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The Art Terrarium in downtown Des Moines has a fresh take on finding the perfect plant for you. The store specializes in terrariums, which are small, enclosed indoor gardens either in a glass globe or a handpicked pot. 

Andrea Metzler, owner of the store, has a passion for community and plants. The Art Terrarium started off as a small temporary pop-up shop in June of 2016 during art week. 

Her passion for the business began to bloom, and she began looking at some different options. Lindsey Mollenhauer, owner of Eleven Cherry Salon, had room in her building and began sharing the space with Metzler in May of 2017. 

“I wanted to bring together the community and create a positive impact,” Metzler said. “I wanted to use this space to create community. We do a lot of workshops that aren’t all plant based. We have a lot of talented artists that teach classes as well. We love having a lot of different kinds of people come through with all new ideas.”

Summer Wade, frequent customer at the shop, said she loves visiting this terrarium. 

“I really feel a sense of peace when I walk into the doors of this store,” Wade said. “Andrea and the other workers here are fabulous to work with and make me feel confident when picking out the right plants for me. I like to come here and pick out larger plants for the house as well as little cactuses and succulents for cute little gifts. The terrarium never disappoints.” 

The Art Terrarium attracts people from all over. Becky Etter drives from Newton to Des Moines to pick out plants.

“I just love how I feel here,” Etter said. “There are so many options, and the environment is so friendly.” 

According to some of the clients, they come to this location because of the environment and the passion the owner has behind the work she does. The minute after walking through the door, there is a strong sense of positivity and happiness. 

In every corner of the store, there are hundreds of plants, big and small, brightly colored pots and smiling faces. There are so many possibilities and options to create a custom terrarium. 

If you’re interested in potting plants of your own, prices range anywhere from $20 to $45. Succulents start at $6 and can be purchased in-store. You can bring in your own pot, or you can purchase hand-made pots made locally and from all around the country. 

If you think you might need help, there are private terrarium workshops where people can rent out a room and learn how to make their own. Business groups often rent out the space for meetings with a fun twist, and others use the space for birthday parties or just a day out with some friends.