Putting Down Roots: A Q&A With Plants on Main
Sarah Haberstroh served in the U.S. Navy and later worked in government contracting before deciding it was time to set down roots somewhere she could truly call home. A long-time lover of the outdoors—hiking, camping, and road trips with her dog—the Finger Lakes area checked every box for natural beauty and community spirit. Her love for plants and design eventually steered her towards opening her shop in Downtown Penn Yan Plants on Main, a place that reflects everything she values: nature, creativity, and connection.
We talked with Sarah to learn more about her new business and what visitors can expect when they stop by!
Thanks for joining us, Sarah! Let’s start at the beginning. When did you first get the vision for Plants on Main?
The idea started forming while I was still working in government contracting, but it took moving here to really see it clearly. I wanted to create a store that wasn’t just about selling plants, but about sharing the joy they bring. In my mind, it would be a space where people could slow down, breathe, and surround themselves with things that make them feel connected—to nature and to home.
What makes you different from your average plant store?
Every plant is carefully chosen, and so is everything else we carry. You’ll find unique greenery, but also gifts, books, stationery, outdoor décor, and gardening tools that plant lovers, gardeners, and outdoor enthusiasts will actually use and cherish. I’ve curated it all so that whether you have a green thumb or are just starting out, you’ll find something inspiring here.
How would you describe the store to someone who hasn’t visited it before?
Imagine walking into a place where every corner feels alive—lush plants, natural textures, and little treasures that make you want to linger. It’s part greenhouse, part boutique. You’ll see everything from statement plants to artisan birdhouses, garden tools, and home goods with a natural touch. There is a children’s area to keep the little ones busy while you are shopping with educational and fun items for children to encourage outdoor play. Also, the small fish pond in the shop has been a big hit!
What’s one interesting or unexpected thing someone might find in your store?
We’re known for having unusual plant varieties you won’t see in big box stores—air plants that look like they belong under the sea, trailing plants that feel like living art, and one-of-a-kind planters. You might also stumble across a beautifully illustrated plant book, a handcrafted hummingbird feeder, or a piece of garden décor that’s just begging to be part of your backyard.
What’s your philosophy when it comes to connecting with nature?
For me, being around plants and nature is grounding and healing. It reminds you to slow down, pay attention, and care for something outside yourself. Whether it’s tending a big garden or keeping a single potted plant alive on your windowsill, those moments help you feel rooted and present.
How did Plants on Main come to call Penn Yan home?
When I moved to the Finger Lakes, Penn Yan stood out immediately—it has the charm of a small town, the energy of a creative community, and it’s surrounded by incredible natural beauty. It felt like the perfect soil for both my life and my business to grow in.
What do you find most unique about this area?
The balance here is rare—you can be by the lake one minute, on a trail the next, and then end the day chatting with neighbors downtown. There’s a real sense of community alongside breathtaking scenery.
Will the store be open year-round?
We may take a month or so to reset in January and February, but we will otherwise be open. Each season will bring its own personality—spring blooms, summer greens, colors and textures for fall, and fresh evergreens in winter. There’s always something new to discover, and the gift selection will shift with the seasons too. We are currently carrying some very unique and rare philodendrons, pothos and alocasias at the moment, and are always open to requests. We’ll do our best to find what someone is looking for.
What do you see on the horizon for your business?
I’d love to host workshops, plant care classes, and community events. My vision is for Plants on Main to grow into a place where people come not just to shop, but to connect—with plants, with nature, and with each other. I also have been working on a website that should be up and running by the end of September where customers can purchase gift and locally made items, mushroom kits, air plants, stationary, pots, vases and much more!
Events will be posted on our Instagram and Facebook!
Instagram: @plants_on_main
Facebook: @plantsonmain
Email: plantsonmainpennyan@gmail.com
Stop by Plants on Main, located at 17 Main St in Penn Yan, to see more of Sarah and her incredible new endeavor!