The Plant Gallery started as a small shop in the French Quarter in 1991 and has expanded greatly since its inception. Today, it’s a diverse business that occupies almost 3 acres on Airline Drive and employs nearly 60 professionals, including General Manager Jim Massicot. The business offers a variety of services including landscaping, interior-scape design, installation and maintenance. It’s also a full-service flower shop, providing plants and floral displays for special events –– from movies and conventions to weddings and Mardi Gras balls. “The Plant Gallery is unique in that we do so many things,” says owner Kenneth Rabalais. “We are kind of a one-stop shop for outdoor and indoor living spaces.” Recently, the Rabalaises opened Home and Garden, A Plant Gallery Store, which is located on the Northshore. The couple also opened a holiday store in Lakeside Mall.
Where do you get your products?
We try to get most of our live products from Louisiana growers. Our floral stems are flown in daily from California and Holland. Our gift shop and decorator items arrive from all over the world.
What are your goals as retailers?
We want The Plant Gallery to be the only place customers think of for the kinds of services we provide.
The way to accomplish this is by offering only the highest-quality products and services through exemplary customer service, provided by a staff of dedicated,
well-trained professionals.
What kind of clientele do you appeal to?
We appeal to any lover of plants and beautiful things. Our clients include the homeowner and home gardener, the professional landscaper, individuals and companies who want to beautify their environments.
What specials are you offer this month?
December is always special at The Plant Gallery. Our Christmas trees arrive and the smell of Fraser firs will permeate the neighborhood. Many of our seasonal decorator items will be on special. We will have some unique and beautiful items. F