The story and the genesis of the Society begins with the 2024 election: specifically, the day after, when I hosted a pop-up “popsicles + bonfire” gathering in The Lot for anyone who needed a dose of community that day.

It was the first-ever gathering in this new space. The only thing inside the gates were the stump seats and some stones for the fire pit. That was it.

To this day, it remains one of my favorite memories.

Today is the first in a series of deep-dive, behind-the-scenes, long-overdue updates that I’ve been wanting to share with you.

My hope for these letters is simple: to provide a glimpse into the experience of owning and operating a local and independent business.

And it’s been awesome.

Lawn conversion season is just around the corner, and as I’ve been dreaming about the season to come and the edits I’d like to make in our former-front-lawn-turned-meadow, I’ve been reflecting on how it started and how it’s evolved. 2026 will be the sixth year for these plantings (I can hardly believe it!) and each year I’ve learned so many new things and experienced so many delightful moments and surprises.

What do we do in the winter?

Lately, I’ve been dreaming of flowers. This year’s crop and sowing plan for The Field, our urban flower farm just across the street, is well underway. Explore the season to come. There’s a lot to look forward to.

Sunday, December 21, was the Winter Solstice: a date that marks the longest night of the year. It was also our first celebration of Luminous, a special event in The Lot Next Door.

I thought about framing this note in the context of “then and now, before and after, the Botany of one year ago vs. today.” But I don’t actually believe that’s the healthiest way to look at it anymore.

I think the main story this year isn’t about comparisons. It’s about lessons.

Well… sort of. Almost. Not quite yet. 

I’ve been “joking” for a few weeks now that if it frosted that night I wouldn’t be upset. The first hard freeze each year marks a sort of “point of no return” when it comes to our journey through the seasons.

Help Botany & Co. support the work of the South Bend Greenway Conservancy. Learn more about this new and important not for profit organization empowering beautiful things to grow in our community.