Throughout its history, the farm has seen many incarnations. Our family spent years raising cattle, bison, soybeans, wheat and the many animals that our Great Aunt Meb acquired along the way. In the 1980’s our father started a wholesale perennial business and spent nearly two decades growing beautiful plants and building a strong reputation in the industry. In 2005 we made the decision to shift to retail and grow solely for ourselves. Each season we hand select an assortment of perennials, annuals and herbs to be grown by our team at the farm. While we no longer have any livestock, our farm is still a working farm in addition to the nursery. Our focus is now on environmentally friendly management practices such as; large fields of native grasses and pollinator plants, timber stand improvements, in addition to grain production.
Strong family ties to the Central West End led us to the discovery of a crumbling 1920’s automotive warehouse on the northern side of the neighborhood. Although the courtyard roof had caved in, we knew the ample windows, bowed trusses, and clerestory would be the perfect light-filled environment for plants. As our business evolved, we continued with the rehab of additional buildings including the many areas that are enjoyed by our customers to this day- the courtyard, nursery, the Studio, & Holliday. Each extension of the business has allowed us to connect with our customers and community in new and exciting ways. Whether we are coordinating classes in The Studio with local artists, showing off our favorite selection of goods for the home, or helping customers select the perfect plant, we are delighted to bring our love of the garden to you.
Bowood by Niche serves breakfast and lunch utilizing fresh ingredients, complemented by homemade pastries and delicious drinks. While creating Bowood by Niche chef and restaurateur Gerard Craft aspired to create a neighborhood gathering place for the community. The interior of the restaurant is decorated with botanical prints and looks out over the plant filled courtyard. When seated at the bar one feels like they are in a tropical greenhouse. With the addition of the restaurant one can spend the day here enjoying delicious food and a unique shopping experience.
In addition to our love of plants, we also share a passion for architecture and creative reuse. Just like gardening, construction is a transformative process. To be part of the revitalization of the old brick warehouses and buildings of St. Louis captivated our creative spirit and is a huge part of who we are today. We started with the automotive repair warehouse that is now the main shop and restaurant. Next up was our outdoor plant sales areas where you can see remnants of old structures of the past. We turned a falling down home into our Studio workshop space with big windows overlooking the nursery. An old Sinclair gas station now houses an adventure guide shop, Big Muddy Adventures. And across the street we transformed what was most likely an old grocery store into Holliday. These projects have been a continuous part of our formation and we still find ourselves asking, what’s next!
