Rodger’s Shrubbery, EPAC reopen in Equality

By Crystal Glenn

 

“Is there anywhere in this town where we can find a shrubbery?”

This famous line from the movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” has a local answer — just like in the movie, the shrubbery can be found by going to see Rodger at Rodger’s Shrubbery on Alabama Highway 9 in Equality. 

The “about” section on the shrubbery’s Facebook page reads, “I am Rodger the Shrubber. Shrubberies are my trade. I arrange, design and sell shrubberies. …Ones that look nice, and are not too expensive.”

Rodger and Jennifer Williamson opened this business in Equality last year, and they have goals to expand the garden center into a cafe in the future.

Currently they sell a variety of plants and shrubs, flowers, vegetables and herbs. Also available is a selection of organic gardening products and supplies.

Mrs. Williamson has created the mercantile portion of the store which offers a wide variety of bulk herbs, spices and teas that can be purchased by the ounce. She is knowledgeable on their uses and medicinal benefits, even occasionally offering workshops where people can learn more about homeopathy and sustainable living. 

The COVID-19 pandemic hit their business hard last year, and they decided to close for a while. Last Saturday, March 6, they announced a “soft reopening” for the 2021 season and just in time for spring. 

Because of their experience last year, they will be carrying a small inventory of their best sellers this year, but specific plants and shrubs can be ordered with a deposit. 

Adjacent to the garden center, Mr. Williamson has followed his love of music and opened the Equality Performing Arts Center, or EPAC. 

EPAC offers live music and comedy free of charge to the community numerous times each month. Although there is no charge for admission, donations are appreciated and are EPAC’s main source of income. 

Tomorrow, March 12, EPAC will be hosting one of its monthly events, Second Friday Open Mic Jam Session. The house band, which includes Williamson himself,  “Loosely Bound,” will play a short set. 

On the second Friday of each month EPAC hosts an open mic night. People come and share family friendly entertainment such as comedy, poetry, music, storytelling, and karaoke.  

On the fourth Friday each month there is live music; bands from all around come to play. No doubt there is a great deal happening at this spot in Equality. 

EPAC’s events and special guests will be announced in “The Coosa County News’” community calendar. 

Mrs. Williamson is also working closely with the community to arrange a weekly Farmer’s Market and is encouraging local farmers to come out and sell their produce and products. Contact her for more information and to find out about eggs and other farm-fresh products for sale in the community. 

Rodger’s Shrubbery is open Tuesday 12 to 6 p.m., Wednesday through Friday 2 to 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Sunday and Monday each week. 

The Williamsons can be contacted about any of their services at coosacafe@gmail.com or by calling 334-669-7573.

Find them on Facebook at Rodger’s Shrubbery and EPAC, with each having its own page.

Mrs. Williamson has also created a page for the Equality Famer’s Market. A quick search of each of these will allow you to follow along with all the things that the Williamsons have going on in the Equality community.