This morning I started a community outreach program. When I return visits from community players I check their unfinished buildings and whether they've expanded to Ivy. For anyone in this situation I tell them "expand to the tree lady. She will unlock the potion shop so you can make glue." I figure this will help stop a lot of low level players quitting in frustration (especially those that don't go on the forums).
Just letting you all know in case anyone else wants to start doing this as well.