Kara Larson
The overgrown silver of land connecting the back of two Portland, Oregon, boutiques - Tumbleweed and Grasshopper- might have stayed that way if not for the creativity of its owner, Kara Larson. The designer, whose shops are located in the new "It" neighborhood of Portland's Northeast Alberta, had a different vision for the tiny parcel, one that would make for a healthier and more inviting work environment for her staff.
“I wanted to have a garden where the girls could take their breaks, pick an apple or a few tomatoes to toss atop their salads,” says Larson. “So we took the opportunity to do something with our back space. When you live in a city where not everyone is availed to a workable space to grow things, you have to take advantage of every square inch!”
It is with this same resourcefulness that Larson, who opened her dress shop, Tumbleweed, a decade ago, has flourished during a time when scores of longstanding boutiques where closing their doors. “When the economy took a turn, it made me change how we did a few things and be even more creative,” she says. “I also wanted to keep morale up and the garden was a big part of that.”
Instead of increasing her purchases, Larson decided to produce more dress styles of her own label, Kara-line, and even expand into knit basics, like leggings, T-shirts and camisoles. “We also brought back old best-selling styles, staying focused on what has worked for us all along: timeless, beautiful designs in feel-good fabrics that last,” she says.
Next door at Grasshopper, Larson operates her children’s shop on the same quality-over-quantity principals. “We buy in small quantities and we recycle everything possible,” she says. “We even put out our dress fabric remnants out in little bundles for young customers to take and make clothes for their dolls or stuffed animals.”
Here, imaginations are nurtured with books from a selection that wins praise from local librarians and well made toys with heirloom potential. Even her childrens’ line, Wild Carrots, is designed to grow with the kids. “The wrap design starts as a dress and then, in two years still fits as a tunic,” says Larson. Perhaps the only fleeting pleasure here is the few sprigs of lavender from the garden out back that top the wrapped purchases.
How does designer Kara Larson’s garden grow? With these tools, all found on eBay.
Peacevine Cherry Tomato Seeds
Packs Botanical Organic Seeds
NEW Tretorn Lace-Up Rubber Boots
Primitive Antique Wood Garden Seed Sewing Tote Dividers
Burt's Bees Hand Salve
NEW Clear Glass Garden Bell Jar
NEW Forged Stainless Steel Japanese Cultivator Hoe Freeship
