SODA SPRINGS — Most children are born into this world wide-eyed, full of hope and awe.
Their natural curiosity offers them expedited learning as they climb into cupboards, peer behind bushes, and dig in the dirt.
It's an era of discovery and of joy, a time of excitement and of revelations untold. For many, childhood is simply magical.
Unfortunately, the magic rarely lasts long. Somewhere between teenage angst and the worldly woes that accompany adulthood, amazement is lost as obligations mount up and demands of the world pile higher and higher on the desks of our lives. A great many grown-ups get too caught up in their responsibilities to take time to appreciate the magic in the mundane, the spectacular within the secular.
And then there’s Christopher Evans.
From a young age, Evans was captivated by tales of King Arthur, the knights of the round table, and of Merlin the Magician. He was a voracious reader, and the seeds planted by those early tales have now grown into a tremendous forest of knowledge and passion that he has used to create one of the more unique shops around Caribou County, and likely, in the state of Idaho.
Named the Applegarth Greenhouse and Apothecary: Alchemical Gift Shoppe, the storefront’s handsomely crafted sign piques curiosity while also creating a host of questions for those uninitiated in the realm of ancient mysticism.
In modern-day terms, an apothecary is a place where one may purchase herbs, loose tea and herbal remedies. Evans chose to name his apothecary "Applegarth" after the home of the fabled wizard Merlin, whose enchantments and powers have earned an eternal place in the annals of literature. Boasting a wide variety of loose and prepared herbs to treat a number of ailments, Applegarth Apothecary certainly lives up to its name.
According to Evans, his mission is “to craft a harmonious bridge between nature’s bounty and holistic well-being. Guided by centuries-old traditions and a commitment to purity, we cultivate, curate, and craft a diverse selection of herbs, botanicals and remedies. Applegarth stands as a sanctuary where ancient wisdom meets modern needs, dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to optimal health and vitality.”
Shelves around the store are filled with hundreds of herbs, oils and literature about the ancient art of natural healing. In addition to the store’s natural health products, there is a wide variety of one-of-a-kind gifts and oddities, leather-bound journals, crystals and gems, fossils, water fountains, incense, plus homemade soaps and bath bombs.
In the back of the shop you can find an array of aquariums and vivariums teeming with flowering plants and colorful freshwater fish in dozens of shapes, colors and sizes. Perhaps even more valuable than what's for sale is the expert help that accompanies everything. Said Evans, “Our store stands as more than a retail space. It is a hub for aquatic education and community. Through workshops, informational resources and community events, we aim to foster a deep understanding of responsible pet care and environmental stewardship.”
Local business owners applaud Evans’ resourcefulness and business-savvy, stating that Evans’ knowledge and experience are a great boost to the local economy. Soda Springs Floral Shop owner Marie Crane commented that several local business owners, including herself, will often reach out to him for advice or ideas on a variety of business-related topics.
With plans to expand already underway, locals can soon expect the addition of a 100 x 30 foot greenhouse later this spring, which is likely to further increase traffic into the area, traffic which, according to Evans, is increasing all the time, with tourists often "swinging by" the shop while on their way to Yellowstone or Jackson Hole.
First-time and returning visitors are encouraged to come by 121 N. Hooper Ave. and browse and sign your name in the guest book or check out the shop’s websites, applegarthapothecary.com and applegarthgreenhouse.com.
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