Plants grow happiness, comfort at Wei Gardens

Lori Kaye Lodes

Contributor

May 14, 2024

BLACK CREEK – Arriving in the United States on the last flight before the borders closed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wei Ying said it was an isolating time in her life.

“As a new immigrant without friends or family, I faced a particularly challenging time,” she said.

Wei – a former headhunter – said she found herself at an impasse, one she found her way out of through plants.

“It wasn’t until October 2020 that I found solace in succulents, which helped me overcome depression and rediscover happiness,” she said.

Wei said she first came across succulents during a visit to a landscape company, bought a few of these “adorable plants” and unbeknownst to her, when she drove away from the purchase, put a dream in motion.

Her passion for succulents prompted her to start a business, and in 2021, she and her husband, Prem Mansukhani, established their first business – The Way to Succulents.

Initially, Wei said she sold the plants she grew in her yard and in every room of her house at the Appleton and Green Bay farmers’ markets, which allowed her to connect with many fellow plant enthusiasts and share the joy.

Wei Ying said plants are a form of green therapy for her – “truly a source of joy.” Submitted Photo

Enamored with all things plants, she said she began further educating herself about plants – doing a lot of online research and attending horticulture classes at Fox Valley Technical College.

“I’ve come to see plants as a form of green therapy, truly a source of joy,” she said.

As the demand for plants grew, Wei said she realized she needed a greenhouse and began searching for one.

She said she learned that Black Creek Garden and Gifts was for sale last summer, but it was located 30 minutes from her home in Menasha.

However, despite a moment of hesitation, Wei said her desire to spread happiness drove her and her husband to purchase the business at W5285 County Road B – and as they say, the rest was history.

With that, her business evolved to become Wei Gardens, a place for people with a slogan Wei said she lives by every day: The Way to Happiness.

Obtaining the keys from the former owner Dec. 27, 2023, Wei said she opened the doors Jan. 2.

Not only does Wei Gardens offer an array of plants, she said it also hosts consignors’ handmade items in the Wei Gardens gift shop.

The gift shop features a wide variety of gifts – from more than 30 consignors – including soaps and lotions, glasswork, home decor, jewelry, tea and spices, puzzles, greeting cards and more.

“I like to support local businesses,” Wei said.

To drive traffic to her new business, Wei said she plans to host monthly art and craft shows in the greenhouse – the first of which was held in March in connection with the greenhouse’s open house.

Having artists’ booths situated within the greenhouse and among plants, Wei said, taught her how the two can co-exist for future shows and events.

She said she also has some lofty goals for the plant-decorated greenhouse, as well as the pergola and lawn – which she believes can be multi-purposed to accommodate events, including weddings.

“The more people I can welcome, the more happiness I can share,” she said.

Wei said she has secured a liquor license for large-scale events and is preparing for a catering kitchen.

The greenhouse space at Wei Gardens is available to rent for large events, including weddings. Wei Ying said middle plan tables are removed to make space for tables and chairs. Submitted Photo

She said she envisions events with upward of 200 people within the greenhouse venue, with plants adorning the sides of the greenhouse as they celebrate some of life’s most important milestones.

To maximize space for these events, Wei said the middle tables of plants will be removed to make room for people and seating.

Kindred spirits
Wei said she was struck by a significant parallel she has with the business’s former owner, Mary Potvin, who had run Black Creek Garden and Gifts for 27 years.

“Interestingly, Mary was also 43 when she started her business, just as I am now,” she said. “I am eager to build on this legacy for another 27 years.”

She said she has business knowledge and perhaps a bit of entrepreneurial spirit in her blood – thanks in part to her parents who both ran small businesses when she was a child.

Wei said she jokes they passed the gene on to her.

“I set up my own headhunter company after a couple of years working for others,” she said.

Big plans
Wei said she has a long list of ideas of what to do with the property.

In addition to the gift shop, Wei Gardens features three greenhouses, including the 144-foot-by-40-foot commercial greenhouse behind the shop.

There are also two hoop houses called growing houses, in which Wei said she planted all sorts of plants, vegetables, herbs, annuals (such as marigolds, begonias and calla lilies), some perennials and, of course, succulents.

The property, Wei said, also features a pergola filled with perennials and shrubs.

Come the end of June, she said she will begin growing mums in anticipation of fall.

“Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting, our nursery offers green companions to enhance your home or office space,” she said.

Wei said owning Wei Gardens is a dream come true for her and she has taken several steps to build on her vision for the business.

Wei Gardens features three greenhouses, in which Wei Ying said she has all sorts of plants, vegetables, herbs, annuals, perennials and succulents. Submitted Photo

Within the nursery, Wei said she plans to continue growing an abundance of plants and transform the gift shop by offering additional consignment opportunities for local craftsmen and artisans.

In the meantime, she said she’s pleased with the “incredibly enthusiastic” response and support of customers, thanks to her social media presence on YouTube, TikTok and Facebook, as well as word of mouth.

Wei said she’s become fond of the people of Wisconsin.

“They are sincere and exceptionally friendly – the true essence of this community,” she said. “I am happy to be growing an abundance of plants to enrich people’s lives and honor my beginning.”

Wei Gardens is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

For more, visit weigardens.com.