Dinosaurs and shells with sweet little succulents inside. Planted driftwood, pillows and beautiful artwork. At Botanica Home and Garden in Ocean Beach they specialize in handmade home decor featuring live plants and natural materials. “The nice thing about the plants that I am using is that they are really easy. You can use any container and almost anything you see,” said owner Caitlin Brooks. Brooks has always been interested in nature, and therefore all the things you can buy at the shop are made from natural materials. Three years ago, Brooks opened her business called Coyote Creative, doing arrangements as a side job and at local farmers markets. Actually, she tried out her first business opportunity at the Ocean Beach Farmers Market. As the shop got more successful, she expanded her product line and began going to festivals, street fairs and events in addition to markets. Two years ago, Brooks turned Coyote Creative into a little studio located a few blocks away from the new shop and then she wanted a bigger space. She wanted to expand with home decor and to move the location closer to where people would see it while walking by. She then changed the name of the shop to Botanica Home and Gardening. “I want it to be a place where Ocean Beach people can come and get everything they need for their house,” said Brooks, who lives in and loves the Ocean Beach community. “Everybody knows each other and people are really friendly,” she said. Botanica Home and Garden What: A shop specializing in handmade home decor featuring live plants and natural materials. Where: 1909 Cable St. Info: 619-500-6979, [email protected]