POPULAR PLANTERS: “There is really no other store like ours in the area. We have special items for special occasions, and all ages will enjoy them. The Lechuza planters from Germany are a specialty for us, and we also have fresh roses and lilys available now at very reasonable prices.” Amy Chereath, owner of Amy’s Home & Garden, and manager Wen Chu are shown by a display of Lechuza planters.

Whether they are traditional Hummel figures, Gund bears, Snowbabies, Disney and Sesame Street characters, Dept 56 villages, or garden features and unique plant irrigation systems, the selection at Amy’s Home & Garden is intriguing.

Opened at 195 Nassau Street last November, the shop offers a fascinating combination of items guaranteed to appeal to adults and children.

“Everything has been popular with the customers,” notes Amy Chereath, owner with her husband, Roy Chereath, of the new store. “We had been in the retail business in North Brunswick, and we also had an on-line business. We always liked to come to Princeton, and we thought it would be a good place for our products. We felt we would have a variety of customers here.”

The small shop is certainly a treasure trove of items. Many customers will enjoy seeing the display of Hummel figures from Germany. “We have the traditional figures as well as another line that is a division of Hummel, offering a lower price range,” notes Amy. “For example, we have little Hummel angels at $2. The Hummel Company also makes a line of Beatle figures.”

Charming Collection

The Snowbabies collection, always a Christmas favorite, is available, featuring little snow globes as well as the charming snow babies and cherubs.

“These have a Christmas focus,” says Amy, “but they are offered all year now. There are Snowbabies angels and tiny baby angels in pink or blue, which are a very nice little baby gift.”

Another Christmas favorite is the Dept 56 collection of houses and villages, which are also available year-round now. “They have Halloween decorated villages too, which are more and more popular,” adds Amy. “We also carry a selection of their pretty colored glass Christmas ornaments.

“Dept 56 is a big item for us, including the Jim Shore line of collectible Disney characters, such as Snow White, Mickey Mouse, Tinkerbell, Beauty and the Beast, and others.”

Children also love the Gund plush toys. All the stuffed bears, cats, and dogs and other cuddly animals are on display — even a baby lamb that “speaks”! In addition, Gund now has a line of Sesame Street characters.

Fun “Bead It” ping pong or marshmallow-sized beads can keep children happily occupied putting together the components to create colorful snowmen Christmas ornaments.

A specialty at Amy’s Home & Garden is the line of Lechuza planters, featuring a unique irrigation system. From Germany, Lechuza offers a variety of planters in assorted colors, styles, and sizes, each with its own irrigation system.

“These self-watering planters are very popular for us,” says Amy. “They can be used indoors or outdoors, and are very pretty on terraces. They are weather-proof, and can withstand wind and rain. The color of the planters will not fade when they are outside.”

Optimal Amount

In today’s high tech, increasingly rushed society, plants can be neglected, under-watered — or in contrast, over-watered. The Lechuza sub-irrigation system offers a labor- and time-saving means of plant maintenance. It provides plants with the optimal amount of water and all necessary nutrients. Pre-assembled planters are available with Lechuza-Pon, an alternative to traditional potting soil.

Whether plants require a lot of water or a modest amount, the home owner needs only to fill the water reservoir, and there is no need to water the plant again for up to 12 weeks. The integrated water level indicator registers “minimum” when it is time for a refill.

Lechuza planter kits are available at the shop, as are planters of varied sizes already containing flowers, including orchids.

“Local residents and tourists have all been coming in,” reports Amy. “We see lots of different people, and they all like what we have. We enjoy being here and meeting all the customers. Now we look forward to seeing even more people and introducing them to our great products.”

Amy’s Home & Garden is open Monday through Saturday 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (609) 333-1218.