From passionate roots to an oasis in the East Texas community
In the spring of 2017, Kathy Page embarked on a new chapter in her life by opening RCB Gardens. With a lifelong love of gardening and a desire for a change after retiring from her job in an oil field office, Kathy saw the perfect opportunity to turn her passion into a thriving business. This opportunity came when John Hutt, former owner of East 80 Garden Center, decided to retire.
John Hutt founded East 80 Garden Centre in the late 1990s, running it alongside a restaurant in the same location. When John was ready to retire in 2017, he approached Kathy about taking over the garden centre. Kathy knew she would regret it if she passed up the opportunity. She accepted John's offer and began an intensive one-year apprenticeship under his mentorship, learning the ins and outs of running a garden centre. This invaluable year of mentorship laid the foundation for a much-loved local business.
In September 2022, Cathy took a big step by purchasing the property, and she converted the former restaurant next door into a houseplant and crystal shop, opening in March 2023. This new facility expanded RCB Garden's offerings, blending an outdoor gardening experience with a unique indoor space dedicated to houseplants and crystals.
From the beginning, Kathy'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 employs 5-9 staff members depending on the season, with spring being the busiest time of year. The dedicated and passionate team contributes to the positive atmosphere that customers love.
RCB Gardens' outdoor garden center offers a variety of products, including trees, shrubs, bedding plants and succulents. They also offer pallet grass, soil and mulch, available in both bagged and bulk quantities. Around Memorial Day, RCB Gardens began selling fresh, locally grown produce and shelled peas and beans, connecting the community to its agricultural roots. The houseplant and crystal shop features a wide selection of indoor plants and plant care products, as well as art and gifts from local artists and stunning crystal specimens from around the world.
What really sets RCB Gardens apart is their unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Shopping at RCB Gardens is an uplifting experience, as the team ensures that all plants are healthy and thrive in their new location. The friendliness and dedication of the staff creates a warm atmosphere that customers notice and appreciate. In addition, the unique assortment of plants, including both traditional and rare varieties, attracts plant lovers looking for something special. Customers who enjoy planting their own potted plants will find RCB Gardens particularly appealing in this regard. In addition, knowledgeable staff are always available to offer advice and assistance, ensuring a pleasant shopping experience. To add to the appeal, the Chicken Mafia food truck is open Monday to Friday, providing delicious meals for both customers and staff.
Shopping local is very important to Cathy and her team. Not only does it support the community, it also helps people connect with local resources and each other. RCB Gardens loves to welcome newcomers to East Texas, educate them about the area and make them feel at home. Their steadily growing business each year is a testament to affordable prices, great customer service and consistent quality. RCB Gardens is constantly updating and improving their products and displays to ensure every visit is a fresh and enriching experience.
Current trends in the horticulture industry reflect an increased interest in sustainability and self-sufficiency. Edible and pollinator plants are extremely popular as people want to grow their own food and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to their gardens. Perennials that bloom year after year are especially popular because they support these important pollinators. These trends align perfectly with RCB Gardens' mission to provide the best for our customers and the environment.
Looking to the future, Cathy wants RCB Gardens to be more than just a garden center. She sees it as an oasis and a second home for her customers. The goal is to expand through education and events and become a pillar of the community. Whether you're updating your garden beds, learning how to grow food, exploring houseplants or finding a unique gift, RCB Gardens aims to be East Texas' ultimate destination for all things plant-related.
For Kathy, choosing Longview to base her business was a natural decision. It is her hometown; she, her husband, Robert, and their daughter, Brenna, were born here. A graduate of Hallsville High School, Kathy has a deep connection to the area that fuels her desire to share her love of gardening with other residents.
Receiving the Best of East Texas award was a tremendous honor for Kathy. Reflecting on childhood memories of filling out newspaper ballots to win such an award, this recognition feels 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 truly grateful for the support of our community. Serving our customers is a privilege and Kathy and her team want customers to know how appreciated they are. RCB Gardens is a beautiful, relaxing, and positive place where staff enjoy sharing their knowledge and passion for plants. Thank you for being part of this journey and helping RCB Gardens grow into the valued garden center it is today. The team looks forward to continuing to serve and grow together as a community.
