans to hire more people as the shop grows and business improves.

Our Secret Garden is open six days a week from 9am to 5pm weekdays and 10 to 4pm on the weekend.

They have deliveries available from 11 to 2pm in West Seattle.

You can order from the shop online at www.oursecretgarden.com

Call them at (206) 588-2979