ARLINGTON — Whether you’re raising children or growing gardens, downtown Arlington has something to offer.

Andrew’s Playroom

Yvonne Gallardo started Andrew’s Playroom with Brian Van Ornam because she saw a need for more places catering to children between the ages of 18 months and 4 years old.

Andrew’s Playroom offers open play hours, play dates and reservations for play groups, private parties and even field trips. Their facility comes stocked with toys, slides, tunnels, clubhouses, an area for infants, a small snack bar and even WiFi.

Gallardo and Van Ornam see their work with Andrew’s Playroom as an extension of both their roles as parents and the work they did on behalf of communities, including food drives and other volunteering, when they served in the Navy together.

“I’d also like to build a relationship with the local Hispanic community,” said Gallardo, who includes Spanish music in the daily programs for Andrew’s Playroom.

Andrew’s Playroom is located at 328 N. Olympic Ave. You may call them at 360-435-2626.

Instant Colour

Scott Derr started Instant Colour as an extension of his longtime appreciation for gardens and greenery.

Derr has eight years of experience in the horticulture industry, and while most of that has been in sales and marketing, one of the lessons he tries to pass on to his customers is that you don’t need a green thumb to care for plants.

“I knew nothing about plants when I started,” said Derr, who enjoys the more “laid-back” nature of plant sales. “I’m selling products with useful applications for people’s daily lives. Besides, gardening is very relaxing.”

According to Derr, plants allow people to put their own mark on wherever they live, even if it’s a condo or apartment, and he loves offering advice to those who are unsure how to spruce up their lives with plants.

“It’s something that anyone can get into,” Derr said.

Instant Colour is located at 104 S. Olympic Ave. You may call them at 360-618-3558.