This week on the say YES to yourself! podcast Wendy hosts Britney Merriam co-owner, alongside her husband, Benjamin Merriam, of The Garden of Thomas. The idea of their dream was born when they lost their first son, Thomas, who passed away nine years ago. Seeking comfort, therapy, and a happy place, they decided to create their own. 

Britney would go to her local florist and select cut flowers so she could piece them together as an arrangement to place beside Thomas’ urn. Having this bouquet by her bedside gave her a feeling of support, warmth, and comfort. She started doing this every week and bringing more and more flowers home. Her husband quietly observed and then proposed the idea of how they could grow their own flowers. The Garden of Thomas’ purpose was to be a sanctuary, where they could grow and collect their own flowers. Today, it is all of those things, and also a flower shop and private event venue. The love she has for flowers is also the same for the South of France. In the front of their home you’ll find a courtyard and gardens, which is typical of the farmhouses in Provence, and within that courtyard is a large fountain, hand hewn from the French limestone quarries, that she had imported from France! Their hosted guests have the pleasure of sitting within the courtyard, with breathtaking views of the mountains, accompanied by the trickling sounds of the limestone fountain, and the scent of the many many garden roses.

Listen in to hear her story and journey as she navigates through a new life and new Britney.

Learn more about Britney, The Garden of Thomas, and the in-person opportunities to experience their beautifully curated space at the links below. 

If you would like to be a guest at The Garden of Thomas they’re hosting a  wonderful Mother's Day event.  Crepe Elizabeth @crapeelizabeth, will be serving amazing crepes, you can sit in the courtyard with your loved ones, listen to the fountain and bask in the grand views of Pleasant Mountain! All event details and how to purchase tickets can be found below.

• Mother's Day in the Courtyard
• Floral Demonstration & Book Signing with French Blooms author Sandra Sigman
• Instagram: @britneymerriam
• Instagram: @thegardenofthomas
• Instagram: @crepeelizabeth

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