Magpie & Thorn’s Story

Specializing in the procurement of rare, strange and unusual plants and unique gifts.

Greetings and Salutations,

Welcome to Magpie & Thorn, plant and gifts. we specialize in the procurement of rare, strange, and unusual plants and gifts.  In out shop we look for partners, artists, and vendors that align with our genuine intentions, values, around inclusivity and community.

Allow me to introduce myself, and my family. I am so fortunate to live in the beautiful City of Alameda with my husband Colin, and two children, Dalilah (four) and Dashell (eight).  I have always had a passion for retail and love the act of hunting down amazing treasures. I am not new to the small business world, but new to specializing in garden retail.  I come from a background of dealing antiques, and providing video production services to clients in the Bay Area. I have a Master of Fine Arts degree from California College of the Arts and my foundations are in video production and education.  For the past decade, I have worked with public schools teaching media production to high school students.

Plants and gardening have been my outlet for relaxation for many years and I have always daydreamed about having my own plant and gift business. During this pandemic, while spending more time enjoying my home space, I have become even more engaged with my plant passion.  Recently I made the leap and officially started this new retail and service adventure, Magpie & Thorn Rarities. Magpie & Thorn, opened in Alameda, Mother’s Day of 2021.  The space is at the historic 2305 Santa Clara Avenue in Alameda, the very iconic, historic Towata Flowers building. 

Magpie & Thorn brick and mortar, is a beyond exciting adventure. Refurbishing the properties greenhouse has been a labor of true love. I do not have investors or a partner, but hard work and challenges don’t slow me down.  The Magpie & Thorn flagship store is a magical wonderland of exotic plants, unique gifts and small batch products for all ages. We strive to offer a retail giftshop and garden retreat for the community. The main building is for our curiosities and gift.

During this pandemic many of my clients are re-evaluating their personal spaces and wanting to create a greener sanctuary. Plants not only make a space more beautiful, but also purify the air while creating a sense of peace and calm. Whether it’s creating your own indoor jungle, adding a living wall full of tropical wonders, or adding a single low-maintenance plant to liven up any room, I can’t wait to help people find their own plant paradise. 

It is a goal to eventually host workshops and evening events such as Wine Tasting in the Jungle. We currently host a series of community events, Magpie & Thorn’s Evil Garden Bazaar, that feature local artists, and vendors, and include a fundraiser component for charities and disaster relief.

I am thrilled to embark on this journey with Magpie & Thorn, combining my enthusiastic zeal for curiosities, plants, gardening, and shopping, with a retail business. I look forward to handpicking the highest quality plants, and gifts for the community, and getting to know my current, new, and future customers better.

Maggie Simpson Adams (Owner, Magpie & Thorn)