GLOBAL FINDS, Island Charm

When you step through the doors at Tanner’s Home + Garden, you’re greeted by gorgeous fresh blooms displayed like you’ve arrived at a French flower market. They’re a vivid contrast to the soft deep grey walls adorned with abstract art and the beautiful wood furniture that holds a wide array of glass, ceramic creations, small bowls, more art, and so much more. An antique metal swan boat from France hangs in the window, a bicycle has become a table, an ornate bird cage sits in a nook near four cowhide butterfly chairs. Island visitors are strolling in to browse and take home small treasures, while locals are discovering unique bigticket items that they buy so others can’t snap them up first! It’s clear from one glance that this Redfern Village shop is a unique find amongst the boutiques of St. Simons Island.

Owner Carol Tanner says,

A self-proclaimed surfer girl from Cali, Carol has lived and traveled around the world. Places she has called home have included Okinawa, Japan; Seattle, Washington; and, most recently, Asheville, North Carolina. Carol has worked in various industries including gemology and technology throughout her life. As a former military wife and avid world traveler, Carol has been sourcing everything from gems to antiques and unique art from all over the globe for decades, beginning in the 80s. Since that information and communication as simple as sitting at a keyboard, she was researching by requesting catalogs by snail mail and traveling to market districts and gaining entrance to showrooms by word of mouth and knowledgeable friends. soothing coffee shop tunes play in the background, adding to the calm aesthetic, her staff are welcoming and eager the origins and background of the the shop. While the beeswax candles no explanation, there’s a frame on that shares the story of  On the Wing, supplier of the dazzling collection of real in frames that Carol acquired from conservationist. They invest in efforts to protect butterflies and their ecosystems and donate a portion of their annual profits the Trophea Butterfly Foundation, non-profit focused on butterfly and insect education that also funds the planting of butterfly gardens across North America. While the ceramic guinea hens by Heidi Caillard hail from France, the art on Tanner’s walls is from familiar local artists like Michelle Wolf Register and Barbara Northrup. The patterned pillows on the couches and chairs are also Barbara’s creations.

It was Hurricane Helene that brought Carol to our community. She and her family had been visiting Jekyll Island for at least 20 years, so when they lost water in Asheville, Carol and her granddaughter decided to come down here and ride out the storm aftermath. After seven (Yes, SEVEN!) weeks in a hotel, Carol decided this is where she would stay. She found a condo, signed a lease on the storefront, and has filled this lovely space with wonderful finds from around the world.

The flowers she offers also go beyond typical floral offerings and include colorful, fresh peonies, anemones, roses, spider chrysanthemums, and vibrant greens. They can be purchased by the stem or bunch and Carol offers a 15% discount for pre-orders. So, if you love having fresh flowers to brighten up your home, you might want to place a standing order. Horticulture is another of Carol’s specialties, and her business in Asheville is growing flowers for seed harvesting. She sells lotus seeds from this venture in the shop as well.

Carol has plans to host art workshops, lessons, and educational sessions for kids, to name just a few of her ideas for future events at the store. Follow Tanner’s Home + Garden on Facebook and Instagram to see what she’s up to and current store inventory. Whether you come to see the global wares, the local art, or the beautiful blooms, be sure to stop in Tanner’s Home + Garden soon. It’s a breath of fresh air!