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Photography by Samantha Stevenson
Kathleen Witek has opened a gift shop called Garden District STL along South Grand.
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Photography by Samantha Stevenson
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Photography by Samantha Stevenson
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Photography by Samantha Stevenson
The store's children's corner.
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Photography by Samantha Stevenson
The store's section for pet accessories.
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Photography by Samantha Stevenson
If you’re green thumb–gifted, a new shop in the South Grand’s business district is definitely your scene. After opening at 3203 South Grand on August 15, Kathleen Witek's new store has welcomed foot traffic, with many recognizing her from when she helped move in Urban Matter, another local shop, into their new space just down the street.
"People come in," she says, "and they look at me and go: 'This isn't Urban Matter?'"
Rather, it's Garden District STL, the shop Witek was painting a light blue (over a black ceiling and lime green walls) when she helped move in her business neighbors. It's the shop Witek, who specializes in boutique retail and previously owned a local goods store in St. Joseph, Missouri, has wanted to open for some time. Now, she's filling it with all of the gifts she loves.
While it is not a nursery, the shop's inventory goes on for a bit: gardening books and kits, a children's section, lotion, candles, terrarium supplies, and even pet gifts. Displayed on a chalkboard wall near the cash register, Witek has listed some of the local retailers she features, including beeswax products from Messner Bee Farm, items from Twig and Tarnish, pots from Ceramo, and tea from Teatopia, among others.
"I'm trying to source things locally as much as possible," she says.
Photography by Samantha Stevenson
Witek calls the back of the store, where the hardwood switches to slate, the courtyard. There, just after the wrought iron fence, marble-topped cafe-style tables, with plant pots atop, fill the space. It's where she hopes to one day host gardening classes.
She wants the courtyard to feel like lounging on a back porch while sipping cocktails with friends, she says, sitting at one of the tables potting a plant. When a curious customer wanders in, she immediately stands up to greet them: "Hi, welcome in!" If you're lucky, her 13-year-old Basset Hound Burnie is working a shift during your visit.
