Growing Together: The Story Behind The Succulent Garden 

September 22, 2025

If you’ve ever stepped inside The Succulent Garden in Historic Charles Town, you know it’s more than just a plant shop—it’s a lush, bohemian-inspired haven filled with greenery, charm, and heart. Owners Kim and J.P. Thoma have transformed what started as a greenhouse hobby into one of downtown’s most beloved destinations for succulents, tropical foliage, and all things plant-inspired. 

Kim’s love for plants began in an unexpected place—the Middle East—where she and J.P. spent time gardening outdoors, determined to add a splash of color to their home. When they eventually settled in Charles Town, J.P. surprised Kim with a basement greenhouse and about 100 succulents. To her delight, she kept them all alive, and from there, her passion only grew. With too many plants to keep at home, Kim decided to start selling as a vendor at Needful Things Emporium in March 2021. The community’s response was overwhelming, and soon after, The Succulent Garden blossomed into a full storefront in September 2022. Just a year later, in November 2023, they expanded again to their current location at 120 W. Washington Street, complete with a commercial Grow House. “It’s been an amazing journey turning our home hobby into a thriving small business,” Kim shares. 

Walking into The Succulent Garden feels like stepping into a cozy, plant-filled oasis. Visitors can expect everything from petite desk-friendly succulents to lush statement tropicals, along with unique planters, soils, and gardening supplies. The shop even carries bohemian-inspired gifts and décor, making it a one-stop destination for plant lovers and gift-seekers alike. Some of the most popular plants include classic succulents like Echeveria and Haworthia as well as tropical foliage such as Monstera and Philodendron. Their custom soil mixes and unique planters are also customer favorites. For those who love something extra special, Kim highlights rare finds like variegated Monstera, Alocasia, Aeoniums, and even a Corpse Plant that often surprises visitors. Behind the scenes, Kim and J.P. are growing more and more of their plants themselves at their Grow House. It is hands-on, meticulous work, but as Kim says, “seeing the plants we grew become a customer’s favorite is so rewarding.” 

Being part of downtown Charles Town has been a key part of The Succulent Garden’s success. Kim and J.P. have built strong relationships with locals, visitors, and fellow small businesses. The shop hosts classes, supports local events, and creates opportunities for people to learn, connect, and share their love of plants. They welcome both seasoned plant collectors and absolute beginners, and Kim loves helping new “plant parents” find the confidence to grow. Her go-to advice for anyone who thinks they have a “black thumb” is to start small with forgiving varieties like Jade plants or Snake plants. She reminds beginners that overwatering is the biggest killer, so it is important to water only when the soil is completely dry. Most importantly, she encourages people to remember that even if one plant doesn’t make it, it is a learning opportunity, not a failure. 

Since its earliest days as a vendor booth, The Succulent Garden has continued to grow—literally and figuratively. The shop has expanded its offerings, built an online community through social media, and recently added a Grow House with hopes of one day supplying rare succulents and tropicals wholesale to regional garden centers. Through it all, Kim and J.P. remain focused on their mission: to bring joy, confidence, and beauty into people’s lives through plants. “The most rewarding part has been the connections we’ve built with our customers and community,” Kim says. “It’s not just about plants; it’s about nurturing joy and a sense of accomplishment in people’s lives.”