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Thistle Patch Opens Its Outdoor Garden Marketplace in Central City

Last Updated 7/27/2026

“Garden and design are my inspiration,” said Renée Lewin, owner of Thistle Patch: Vintage Garden & Antiques. Nearly 11 years ago, she opened her business, Thistle Patch, on 14th Street West, bringing her quality vintage products to the Central City community. This summer, she expanded and added a new outdoor garden marketplace, which she said has always been part of her vision since she arrived in West Huntington to open her business. She sat down with us recently to share more about the outdoor space and her inspiration for expanding her much-loved shop.

A Vision Comes to Life

Renée worked alongside her mother for nearly her entire life before opening her own business on 14th Street West in 2015. Her mother, a small business owner, florist, and interior designer, passed down a lifelong love of home design, vintage décor, gardenscapes, and antiques. She said she knew that when she opened her business, having a space for gardenscapes was part of her plan. “Even in choosing the Hosey space, it was critical to me because I was interested in the vacant lot next door, and we were just recently able to acquire it,” Renée shared.

Growing into the Outdoors

Thistle Patch is known for its quality merchandise and charming vignettes. Most people who visit the shop say how beautiful the items are and how thought-out each display is. “This outdoor expansion is really going to be an expansion of what people see in my shop nearly every day,” Renée said. “Garden ware and vintage iron structures need more space than this brick-and-mortar can give, so the expansion will really allow me to bring in more for the community.”

She also added that while merchandise will change seasonally, she plans for it to be open as often as it can be. During the spring and summer months, people can expect to see vintage furniture, iron structures and décor, gazebos, garden wares, and planters. Some plants will be included, but the focus will mainly be on garden wares. She expects that during the fall and winter months, the outdoor space will offer fall and holiday décor. “We have had a favorable response from the community since opening so far,” she shared. “We have a lot of improving, but my vision is to replicate the same beauty that’s inside the shop in the outdoor space.”

Taking a Risk

“Expansion is a risk, but it’s a risk owning a business every day of the week,” Renée shared. For Thistle Patch, Renée said that the expansion is not just an expansion of inventory, but of square footage as well. Sharing her advice, Renée said, “Owning a small business requires a lot of patience, but if you plan to grow, you have to take risks.” She suggests that if a small business owner reading this is thinking about expanding, be sure to have a thought-out plan, similar to recreating a business plan, and think of the long-term goals.

“Thistle Patch is here to serve the Tri-State community with really nice merchandise,” Renée said. “The people in this area deserve quality merchandise, and I hope people consider stopping by to support and enjoy the things the shop has to offer.”

Thistle Patch is located at 444 W. 14th Street and is open Tuesday - Friday (10 AM- 4 PM). Follow their Facebook Page to stay informed with new inventory, shop updates, and more!