Business Focus: Kim’s Garden Center

Claudia Kirkwood October 31, 2016

Photos by Libby Rogers

This article is written expressly for the following people: those who have “green thumbs” and love outdoor gardening, and those who don’t have “green thumbs,” whose favorite plants contain the word “silk,” and who need some friendly advice on how to grow real ones. It is also written for the outdoor living enthusiast and for those who love the comfort of a beautifully decorated outdoor living area. Oh, yes, let’s not forget anyone who loves good food! Did I leave anyone out? If any of those attributes or characteristics pertain to you, then read on as we are welcomed into Kim’s Home and Garden Center in Huntsville, Texas.

Upon entering Kim’s Home and Garden Center, you may be wowed like so many others who, walking in for the first time, have exclaimed, “Oh my! I didn’t know this was here!” You have just entered an extravaganza that would delight anyone from gardener to gourmet, from gift shopper to homeowner wanting to “gussy up” their place. There truly is something for everyone.

Kim’s Home and Garden Center first opened its doors on January 2, 1985 under another name, and in another Huntsville location. The business was moved to its present site on I-45 in 1997, and in 2007, went through a complete makeover. At this time, under a new marketing strategy, it was branded as a destination boutique garden center and business skyrocketed. Kim’s specializes in unique and unusual product lines, both classic and trendy, many of which are the handiwork of Texas artists. For one-of-a-kind gifts and décor, this is your place! As owner Kim Bius states, “The folks coming here know they are going to get a quality product. It is going to be the best on the market, cutting edge, fresh and new.”

Kim’s offers a complete turnkey landscape program, from a professional design team to experienced installers. “From concept to completion” is their motto. Their nurserymen are certified by the Texas Department of Agriculture, a professional certification. You can depend on Kim’s staff for the most up to date and expert knowledge on the products and plant material you are looking for. For instance, Kim’s does not carry the entire line of Ortho or Green Light products, but only those products that are the best for the disease or other issue being treated. You will find numerous product lines offered, but only certain products within those lines.

Kim’s is also able to command its own market in relation to stores such as Walmart and Home Depot, who depend on large mass growers for their landscaping products. Kim is able to select farmers who grow high quality landscape products on a much smaller scale. These farmers are scattered throughout the southern states of Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida. Being in business for 32 years has enabled Kim to build strong relationships with these dealers and, as she humorously remarked, she is now doing business with their grandsons. Kim’s moves hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of plants each year, so when she calls to place an order, they are ready with the quality and service she expects.

“Outdoor space is where we now live. We are no longer just gardening, but the whole culture has changed,” Kim states. “It is all about the ambience, the look, the feel, the comfort. If a picture in Better Homes and Gardens or on Pinterest catches your fancy, bring it in and let our professional staff recreate this scene at your home for your own pleasure and enjoyment.” Kim and her team of professionals have designed and created beautifully landscaped settings in both commercial and residential areas, in both small applications and on estates. They designed and installed the Main Mall area at Sam Houston State University, as well as many other areas on the campus. Some of these sites were completed in partnership with an architectural firm out of Dallas. Kim’s was also the go-to landscaping firm when Bentwater Yacht & Country Club in Conroe was ready to build Phase 2 of their golf course. Most of the newer apartment complexes in Huntsville have used her expert landscaping services as well. Materials are chosen to suit the vision of the customer, then proper irrigation and planting techniques are applied for a long lasting product and effect.

Kim’s Home and Garden Center offers a full line of garden products including plants, trees, shrubs, perennials, soil additives, statuary, fountains, pottery, stepping stones, wind chimes, and any outdoor décor you need. Her staff, while listening to customers, will get to know their needs and lifestyles. And whether the situation must meet a low-maintenance, a deer-proof, or other specific condition, they will apply their expertise and the correct materials and products to provide just what the customer needs and envisions.

But let’s not stop here! Remember the good food we mentioned? It is now time for a walk through the gift and gourmet food section of Kim’s, and you will be wowed! “We listened to the customers and have stocked our attractive displays with gift and food lines that are unique,” notes Kim. “Many of the giftware items are one-of-a-kind, with no overlapping of other retailers’ merchandise in the area. And we provide our very own branded gift bags which come complimentary every day. When someone gets a gift bag with our name on it, they know they are getting something special and are excited about it!”

The Home Center is a delight, filled with exquisite home furnishings, small décor and accent pieces, candles, fragrances, bath and body products, tabletop accessories, and a full Texas gourmet section of jams, jellies, coffees, teas, sauces, salsas, soup and gumbo mixes, and many other palate-pleasers as well. You will be hard-pressed not to buy yourself some goodies, too, when out shopping for gifts. (That’s a note from this writer’s personal experience. And, I can enthusiastically recommend the Peach, Pecan, Amaretto Preserves!)

Now for our big finale, Kim’s 32nd Annual Holiday Open House, scheduled for November 10th, from 4:00-8:30 pm. This Come-and-Go event is open to the public, and kicks off the approaching holiday season in style! The 500+ attendees last year enjoyed valet parking, gourmet food samplings, and the biggest sale prices of the year. “The Holiday Showroom is going up now and it is the most beautiful décor we have ever had,” exclaims Kim. “We plan the showroom a year in advance, and showcase many sought-after collections such as Mark Roberts and Katherine’s.” Gorgeously adorned Christmas trees will present themes including Texas Country, Classic, Red & White, Gingerbread, and an exquisite Peacock tree, along with others. Kim’s personnel, including several long-term employees, Jackie, Timmy, Michelle, Cynthia, and Bud, and others of the friendly and highly capable staff, will be on hand to provide the excellent service customers are accustomed to at this celebrated event and throughout the year.

Just picture yourself in a comfy and classy patio chair on a beautiful morning, overseeing your gorgeously landscaped lawn and gardens while enjoying a gourmet coffee, and treating your taste buds to an English muffin piled high with delectable Peach, Pecan, Amaretto Preserves. Now, that’s how to start a day, and it starts with Kim’s Home and Garden Center. They are open Monday –Saturday from 8:00 – 5:30. Plan your visit today – prepare to be WOWED!