The Potting Shed – a unique local nursery that sells custom-designed mixed planters – has changed locations, moving to the heart of historic Covington on Floyd Street.

Prior to taking up residence in the refurbished Thrift Oil Company building, the nursery was located at The Farm and Garden Depot on U.S. Highway 278.

The Potting Shed provides all of the items necessary for potted gardens including a variety of containers, flowers, plants and soil which are put together on-site to create a unique portable garden. Customers can purchase containers at the nursery or bring their own.

"We started [The Potting Shed] to combat the drought because [container plants] are easier to care for," said Nicole Rushin, owner of The Potting Shed, adding, "Container planting is a huge industry."

In times of drought especially, a switch to container planting is a great way to save water while at the same time reaping the benefits of a colorful and fragrant garden. Because all of the soil is contained in the one planter, plant moisture is efficiently maintained.

Rushin said there is no labor charge for the potting of containers purchased at The Potting Shed. Previously purchased containers from the nursery can be refilled seasonally with no labor charge. The Potting Shed also offers a delivery service to Newton County and the surrounding counties. The nursery offers free delivery to funeral homes within Newton County.

Containers come in a variety of colorful frost-proof glazes and shapes. Bird baths, benches and stone garden animals are also available for purchase.

"We only sell annuals, perennials and seasonal color," Rushin said of the flowers sold at The Potting Shed.

Herbs, hanging flower baskets and vegetable plants are sold as well. The nursery does not sell landscape trees or shrubs. Rushin said she will order-in specialty trees and shrubs that are small enough to be potted.

"If it can go in a pot, we’ll get it," Rushin said.