Mutschler's Florist and Rare Plants (Spiritual Eye Candy)

Another stop on our Birdsboro/Douglasville photo shoot was Mutschler's Florist and Rare Plants. Literally, it's located across the road from the Sheetz on SR422.

The business setting is a 200 year old home and attached barn. Outside offers a pond and garden center. Inside they have cut flowers, plants, a tropical greenhouse, gifts from around the world, and even antiques.

I've been visiting here for years and every time I walk away saying how cool this place is. When I was describing this place to John (Flickr), I said it's indescribable, but you'll love it.

Bob Mutschler, a renowned orchid expert and educator, gave us a private tour detailing so many interesting facts about the history of the building and items in it. The barn has a hidden room, only accessible from a tunnel, where the Underground Railroad once operated. Under a few loose floor boards in the house's former kitchen is still the only way into the tunnel and secret room.

The greenhouse has dozens of common and unique orchids, some intoxicatingly fragrant. It's also the home of a pair of 30+ year old coi. Bonsai and cactus plants are everywhere too. It's apparent that he loves his collection of unique inventory, both living and inanimate.

Bob offers classes about orchids, bonsai, and even ponds. I know people who attended the orchid class and really enjoyed it.

It's hard to pick a favorite, but I would say the tropical greenhouse. It's always warm, bright, humid and smells like a rain forest. The soothing new age music that's piped in creates a relaxing experience. There are literally plants/trees over 20 years old that have become fixtures.