Red Geranium Blossoms at New Location

Nestled away in a blue house behind is The Red Geranium.

At first glance, from the outside, it seems like a gardening center. Brightly colored flower pots of all shapes and sizes, garden statues, lawn ornaments, and bird baths decorate the store's front yard.  Walk in the front door it's clear The Red Geranium goes way beyond gardening.

Winding from room to room, shoppers are bound to find a hidden treasure. The Red Geranium offers everything for under the roof and outside the house: clothing, jewelry, party favors, candles, gourmet foods, purses, house decor, wine glasses, Mexican pottery, gift baskets ... an endless list.

The Red Geranium originally was located at the corner of Washington and Benton streets, until about seven years ago. Shop owner Kelly Tiberi, sold the original location and moved to Batavia.

"I started to grow my perennials on my farm in Batavia thinking I would be happy," Tiberi said. "I  reopened for a year and a half in downtown Batavia but realized that I was only one of a very few retailers in the town and it just wasn't a good fit. I wanted to come back home.

"I missed my loyal clients and their friendship. I realize that our new location is tucked away, and a little bit of a trick to find,  but its gives us the ability to create the same feeling as the old location ... home and a yard."

So whats in the name?

"The Red Geranium has always been my favorite summer flower," she said. "It's hardy, goes though spring, summer and part of fall standing tall and withstanding Mother Nature better than a lot of other annuals."

 While running her Batavia store, Tiberi met Linda Kelly.

"We became great friends and decided to merge our talents together this time around," Tiberi said. "I will still be doing the interior design along with the garden design, while Linda is adding the special touches such as clothing, jewelry, alterations and purses."

A new addition to The Red Geranium is its complete bridal and event planning service. From favors, cakes and invitations, to centerpieces, chair covers and airbrush tanning for the wedding party, they can do it all. Tiberi and Kelly will also plan baby showers, bridal showers, kids' parties, just about any type of party imaginable.

With spring planting season ready to kick in, the Red Gernium will offer a wide collection of plants and annuals beginning next week. The business is also well-stocked with soil enhancements, potting soil and pots.

During May, The Red Geranium will not charge a labor fee to plant up pots or on pots purchased from the store.

"We try to purchase our merchandise with great thought. We like one of a kind hard to find unique items," Tiberi said. "Pricing is important to us but creativity is the key. We want to be different and we want our clients to feel they have found a treasure when they leave."