Tri-County News

Backyard Garden Creations moves to new home


After years of operating a growing business out of her home, Jean Reinert, owner of Backyard Garden Creations was ready for a move.

“We’ve had our eye on this spot for quite a while,” said Reinert of the old Arnold’s Chevrolet building at the north end of Central Ave. in Watkins, across from Flash’s Gas. “I was at our last Chamber meeting and noticed a little interest in Joe Kuechle’s (the buildings current owner) eye when I mentioned we were considering a move and looking at different spaces.”

That was all it took. Reinert contacted Kuechle the next day. “We went and looked at it right away,” said Reinert. “It was FULL of stuff.”

All that “stuff” has since been moved to the rear of the building and Reinert and her family have been working overtime to get the new space up and running in time for the busy summer season.

“My husband Keith, and the kids have been just great,” said Reinert. “And we’ve had so many friends and community members who have stepped up, there’s no way this could have happened without all of their help.”

Reinert also sings the praises of her folks, Jack and Ginger Zwilling, who are contributors to the business as well as big help in getting the new Backyard Garden Creations up and running. Operating as G&J Workshop, the hand-etched saws that have always been prominently displayed are the work of the Zwillings.

The new space, an area that encompasses the entire windowed front of the ex-car dealership, is very nearly 10 times the space the business occupied when it was in the Reinert home.

“At home, the business took up our dining room and family room, about 365 square feet,” said Reinert. “The new space is 3300 square feet.” And with a fresh coat of bright paint and a slight reworking of the original parts counter and inventory area, the custom-made signs  and artwork are shown off to their best advantage.

Finalizing the move to the Central Avenue spot  doesn’t mean Reinert is going to sit back and relax.

“I’ve got a lot of ideas,” said Reinert. “We’d like to start some summer programs for kids and families. We’ve got room for bigger groups so we’re thinking about having food available to cater in. We’re talking to a couple of the local restaurants, Wally’s for during the day and Keek’s for evening parties so everything people need can be right here. We’re also working on a seating area with a TV– I’ve missed a lot of Viking’s games over the years with Sunday parties.”

Reinert is also carefully selecting additional vendors to share the large space with her. “Rusty Nails, owned by Jenny Rowan will be here with her repurposed furniture,“ said Reinert. “And Melody Joseph of Eden Wellness will bring in gift baskets for sale filled with her goat-milk soap and lotion.”

But overall, Back yard Garden Creations will continue its main business of custom creating signs for any conceivable occasion.

“We’ve put together sign parties for birthdays, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, for kids, for businesses, memorials and company  Christmas parties,” said Reinert. “Now we just have room for larger groups.”

Reinert and her crew will still bring their talent and expertise to larger groups for onsite gatherings, they’re just getting harder to book. “This started as just a hobby in 2010 while I did in-home daycare,” said Reinert. “Then in 2015 when I stopped daycare the signs took over that spot. Who knew it would grow into this!”

The new Central Ave. location of Backyard Garden Reflections is currently open for business, with an official Grand Opening planned for the first weekend in June.

Says Reinert: “Stop on in!”

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