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Ever wonder what makes a community so special? Spencer from DIGG Gardens reveals the magic of Vero Beach in this conversation that goes far beyond plants and gardening.

Spencer paints a vivid picture of Vero's unique character. In this place, you might find a Ferrari at one stoplight and a lifted beat-up pickup truck at another, creating a charming juxtaposition that somehow works perfectly. Having moved here in 1998, he's discovered that "the longer you live here, the smaller town it gets," despite the area's growth.

The episode captures those magical small-town connections that seem to happen constantly in Vero Beach. Spencer shares a touching story about a customer who, by pure chance, turned out to be his mother's long-lost high school friend, the kind of serendipitous encounter that happens regularly here. These connections create the fabric of community that makes newcomers feel instantly welcomed.

Beyond the garden center, DIGG Gardens has evolved into a community hub hosting quarterly events including Spencer's birthday bash with live music and barbecue, and their popular "Third Thursday" happy hours during season. These gatherings were intentionally created as judgment-free zones where newcomers can meet others with similar interests around bonfires, potluck dinners, and local music.

As Spencer says, "Plants are supposed to be fun," a philosophy that extends to how DIGG Gardens approaches community building. His simple invitation to those who haven't visited yet, "Come on in. You're welcome." captures the welcoming spirit that makes Vero Beach feel like home.

Ready to discover your place in our community? Visit DIGG Gardens and experience firsthand how connections grow naturally in Vero Beach. Share this episode with friends, they'll thank you for the insider's perspective!

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Ever wonder what actually happens behind those Instagram-perfect garden center photos? Spencer from DIGG Gardens pulls back the curtain on the reality of running a thriving plant business where no two days are ever the same.

The carefully planned workday that suddenly derails when equipment breaks down. The logistical nightmare of maintaining nearly 100 tires across trucks, trailers and equipment (averaging two flats weekly!). The complex web of relationships with multi-generational plant growers that Spencer has cultivated over 25+ years. These are the invisible foundations supporting the beautiful plants and peaceful atmosphere customers experience at DIGG Gardens.

Spencer reveals industry insights few outsiders ever hear– like the grading system for plants (from "Florida fancy" to "industrial grade") and the strict specifications trees must meet for commercial installation. He shares his wisdom about balancing reliable "80% spinach" inventory with exciting new varieties, rather than chasing fleeting plant trends that could leave a business vulnerable when the next hot plant inevitably cools.

Most powerfully, we discover how DIGG Gardens transcends being merely a retail space to become something deeply meaningful for the community. With Summer's thoughtfully curated gift shop featuring handmade, artisanal items, they've created an environment where people sometimes "break down and cry" from emotional connection– even visiting the shop for comfort after losing loved ones.

Ready to see your local garden center through entirely new eyes? Listen now and never look at a plant shop the same way again. Follow @digggardens on Instagram and Facebook, and remember– it's three G's in a row!

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The verdant world of Vero Beach's plant community comes alive as Spencer Porteous, owner of DIGG Gardens, welcomes us into his memorabilia-filled  headquarters. Against a backdrop of family heirlooms, including his grandfather's 1940s two-man saw and a Scottish rocking chair from the 1700s, Spencer reveals the roots of his botanical journey.

From childhood memories of tart rhubarb in his great-grandmother's Adirondack garden to pushing shopping carts at Home Depot before becoming their garden manager, Spencer's path to plant expertise was paved with mentorship and hands-on learning. "Ninety-five percent of my plant knowledge is from somebody telling me," he shares, "because every plant has a story."

The conversation blooms with local history as Spencer details DIGG Gardens' partnership with the City of Vero Beach to maintain Victory Boulevard's living memorial. After World War II, the Garden Club planted laurel oaks along the street to honor fallen soldiers. Now, as these shorter-lived trees age out, Spencer's team systematically replaces them with magnificent live oaks that will stand for centuries—continuing a tradition of remembrance that makes Vero Beach special.

We discover how the COVID pandemic unexpectedly nurtured DIGG Gardens' retail operation when Spencer's wife, a former teacher, began selling houseplants on Etsy just as homebound Americans developed a newfound obsession with indoor greenery. This success, combined with a palm tree honor system, provided the seedling capital that grew into their current store. The name itself—an acronym for Design, Install, Garden, and Gifts—reflects Spencer's comprehensive vision for bringing plants into people's lives.

As our conversation draws to a close, Spencer shares hard-earned wisdom about entrepreneurship, acknowledging the lack of external validation that comes with business ownership. His philosophy of hiring for kindness first and teaching plant knowledge second has allowed him to build a thriving team. "We're kind of like licorice," he muses about his business approach. "Not everybody likes licorice, but the people that really do...really like it." Click that review button to share your thoughts on this flourishing conversation!

