Co-owner Kori Kasper arranges flowers outside Branch Gardens, the garden boutique she co-owns with her husband Brian in downtown Aurora.

An empty corner of downtown Aurora has found new life as the trendy garden boutique.

Open since May 1, Branch Gardens, 77 S. Lake St., is a dream come true for owners Brian and Kori Kasper.

Originally from Wheaton, Kori fell in love with the historic charm of downtown Aurora and thought that there was so potential for businesses to help revive the area. So, after finding their space, throwing on a coat of paint and filling it with beautiful plants, Branch Gardens was born.

“I have always loved taking something that just needs a little love and making it beautiful again,” Kori said.

The boutique offers a variety of plants, from perennials to trees, and decor that can work for both indoors and outdoors. They also sell aromatherapy items, signs and other things for home making it a one-stop-shop for adding some life and personalization to your space.

Brian studied horticulture and worked in landscaping and landscape design for years. Kori, meanwhile, studied fashion design and later attended beauty school and worked at a salon. Their different backgrounds meshed perfectly for the vision that they had for the boutique.

“I knew I wanted to do something that was creative and I was like “if it’s the time to do it, it’s right now,” Kori said.

Kori says the response from community has been extremely positive. Customers are continually wanting to put their floral creations in their shop and she has enjoyed collaborating with people.

Plants, accessories and home decor on display inside Branch Gardens, 77 S. Lake St. in downtown Aurora.

“The most rewarding thing is getting to know the people of Aurora,” she said. “I’m here to sell plants, but it’s been really cool because I’ve been able to meet people and hear their story. I love the whole plant aspect, but to just be with people and hear their stories I think it the coolest thing.”

Branch Gardens may be new, but there are already hopes for its future with expanding to the connected firehouse space to offer more home decor.

For now, Kori is enjoying the process of growing into their space and hoping that things will go the way they want in any future expansion.

While they have found a welcoming community in Aurora, they have dreams to eventually open other small garden boutiques in neighboring towns.

“I would love to open another one if I’m able to, but you know, one step at a time,” Kori said.

Branch Gardens is open Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To learn more about Branch Gardens visit Facebook or Instagram (@branch_gardens).

— New garden boutique brings life to old downtown Aurora corner —