From Melissa Micou

Gather Home and Garden, currently located in Church Hill and known for its unique and personalized plant services, is moving to 2025 Venable St, the former home of Roaring Pines. Roaring Pines was known among Church and Union Hill neighbors for their nod to a bygone era of hand crafted fountain drinks and well-made utilitarian artifacts.

“We really respected what Drew had created with Roaring Pines, the thoughtfulness he had put into every corner of his business,” says Gather Home and Garden owner Melissa Micou. “Upon learning about the building’s history as an apothecary and reading about the restorative intent of the original soda fountains of the late 1800’s, we started to really see a connection between us.”

Just as the original soda fountains of the 1800’s offered a cool and curative oasis, a place to escape the dirt and chaos of cities frothing with industry, owners Melissa and Frayser Micou, hope to offer the same respite with this new location. In addition to Gather Home and Garden’s current inventory of plants and growing mediums, the Micou’s are excited to take on the legacy of the Roaring Pines soda fountain.

“When we started investigating the techniques Drew was using to create these flavors, and the historical treasure trove of herbal sodas, we got really excited to take that on. Coming from a background of farming and the food industry, the chance to marry all of our interests into one space was so exciting.”

The couple hopes that in time, they can use their knowledge of farm and kitchen to provide some quick and healthy snack options as well. Because the space will be balancing its past reputation as a garden supply with the new task of offering a beverage menu, the couple has decided to rename the business.

“We chose to name this new chapter after the mythic deity Pomona. Pomona was the Roman goddess of orchards and gardens. We wanted a name that could reflect upon the sweetness and the harvest that provides for the fountain side this endeavor, while also directly referencing the love and responsibility we feel as growers”

About Gather Home & Garden / Pomona

Gather Home & Garden was founded in 2016 by Melissa Micou, a Virginia native who has been an active part of the Richmond community since graduating VCU Sculpture in 2002, working for and owning her own local businesses. Her husband, Frayser Micou is a chef who has worked at The Black Sheep, Stroops, and most recently Perly’s Delicatessen.

Pomona, located at 2025 Venable St, will continue Gather Home & Garden’s mission of providing unique plants and horticultural services and will further the beverage program created by Roaring Pines’ owner Andrew Dayberry. Operating hours will later be announced.

For interviews, a preview of the menu, or additional images email Melissa Micou at pomonaplants@gmail.com