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What makes a community the perfect place to launch a business? In this episode, Ashley from Apricot Lane Boutique shares her why, and it's something we continue to hear echoed throughout the town.

Having moved from Connecticut to Florida years ago, Ashley found herself drawn to Vero Beach for its unique ability to maintain a small-town atmosphere despite continuous growth. "No matter how big Vero Beach gets, it still has that hometown feel," she explains, referencing the perfect environment she's found for raising her family and building her boutique business.

The conversation weaves through Ashley's favorite local establishments– from the delicious Cuban Paella at The Wave to the irresistible buffalo cauliflower at American Icon Brewery. But the heart of the discussion centers on community support and what it means to shop local. As Ashley puts it, "We all have to support each other to keep our businesses open."

When asked about launching a retail store in the challenging post-COVID landscape, Ashley offers wisdom that transcends business: "Tell the people who are going to be on your side and support you, then wait until you've done it and tell everybody else." This strategic approach speaks volumes about her entrepreneurial mindset. Looking forward, she's excited about potential collaborations with other local businesses like Night Owl Coffee, strengthening the web of community connections that make Vero Beach special.

Are you ready to experience Vero Beach shopping? Stop by Apricot Lane and mention you heard Ashley on the podcast!

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Step behind the racks and discover the fascinating world of boutique ownership through the eyes of Ashley, the passionate owner of Apricot Lane Boutique in Vero Beach. During this conversation, Ashley pulls back the curtain on juggling motherhood, caring for both a four-month-old baby and a 17-year-old daughter, while running a fashion boutique.

What makes this boutique special? Ashley's approach to creating a multi-generational shopping experience is to offer something for everyone: "a 17-year-old can walk in and find something, her mom in her 30s or 40s can find something, and then grandma can find something too." This vision stems from her own shopping experiences with her daughter, where they'd often have to compromise on which stores to visit. Ashley's determined to solve this common frustration by curating a diverse collection that spans generations.

During this episode, Ashley shares some information about her styling services that help customers break out of their fashion comfort zones, explaining how the right guidance can transform someone's wardrobe and confidence. Whether you're interested in retail management, fashion, or love learning about local businesses, this conversation offers a refreshing look at the passion and purpose behind one of Vero Beach's shopping destinations. Listen now to gain a new appreciation for the thought and care that goes into every piece of clothing you try on at your local boutique.

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Ever wondered what it takes to leave the corporate world behind and open your own boutique? Ashley Borenz of Apricot Lane Boutique in Vero Beach shares her journey from big box retail manager to independent business owner.

After 15 years in Vero Beach and years working alongside her husband at Lowe's, Ashley took the entrepreneurial leap. Her motivation wasn't just about being her own boss, it stemmed from a desire to create a genuinely personable shopping experience where customer connections matter and employees love coming to work. With her best friend Jamie by her side, they set out to build something special in the community they love.

Ashley offers insights into the franchise model, explaining how Apricot Lane differs from traditional corporate retailers. Unlike cookie-cutter chain stores, her boutique maintains complete autonomy over inventory selection, allowing her to curate styles specifically for Vero Beach clientele while still benefiting from valuable franchise guidance on the business fundamentals.

Perhaps most compelling is Ashley's raw honesty about facing unexpected challenges. Opening the boutique while pregnant forced this self-described "control freak" to learn delegation faster than anticipated. Her initial vision of strapping her newborn on her back while working 10-hour days quickly gave way to a more realistic approach– trusting her team and asking for help. "Opening a business and having a baby taught me to ask for help," she reflects, crediting her infant son with teaching her to relinquish control.

Ready to discover more about Ashley's retail journey and how she's building community connections through fashion? Subscribe to the Vero Beach Podcast and join us next time as we explore the day-to-day operations behind running a successful boutique!

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The success story of sea turtle conservation in Vero Beach isn't just about scientists; it's about an entire community making conscious choices. Kendra Bergman, founder and executive director of Coastal Connections, shares how the organization has become woven into the fabric of Vero Beach over the past decade.

When Hurricane Milton struck, Coastal Connections immediately mobilized volunteers, removing thousands of pounds of debris from beaches while other groups focused on neighborhoods. This exemplifies what makes Vero special, according to Kendra: "It's a small town without the small town amenities. You get a little bit more luxury, but you feel welcomed into this community."

The heart of their work revolves around sea turtles—charismatic ambassadors that help protect less attention-grabbing but equally vital species. Their sustainability initiatives showcase impressive community adoption: a plastic film recycling program that began with just six Ocean Drive businesses now encompasses 52 establishments collecting 10,000 pounds annually; a revitalized fishing line recycling effort has already collected 212 miles in nine months. Both directly address major threats to sea turtles—plastic ingestion and entanglement.

Perhaps most moving is their impact on future generations through STEM programs for K-5 students. These hands-on activities translate real conservation work into age-appropriate learning experiences, with children going home excited to teach their families and proudly reporting back, "I picked up a piece of trash just for you."

