Located in the heart of North San Juan, Sweetland Garden Mercantile isn’t just a gardening store—it’s a cornerstone of the community. This locally loved store is the embodiment of one woman’s passion for sustainability, community, and the beauty of gardening. Owned and operated by dedicated local, Darlene, who made her dream of living on the San Juan Ridge a reality 41 years ago, became the store owner in February of 2006. Since then, her business has grown from a small garden shop into a bustling mercantile that serves the various needs of the Ridge community.

Raised in New York, Darlene is a fiercely independent and curious spirit. She made her way to the San Juan Ridge, where she raised two children and now enjoys living next door to her two grandchildren. Before becoming a successful business owner, she had an assortment of jobs. She spent many years working at a youth center, as a teacher’s aid and job counselor before eventually becoming a teacher. For 16 years, Darlene taught and spent her last two years teaching in Guatemala before finding Sweetland Garden.

It was during her last year of teaching that she became obsessed with sustainability. Frustrated by the restrictive federal and state policies of the “No child left behind” program that stifled teaching her passion, she began searching for a way to participate in the world in a new wholesome, healthy way. She wanted to learn how we could decrease climate change and wondered, “How can we contribute to the spokes of the greater wheel that will make the future world?”

The answer came in the form of a garden store, “The Ridge wanted a garden store,” she recalls. So she approached the owner of Sweetland Garden asking for a summer job but, the owner instead offered her the position of business partner. She accepted and spent the summer of 2005 working as a business partner. By February 2006, she bought out her partner and became the sole owner. With only 400 square feet in her storefront at the time, her floor plan was small but her dreams were big. Eventually she replaced that with a new, larger building which finally gave her the ability to stock more items.

Sweetland Garden has always adapted to the changing needs of the rural community. When the cannabis industry started to decline, she pivoted from being a primarily garden-focused shop to a full mercantile. During the pandemic, she discovered her customers’ love for roses which lead her to expand her selection. She also began to stock ornamental, citrus, and floral varieties of plants.

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During the shift from being a garden store to a mercantile she started stocking the specific things people requested, “Basically, If I was asked 3 times, I stocked it.” Now, many residents of the Ridge don’t realize that they no longer need to drive to town for basic plumbing, yard maintenance and gardening supplies. With over 4000 products, the quaint store aims to provide everything a person might need without the long trip to town making, “Don’t drive to town!” the unofficial slogan.

The stores focus isn’t just on selling products; it’s about increasing community knowledge and sustainability. After purchasing the store, Darlene quickly studied organic gardening techniques, composting, and soil enrichment then began offering educational community classes to teach others how to maintain healthy, sustainable gardens.

For Darlene, the best part of owning the store is helping people create beautiful gardens and landscapes. She enjoys supporting local events and non-profits and seeing the joy her store brings to the community.

Whether you’re a passionate gardener, a home DIY expert, or love one-of-a-kind local art, you’ll find what you need at Sweetland Garden Mercantile!

Sweetland Garden Mercantile

29435 State Highway 49, North San Juan
(530) 292-9000
www.sweetlandgm.com

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Products at Sweetland Garden Mercantile Include:

Hand Tools

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Landscape Tools

Axes, Hatchets & Handles

Chainsaw Accessories & Maintenance Items

Weed-whacker Supplies

Garden Decor

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Home Goods

Various
Crystals

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Smudge
Sticks

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Handmade
Gifts

PVC and Plumbing Supplies
Nuts, Bolts, and Fasteners
Paint Supplies
Propane Supplies for BBQs and Households

AND MORE!