Every day really is a beautiful day at Kim’s.

Kim Bius isn’t just a business owner, designer, or entrepreneur—although she is all those things and more. She is also the steward of a piece of Texas history, and her business is living its best life on the grounds of the historic Top O’ the Hill Farm located at 2715 Lake Road in Huntsville. Guests of the award-winning Kim’s Home and Garden can stroll the breezy hill complete with acres of beautiful plants; peruse all sorts of gardening supplies in the garden center; and take in the majesty of the mansion that’s chock full of home decor, antiques and gifts. It’s a taste of heaven for gardeners, shoppers, and history-lovers alike.

This year, Kim is celebrating 40 years in business. “Due to customer demand and requests over the years, it has evolved. Kim’s is about lifestyles and living. We are now a true home and garden center,” she said.

Eminent domain came knocking in 2017, as the Texas Department of Transportation began their I-45 expansion in Huntsville directly in front of where Kim’s was previously located. This meant she would have to move her business that had enjoyed a very visible freeway frontage location. It came as a shock, but Kim is certain God was in control and that he knew this move would literally make history. “God just had another plan,” said Kim. “He kept bringing me over to this place while I was looking for my second location. He kept saying, ‘You’re going to go here.’”

“Here” was the old Top O’ the Hill farm property, a nearly six-acre plot with a dilapidated homeplace as its centerpiece. The home showed up on the Walker County tax roll in 1911. It was built over an existing home that goes back to the 1840s. In fact, there are letters from 1864 written by previous owner J.R. Johnson to his wife, telling her how to operate the farm while he was away serving the Confederacy on the battlefield.  Kim had been contemplating an event venue at the location, but later went down a more ‘outdoorsy’ path.

The location didn’t seem ideal for the garden center move; it was off the freeway, and the home was in poor condition. Turns out, it was perfect. After an extensive renovation, which was really a near rebuilding of that beautiful mansion, the business opened its doors at Top O’ the Hill in spring 2020. “My whole team was on board. We all understood the vision. And we haven’t looked back,” said Kim.

Today, the business is thriving, and Kim couldn’t be more delighted to welcome shoppers, travelers, and historians to stop by for a visit. Her design inspiration for the mansion is garden district New Orleans at the turn of the century.

When guests arrive, they enter through welcoming iron gates and are greeted by flowerbeds teeming with beauty. That welcome is just the beginning of “the Kim’s experience.” The mansion is stately with colonial columns, an abundance of windows, and a balcony peeking out from the upstairs quarters. The first look at the interior leaves guests in awe. Every corner of the mansion is beautifully designed with a floating staircase, unique molding, and artfully staged fine home decor and gifts. Guests can find home accents and furnishings, home fragrances, collectibles, holiday decor, linens, bath and body, leather Bibles, and so much more. “Everything we do is classic. It will be just as gorgeous today as it will be 20 years from now. We don’t do trends,” said Kim.

It’s a short walk past the 200-year-old magnolia tree to the stone garden center. The center sits in place of the original dairy barn. Dixie Dairy was the largest dairy in Texas from the turn of the century to the 1940s, according to Kim. From decorative items like windchimes and flags…to useful items like handmade hats out of Austin…to all sorts of products to make your flowers sing, Kim’s Garden Center has it all. Visitors can expect employees ready to answer questions and help find the perfect gift or greenery. Also present is Dixie, an easy-going four-legged friend that likes to see about the property.

Outside of the garden center are the real gems, acres of plants of all sorts. There are rose bushes, trees, shrubs, Texas natives and heirlooms, fruit trees, tropicals and color, seeds, and bulbs that have all been hand-selected from growers whose plants work best in this area. Bulk soil and rock are available with delivery offered, too. Kim’s also offers a landscaping design service.

Kim has a different philosophy about sourcing and maintaining their plant material. “Box stores don’t have to pay for their plant material unless they sell it; they aren’t concerned about whether it lives or dies on the shelf, because it’s not part of their inventory,” she said. “We purchase it, so we maintain it. They have to be grown the old-fashioned way. The folks who shop here say, ‘The plants I buy from Kim’s last’. They were grown correctly, without all the artificial stimulants put into mass production plants found at a box store.”

Groups are welcome for a day of shopping adventure. Kim just asks for a call if it’s going to be larger than 15 people. In years past, a restaurant has been located on site. They have done so well, they’ve gone on to open their own locations. At this time, Kim is seeking a chef or restaurateur to open the cafe again, providing wholesome food for her shoppers.

Special events and seminars are held throughout the year. All are invited for a Spring Artist Festival on May 17th. The west lawn will be filled with a number of artists selling their creations to an expected audience of over 1,200 guests. Rita B. Huff Humane Society of Walker County will also be on hand with pets in need of adoption. “We’re all big dog people. You’re welcome to bring your dog anytime, as long as they’re on a leash,” said Kim.

Her original intent for the property as an event venue has not been lost. Kim’s offers rental of the site for weddings, albeit a large undertaking, because it closes the business for the day. The towering magnolia and mansion provide a breathtaking backdrop for happy couples.

Kim’s is a truly unique experience. Shoppers are often heard saying how good they feel while enjoying the day at Top O’ the Hill. This location is one of the highest points in the area, at 502 feet above sea level. Naturalists have stopped for the experience of time on the hill, noting the height gives good vibes. The beautiful sights, light breeze, friendly faces, and industry expertise create an amazing experience that shoppers don’t get just anywhere these days. Every day really is a beautiful day at Kim’s.

For more information, visit kimshg.com or find them on Facebook for gardening tips and business updates.

2715 Lake Rd
Huntsville, TX 77340
936-295-5282