Botanica: Inspired Home & Garden

Like many retailers in Provincetown, Bob Martin and Mark Petteruti's relationship with the community has been long-standing. The couple first started visiting in 1991, making the annual trek from Philadelphia to the Cape to spend a leisurely week at a bed and breakfast. In 2002 they made the leap to purchase a condominium, and in 2006 they sold and purchased a larger one to further establish a presence. They were married in Provincetown a year later, and it seemed like only a matter of time before they'd set up shop permanently -- which is exactly what happened.

Botanica, which celebrated its second anniversary earlier this year, is a natural extension of the couple's passion for home, gifts and garden supplies. Petteruti had a similar retail and florist operation outside of Philadelphia for many years, while Martin's career as an attorney provided an additional perspective that helped to solidify the couple's business model.

Strolling among the shops on Commercial Street's historic East End, it's hard not to be drawn to the cornucopia of gifts for the home, including vintage items, vases, hand-blown glass, original art, terrariums, bath and body products and more. "We already had a group of vendors of unique home-and-garden-type products from our Philly days, and then we added a lot of other components," says Martin. "Then we started slowly with the website as an online catalog. Now it's about 900 items."

Botanica's Top Picks

A top seller is the line of products from Beekman 1802, the brainchild of Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge. The couple bought a farm in Sharon Springs, New York, and when the 2008 recession hit and both lost their jobs, they reinvented their lives to become farmers and eventually establish a mercantile of curated goods from local artisans and craftspeople.

Another favorite is Motawi Tiles, which the couple discovered while vacationing in New Hope, Pennsylvania. It was a popular brand at Petteruti's former shop, and the couple knew they'd want to carry the line on opening in Provincetown, where they are the only retailer to carry the unique items on the Outer Cape. Founded by Nawal Motawi in 1992, the Michigan-based company produces an exquisite range of hand-dipped and painted polychrome, relief and field tiles.

For those lacking a green thumb, Botanica sells a wide variety of tillandsia, tropical plants that grow on trees and other surfaces often found throughout Central America. Available individually or in containers, they're easy to care for and add to freshen up any d�cor. Cast stone garden ornaments, handmade birdhouses and other unique products are also available and can be delivered for free to anywhere in Provincetown.

Botanica
374 Commercial Street
508-413-9580
www.botanica-pt.com