John & Erica Tilghman and family open Tidal Roots—
an energetic, welcoming space for the community
Written by Kristen Hampshire
Photography by Jill Jasuta and Marci Ryan
Intentional is a word that is central to John and Erica Tilghman’s mission to create a vibrant gathering space where people come together to nurture their love for plants, home and well-being.
That place is Tidal Roots, located on Route 50 in Hebron, MD, where the couple reinvented, rebranded and significantly expanded growing capacity at the former Bennett Farms.
Tidal Roots is a destination garden center and so much more.
“We cultivate more than gardens—we cultivate an experience,” Erica says. The mission is to offer a welcoming space where gardeners of all levels, home enthusiasts, and wellness seekers can explore exceptional plants, thoughtfully curated housewares, gourmet groceries and wellness-focused products.
It’s a happy place, or “third space,” she explains.
“You have home, work and a third space where you can go to find joy and spend your time,” she relates.
“Wellness and comfort are personal for us,” Erica shares, relating a back story involving her husband’s health challenges that shifted his lifestyle trajectory. “He has always been a big plant enthusiast and hobbyist—he had his own gardens and liked to harvest his own food and make preserves and hot sauce.”
Fresh harvest is a central “ingredient” of life. So is a nurturing nature. “We find joy in doing what we love, especially for our guests. We are thoughtful about choosing plants and elevated kitchen, home and outdoor goods that feel at home on the Eastern Shore we know and love,” Erica says.
John is following in his family’s entrepreneurial footsteps, as a son of Elizabeth and Dr. Michael Tilghman whose award-winning orthodontics practice operates in Salisbury and Berlin. His two siblings are pursuing dental degrees, but John is following his own path. “We saw this as an opportunity to establish another family business in our region,” says Erica, who left her teaching career to help build the garden center from the ground up.
The couple envisions Tidal Roots as a legacy business rooted, literally and figuratively, in the Eastern Shore. Meanwhile, they’re supporting other local entrepreneurs, craftspeople and purveyors by offering products that convey their values and a space that will attract people looking for a “happy place.” On the eve of Tidal Roots’ soft opening, Erica said, “I’m excited for people to feel the energy that has been poured into this—the energy of joy, comfort and hospitality that we have tried to implement in all areas, with the décor, colors, textures, customer service and layout.”
“I’m excited for people to feel the energy that has been poured into this—the energy of joy, comfort and hospitality that we have tried to implement in all areas, with the décor, colors, textures, customer service and layout.” Erica says.
Café Connection at the Core
A fast-casual café is the heart of Tidal Roots. “When John and I would go to other garden centers, we could spend the whole day,” Erica says. “We’d get to lunchtime and feel weary but we didn’t want to leave. This is what inspired a café—offering coffee, beverages and small plates—to keep people here enjoying their shopping and enhance the experience. This idea turned into light fare and bites to foster a sense of community.”
Renowned and celebrated Chef Jordan Lloyd steers the four-star rated Bartlett Pear Inn and with his wife, Alice, operates Hambleton House Events and Catering. “We’ve been partnering to connect with local vendors, and he helped us program the café menu,” Erica says.
Wholesome Wares
The gourmet grocery section of Tidal Roots is chock-full of local, organic products and niche items. “It’s tried and true to us, too,” Erica says. “We are supporting vendors we believe in and whose products we use.”
Tidal Roots is accessible and welcoming with not an ounce of highbrow feeling. It’s completely the opposite. Erica, an educator, is excited about having Tidal Roots be a place to gather and learn.
“We are serious about growing, learning and creating an immersive and reliably wonderful experience,” Erica says.
If you know nothing about plants but love to be surrounded by them, this is your place. If you’re a botanical curator, this is your place. If you simply need a break—this is really your place.
The couple quips, “We give nature all the credit.” CS
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