From Passionate Roots to a Community Oasis in East Texas
In the spring of 2017, Cathy Page embarked on a new chapter of her life by opening RCB Gardens. With a lifelong love of gardening and a desire for change after retiring from her oilfield office job, Cathy found the perfect opportunity to turn her passion into a thriving business. This opportunity presented itself when John Hutto, the original owner of East 80 Garden Center, decided to retire.
John Hutto had established East 80 Garden Center in the late 1990s, running it alongside a restaurant at the same location. When John was ready to step back in 2017, he approached Cathy with the proposition to take over the garden center. Cathy knew that if she didnÐÔÊӽ紫ý™t seize this chance, she would regret it. Accepting JohnÐÔÊӽ紫ý™s offer, Cathy began an intensive year-long apprenticeship under his guidance, learning the ins and outs of running a garden center. This invaluable year of mentorship laid the foundation for what would become a beloved local business.
In September 2022, Cathy took a significant step by purchasing the property. She transformed the former restaurant next door into a houseplant and crystal shop, which opened in March 2023. This new addition expanded the offerings at RCB Gardens, blending the outdoor gardening experience with a unique indoor space dedicated to houseplants and crystals.
From the beginning, CathyÐÔÊӽ紫ý™s mission for RCB Gardens was clear: to be the coolest garden center in East Texas and create the ideal gardening destination she had always envisioned. The garden center, depending on the season, employs between five and nine staff members, with spring being the busiest time. The dedicated and passionate team contributes to the positive atmosphere that customers have come to love.
RCB Gardens offers a diverse range of products at the outdoor garden center, including trees, shrubs, bedding plants, and succulents. They also provide pallet grass (sod), soils, and mulch, available both bagged and in bulk. Starting around Memorial Day, RCB Gardens begins selling fresh local produce and shelled peas and beans, connecting the community to its agricultural roots. The houseplant and crystal shop features an extensive selection of indoor plants and plant care products, along with art and gifts from local artists and stunning crystal specimens from around the world.
What truly sets RCB Gardens apart is the unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The team ensures that all plants are healthy and ready to thrive in their new homes, making shopping at RCB Gardens an uplifting experience. The staffÐÔÊӽ紫ý™s camaraderie and dedication create a welcoming environment that customers notice and appreciate. Additionally, the unique selection of plants, including both traditional and rare varieties, attracts plant lovers who are looking for something special. Customers who enjoy planting their own containers find RCB Gardens especially appealing for this reason. Moreover, the knowledgeable staff is always ready to help with advice and support, ensuring a positive shopping experience. To add to the appeal, the Chicken Mafia food truck is available Monday through Friday, offering delicious meals to customers and staff alike.
Shopping locally is immensely important to Cathy and her team. It not only supports the community but also helps people connect with local resources and each other. RCB Gardens loves welcoming newcomers to East Texas, sharing the regionÐÔÊӽ紫ý™s charm and helping them feel at home. The steady growth of the business each year is a testament to good prices, excellent customer service, and consistent quality. RCB Gardens constantly updates and improves its products and displays, ensuring that every visit is new and enriching.
Currently, the trends in the gardening industry reflect a growing interest in sustainability and self-sufficiency. Edible plants and pollinator plants are extremely popular as people want to grow their own food and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to their gardens. Perennial flowers, which return each year, are particularly favored for supporting these essential pollinators. These trends align perfectly with RCB GardensÐÔÊӽ紫ý™ mission to provide the best for customers and the environment.
Looking to the future, Cathy envisions RCB Gardens as more than just a garden center; she sees it as an oasis and a home away from home for customers. The goal is to be a pillar of the community, expanding through education and events. Whether itÐÔÊӽ紫ý™s updating a garden bed, learning to grow food, exploring houseplants, or finding unique gifts, RCB Gardens aims to be the ultimate destination in East Texas for all things plant-related.
Choosing Longview for her business was a natural decision for Cathy. Longview is her hometown, where she, her husband Robert, and their daughter Brenna were all born. CathyÐÔÊӽ紫ý™s deep connection to this community, having graduated from Hallsville High School, fuels her desire to share her love of gardening with her fellow residents.
Winning the Best of East Texas award has been an incredible honor for Cathy. Reflecting on childhood memories of filling out newspaper ballots to win such an award, the recognition feels somewhat surreal. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team at RCB Gardens and the unwavering support of the community.
RCB Gardens is immensely grateful for the communityÐÔÊӽ紫ý™s support. Serving customers is a privilege, and Cathy and her team hope customers know how much they are appreciated. RCB Gardens is a beautiful, relaxing, and positive place where the staff loves sharing their knowledge and passion for plants. Thank you for being part of this journey and helping RCB Gardens grow into the cherished garden center it is today. The team looks forward to continuing to serve and grow together as a community.