What can you do? Kendra emphasizes that meaningful change comes from commitment to even one sustainable choice: switch to canned water instead of plastic bottles, remember your reusable grocery bags, volunteer for cleanups, or support their work financially. "Whatever behavior you choose that works for you—know in your heart it is making a difference and commit to it."

Subscribe to hear more stories about the people and organizations making Vero Beach special, and visit Coastal Connections online to discover how you can be part of this environmental success story.

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Ever wondered what makes those colorful ribbons and stakes appear on Florida beaches during turtle season? Kendra from Coastal Connections pulls back the curtain on sea turtle conservation in this enlightening second installment of our three-part series.

Running a marine conservation nonprofit requires remarkable versatility. During nesting season (March-October), the team conducts nighttime turtle walks and their popular "turtle digs" - scientific evaluations of hatched nests that often draw crowds of 100+ in-person observers and thousands of virtual viewers. These careful excavations serve dual purposes: collecting crucial data on nest success rates while providing unforgettable wildlife experiences for community members and visitors alike. The VIP nest adoption program takes this connection even further, allowing people to follow "their" nest through its entire incubation journey.

Beyond the beach, Coastal Connections orchestrates creative fundraising initiatives like the "Tipsy Turtle Two Mile Fun Run" and their end-of-year "Shellabration." Their innovative approaches to waste reduction include beach toy recycling stations and self-guided cleanup "beach baskets." Most impressively, they've diverted over 25,000 pounds of plastic film from landfills through their recycling program.

What truly sets Coastal Connections apart is its communication philosophy. Rather than simply telling people what not to do, they focus on the "why" behind conservation guidelines. As Kendra explains, most visitors gladly adjust their behavior once they understand how their actions affect nesting turtles. This education-first approach transforms casual beachgoers into conservation allies.

Ready to experience a turtle dig or volunteer with this remarkable organization? Visit coastal-connections.org or follow them on social media as Coastal Connections Inc to discover how you can participate in protecting Florida's magnificent marine life.

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Meet Kendra Bergman, marine biologist and founder of Coastal Connections, who's passionate about protecting the endangered sea turtles of Vero Beach.

From a chance childhood encounter with a green turtle in Hawaii to establishing a thriving conservation organization, Kendra's journey reveals how dedication and community involvement can create remarkable change. She shares the incredible success story of green turtles on the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, where annual nests have exploded from just 50 to an astonishing 20,000 in recent decades.

Discover why sea turtles are essential keystone species. Their unique biology creates connections between ocean ecosystems and land habitats that countless other species depend on. These ancient mariners, which take 20-25 years to reach reproductive maturity, transport nutrients across oceans, fertilize dune systems with nitrogen, and provide critical food sources for commercially important fish.

What began as a grassroots effort has transformed into an organization with dedicated volunteers responding to sea turtle emergencies throughout Indian River County. Kendra emphasizes that conservation success happens when individual actions multiply across an entire community. When everyone makes small changes, the collective impact becomes tremendous.

Be sure to join us for part two as we dive deeper into sea turtle conservation, exploring the meaning behind those colored ribbons marking nests on our beaches and learning more about how you can participate in protecting these magnificent creatures for generations to come. Have you spotted a sea turtle during your beach visit? Share your experience in the comments!

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Finding your tribe in a new city can be one of life's greatest challenges, especially for adults. When Danielle moved to Vero Beach, leaving behind her tight-knit friend group in Westfield, she discovered firsthand how challenging it can be to build new social connections, particularly for women. While men had golf clubs and fishing spots to forge friendships, women's traditional gathering spaces, such as nail salons, rarely facilitated meaningful conversations.

This social gap became the inspiration behind REsistance, Vero Beach's innovative fitness studio, which is transforming how newcomers and locals alike build community. More than just a place to work out, REsistance serves as a vibrant social hub where relationships flourish naturally through shared experiences. Danielle's vision extends beyond the studio walls through creative partnerships with local businesses, monthly coffee socials with Pepper and Salt Market, wine tastings, and collaborations with local artisans, such as The Soap House, creating multiple touchpoints for authentic connection throughout Vero Beach.

For those nervous about taking their first class, Danielle offers reassuring wisdom: "Be nervous, it's okay. But the nervousness is telling me you're excited." This philosophy of embracing vulnerability while creating a judgment-free space has quickly made REsistance a beloved fixture in Vero Beach's rapidly evolving landscape. Looking ahead, Danielle aspires to expand to additional locations while empowering a new generation of fitness instructors by sharing her expertise openly. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or simply seeking meaningful connections in a new hometown, REsistance offers that rare combination of physical wellness and social belonging, transforming strangers into friends. Ready to experience it yourself? Book your free first class at resistancevb.com or through their app.

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