Lila and Dylan Waier knew they had big shoes to fill when they decided to open The Garden Shop. The new plant nursery, located in the Lindenwood Park neighborhood, occupies the space once held by Bayer’s Garden Shop. Last June, the beloved 81-year-old family business was forced to end operations due to market pressure. The closure resulted in an outpouring of concern from loyal customers, who recalled visiting as children with their parents, frequenting the store for decades, and some having had their engagement photos taken in the seasonal pumpkin patch. Seeing the community’s reaction to the news played a major role in the couple’s decision to keep the nursery’s tradition alive.
“Gardening is a really personal thing for people,” says Lila. “It provides an outlet almost like therapy in a lot of ways. The devastation was real when [the Bayers] announced that they were closing. That was something I saw, and it was part of the reason I knew we needed to take it over.”
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After multiple conversations with the former owners and months of preparation, the Waiers held a soft opening on April 17—just in time for the busy planting season. The grand opening took place on May 7 with drinks and entertainment for shoppers. The nursery’s “bread and butter” includes its selection of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, trees, shrubs, seeds, mulch, sod, and more. The couple also strives to offer a wide selection of native plants, support local small businesses, and carry on the Bayers’ yearly pumpkin patch and Christmas tree lot.
The couple also aims to hire the right people, which they know will be key to their success during this first season and beyond. “A big goal of mine is to retain a core team, which is a challenge in this industry. There tends to be a lot of turnover, but I have a background in human resources, and I see a lot of value in keeping your people,” says Lila.
In the meantime, the Waiers are working through a learning curve. “We appreciate the patience as we work to live up to what Bayer’s was,” says Lila. “We’re a small, family- owned and operated business. We’re waking up every day and working hard.”
Where: 3321 Hampton
Spring/summer hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Winter hours will be adjusted to reflect the slow down in the season.
A second garden business: The Waiers also own Grow Gear Garden Supply, which sells indoor and outdoor garden equipment. The store is located at 3217 Ivanhoe.
