By APRIL STONE / GUEST COLUMNIST

One of the main objectives of being a vital part of a Chamber of Commerce is to meet people that you can do business with.

This is one way we can help introduce the members of the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce and help make the connections that you need to develop your business.

When you drive out Highway 25 into Vincent, you will notice a spot right off the highway where you can find an oasis for the plant lovers.

You can walk through the rows of native plants, such as azaleas, ferns and other perennials.

Don and Ruth Driggars founded Vincent Gardens in 2009 and it grew from a love of gardening as well as a way to give back to their community.

They sought a new venture after Don retired after numerous years of military, aviation and corporate work.

While he was busy with those careers, Ruth spent a number of years in administrative medical work and real estate sales.

They longed for an opportunity to put their efforts into a business venture they loved.

When you visit Vincent Gardens they work with you to ensure you go home with the plant that will best suit you and your life.

Their mission is to offer customers quality products at reasonable prices.

You will find everything from fertilizer to locally grown honey, with the aid of their 93-year-old mentor.

They’ve taken that mission into the city of Vincent by working with Project Hope, a program that pays Vincent Middle School students to grow herbs to be used in Taziki’s Cafes all over the Birmingham area.

They also provide plants as a fundraising mechanism for area schools within the southern region of Shelby County.

In addition to working with area students, they work with municipalities, churches and businesses to develop or enhance their landscaping needs.

Their future goals include expanding their already wide variety of bedding plants, small shrubs and large trees as well as a possible second location.

To contact Don and Ruth and find out how they can help you create the yard of your fantasies, call them at (205) 901-6304 or better yet, stop by at 42374 Highway 25

Vincent, Alabama.