The Shadow
Planted on 521 East Ridgeway Street in Clifton Forge, just before Ridgeway turns into Main, is the “Hamilton Roots” plant shop, owned and operated by Adam and Michele Kenny.
The Virginian Review met with Michele Kenny recently to talk about the origins of “Hamilton Roots” and what all the store has to offer. “We started ‘Hamilton Roots’ in April of 2022. ‘Hamilton Roots was really just a COVID hobby that went crazy I guess, and my husband’s brain is just always going, always thinking, and it’s like, ‘well what can I do next?’”
Adam Kenny happened to be driving down Ridgeway Street when he noticed the previous business owner moving out. With the shop empty, the gears in his mind began to turn and Kenny saw the perfect opportunity to begin a small plant shop. After doing his homework and finding out who owned the building, Adam and Michele Kenny were suddenly in business and “Hamilton Roots” was born.
Michele Kenny said things “moved quickly” after Adam initially saw someone moving out of the building they currently operate “Hamilton Roots” out of and that they have been “going ever since.”
Michele Kenny looks at their little plant shop as a “part-time hobby business,” stating, “We’re only here about 10 hours a week, so it’s a lot of times hard for people to make it by when we have open hours.” However, Kenny stated that anyone can reach out to them via Facebook messenger whenever they want to come by the shop and the Kenny’s are happy to meet you at the shop during non-business hours, as they live very close to the shop. “There’s almost always something I can do here,” Kenny said. “The plants always need care.” As such, she’s completely unbothered by meeting customers whenever they want to come in, even if it’s just to browse; even if they don’t make a purchase.
“I don’t care if you buy anything or not,” Michele Kenny stated of her willingness to meet anyone during non-business hours. “If you just want to come in here and look, I’m happy to meet you.” Kenny also stated that she could talk about plants for hours and was always willing to answer any questions, meet customers where they were in their gardening experience, and help them find a houseplant that’s right for them.
Michele Kenny stated that the best way to reach her during non-business hours is through Facebook messenger and she is listed as “Michele Alfred Kenny.” Additionally, customers can call their business number at 540-254-0349, which is also a textable phone number, or contact them through their website at https://hamiltonroots.com.
Additionally, “Hamilton Roots” specializes in a wide variety of aroid houseplants, but also carries other gardening items, such as watering cans, seeds, accessories, repotting mats, soil scoops, insecticidal soap, water bottles, and microgreen starter kits.
“Hamilton Roots” is currently open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
