Kori and Bryan Kasper took space in an empty building in Aurora at the corner of Lake and Benton Streets, across from the Richard and Gina Santori Library of Aurora and made it a bit of paradise. The Kaspers, from Wheaton, opened Branch Gardens, 77 S. Lake Street, to the public May 4. (See photo here).
The couple met each other in high school, later became friends, and were married. Bryan studied horticulture and Kori studied fashion design while working in a beauty salon.
Kori said Bryan is the brains of Branch Gardens. He has experience working in other landscaping companies and working on Kasper’s Trees. Kori helped him on the weekends, and she started to get into landscaping when she was 25. She gave Bryan the idea to start and to open Branch Gardens after a few comments from those who wanted to know if the couple did gardening. Now at 28, Kori stays to wait on customers at Branch Gardens, while Brian works at another job. Bryan still helps out with anything that Kori needs a hand on, and he is the “tree expert.” She said, he is “(my) go-to in case I need anything.”
This Spring, Branch Gardens offers a variety, including perennials, annuals, succulents, cacti, house plants, and a new air plant that doesn’t need soil. Although Branch Gardens is mainly focused on plants and trees, Kori is selling decor frames, and the quaint indoor store has a nice selection of pots, outdoor art, soaps, and miscellaneous garden accessories.
Kori said her inspiration comes from Northwind Perennial Farm that is owned by Roy Diblik in Burlington, Wis.. It made her fall in love with landscaping, and give it a touch of design.
The couple is excited to share Branch Gardens with the public, and are ready for more customers. “I love talking to everybody. Come on down,” Kori said.
Branch Gardens is open Wednesday through Sunday. Check the Branch Garden Facebook page for store hours.
—Aurora Downtown
