Meet Your New Neighbor: Aster Gardens Opens in Lemont Downtown
Do you happen to love green spaces but don’t know where to start? Have always wanted to learn from an expert? Do you catch yourself green with envy ogling beautiful outdoor landscapes or stunning interior decor where plants live happily in hallways and corners fill the space full of life? Us to.
That’s why we were so excited when Amanda Thomsen, 20-Year Horticulture Industry Veteran, Bestselling Author, and now the owner of Aster Gardens decided to open up shop in Lemont Downtown.
You know how we do it in Lemont: We sat down to ask Amanda some questions and meet our newest neighbor.
KG: How did you get the idea for your business?
AT: I've been in the horticulture industry for over 20 years so it just seemed like opening a shop was the next logical step. Plus, I am opening a shop that I want to see in the world, if that makes sense, it's a little more punk rock, offering rock-solid education in all things green and growing.
KG: Absolutely! Start the business you would shop at. How did you choose Lemont for your first location?
AT: I've been in love with Lemont since forever! So when my friend Sommer at Mabel's Market on Canal Street suggested I set up here, she didn't have to twist my arm very hard at all.
KG: We love Sommer! What are some of your favorite local businesses?
AT: Obviously Mabel's Market! And Pollyanna is just soooooo great.
KG: What is the favorite product or service you offer?
AT: It's all my favorite! There's nothing in there I'm iffy about. We have plants, obviously, and lots of plant care accessories. But we also have a ton of rad housewares, lots of them are vintage.
Additionally, We offer repotting service, container planting, and garden design. We will offer lots of classes and events for all ages. Need unique wedding favors? We make them! Once we get rolling we will have space rentals for parties. etc.
KG: I will be coming to you with all of my replanting needs! I have no idea what I’m doing. I only use TikTok and it will be so nice to have an expert on board.
AT: Aster Gardens is built on the foundation of my 20+ years in the horticulture industry as a horticulturist, garden designer, and maintenance project manager. Aster Gardens has a firm foundation in correct practices and information and secondly, is very cute and very cool.
KG: How do you hope to grow or expand your business in the next few months?
AT: To start with, we will have an 1800-square foot outdoor sales yard that will happen soon after opening the indoor shop, that will have perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs, pots, statuary, and a great bonus space for classes or parties under the Lemont stars!
After that, I want to start a local garden walk of funky, sustainable gardens. I want to help Lemont become plant-savvy and botanically gorgeous in every way.
KG: Aster Gardens will be a must-stop by location for sure. When can we find you there?
AT: As of right now, we will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays, open 10-6 Wednesday through Friday. Saturdays 10-4 and Sundays 11-3. I hope we are busy enough to expand our hours ASAP!
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Amanda Thomsen is the author of two bestselling books: Backyard Adventure: Get Messy, Get Wet, Build Cool Things, and Have Tons of Wild Fun! 51 Free-Play Activities and Kiss My Aster: A Graphic Guide to Creating a Fantastic Yard Tailored to You. Both books encourage you to get outside, get into your imagination, and make the most of your space.
Aster Gardens is located at 202 Stephen St., Lemont, Illinois. Find Aster Gardens on Instagram at @shop.aster.gardens or on the web at www.kissmyaster.com. Follow Amanda’s journey at @kissmyaster.
