Lake Forest, Ill. – Pasquesi Home & Gardens has opened a new small-scale store at the historic east Lake Forest train station in Illinois for last-minute gifts and flowers. This is the garden center’s third location in addition to stores in Lake Bluff and Barrington.

Management decided to open the store after they were approached by the city of Lake Forest.

The small new store carries select plants and home and garden items like houseplants, orchids and home décor inside. The store also has snacks and beverages for bikers and commuters, dog treats, birdhouses, containers and more. “We have a little bit of every department,” said Lisa Pasquesi, marketing director.

 Outside, around the train station, is an outdoor flower market with annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, pre-planted pots and planters.

“So far, we’ve been very pleased and everyone in the community has been very receptive,” Pasquesi said. “We’ve heard a lot of positive things.”

During the winter, the store will carry all kinds of Christmas items like ornaments and decorations inside, with Christmas trees, wreathes, spruce tip pots and other outdoor decorations.