With the holidays fast approaching (it’s mid-November, what?!!), I wanted to share a favorite establishment in the Central West End of St. Louis: Bowood Farms. This is often the first place I stop when I’m looking for a special gift for friends or family, and admittedly, I go there on rainy or gloomy days, sometimes to pick up a small plant and other times just to be inside the beautiful space for a pick-me-up. In fact, I took these photos yesterday, during the pouring rain. Clearly, the thoughtfully repurposed warehouse space has beautiful natural light! 
Aside from a wide array of unique, sometimes rare, plants, Bowood has the best kids’ gifts (especially the books). They have amazing coloring books, locally made stuffed animals, art supplies, and a wide range of creative kits. I bought this book here last spring and my boys love to cuddle up on the couch and look at the beautiful illustrations. This book also caught my eye… Milo and Oliver might find this under the tree on Christmas morning! 
My favorite items in the store right now are all the lovely ceramic sculptures which resemble dahlias and succulents and sea anemones. They would bring the charm of an air plant without the care. I also love all the little glass houses… isn’t there a saying…
But really, all the home goods are fantastic. There are amazing-smelling candles, soaking salts, decorative pillows and throws, the whole place is packed with beautiful things! 
The care with which each item is stocked and presented makes visiting Bowood Farms an experience. Also, the employees are super knowledgeable about all things garden; I have asked many rookie questions about our growing vegetable garden over the years and have never been led astray. And speaking of gardening, this is the place to go if you need anything at all: tools, organic fertilizer, repellants, chicken manure, bulbs, seeds, supplies, seedlings in the spring, greenery in the fall and winter. 
The textures of the pots shown above are perfection. I get the most compliments on the succulents I have growing throughout our house in those pots! They are pricey, but really make a statement. Also, they naturally grow moss on the outside if kept moist, but remain pink if allowed to dry out between waterings. 
And though I’ve never eaten there, I hear Cafe Osage (which is just to the right as you walk into the main building) has a delicious lunch menu. Cafe Osage also takes advantage of fresh vegetables and herbs grown on site, which is located across the street from Bowood Farms in their lovely urban garden. 
Read more about Bowood Farms here, and if you’re in the area, be sure to stop by in person!
Bowood Farms — 4605 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63108 phone: 314.454.6868
Ow wow, I just want to move in there! That’s my dream store <3
I work right down the street, so their gift shop makes a great spot to grab a gift or card on a lunch break. So I’d add to your post – they have the most beautiful cards there.
My little one saved up her money to purchase one of the little Maileg mice. She’s been slowly collecting them, and loves playing with them. I do have to be careful in that store though – it’s hard to resist overbuying – and it adds up! But I would agree, it’s a lovely shop, and it’s only gotten better over the years. I was in there on Friday, and loved those shiny ornaments hanging from the ceiling. I bought some of those little woodland creature rattles for my new niece. So sweet.
I can’t believe you haven’t eaten there! It’s SO good. And I’m always partial to a well lit restaurant – I like natural light, particularly at a daytime restaurant. We love to take our parents there when they are in town – a little earlier than the lunch rush. They have really delicious food and amazing cocktails. My oldest loves the burger – I think it’s a Bison burger, and the little one gets the green eggs and ham – we just request the eggs cooked a little more than over easy – either scrambled or fried, just not runny, and it’s never a problem. It comes with prosciutto, which she loves, so obviously I’m raising my children to have expensive tastes as well! Oh well, it’s a nice treat out, and very relaxing place to eat. But promise me when you go you’ll order a cocktail. 🙂
Kristin, that’s one promise I’m willing to make… and keep. Thanks for the recommendation!
They have really transformed this end of Olive. They use the empty lots across the street to grow seasonal produce for the restaurant (how Alice Waters is that?) And have built greenhouses over the street. I know they just expanded towards the back by buying and renovating a blighted house for more offices and event space. I think their holiday events are so great and the selection of plants is amazing. Its the best nursery in the city.
So nice to meet you yesterday. What a beautiful post and photos, thank you!