Meriah and Jeff Williams have transformed a building previously used for storage into Catherine Creek Gardens and Gifts, shown here Nov. 20, 2023, a few days before its grand opening. Owner Meriah Williams will sell her own flowers as well as house plants and pots, home decor gifts, candles, pictures frames, greeting cards, toys and candy.

UNION — Meriah Williams can tell you a thing or two about flowers, and she’s especially eloquent about dahlias.

“They’re drama queens when it comes to growing them, but they’re worth all the blood, sweat and tears. There’s so many varieties and colors,” said Williams, who has a new shop on South Main Street in Union called Catherine Creek Gardens and Gifts.

Williams was raised on a ranch near Prineville and learned the fine art of flower gardening from her mother and grandmother. After she and her husband, Jeff, moved to Union from Central Oregon, she continued with it, starting a flower farm and selling her wares at a roadside stand.

“I’ve always been interested in interior design, and I’ve always loved flowers and helping people with special occasions,” Williams said. “The flower stand just took off. I had no clue I would be that busy. I actually saved enough money for the inventory to start the store.”

That store is situated in a building the Williamses purchased and renovated at 265 S. Main St., Union. The building had been used for storage, a situation the community-minded couple wanted to change.

As president of Main Street Union — a group supporting local economic development — Meriah Willams is happy to be creating some active retail space.

“I hope it’s something fun, something people can be excited about,” she said.

Catherine Creek Gardens and Gifts had its grand opening Nov. 24, after a significant remodel, offering floral items like bouquets and centerpieces, plus house plants and pots, home decor gifts, a candle line, picture frames, greeting cards, toys and candy.

Williams said she also intends for her shop to be an outlet for local craftspeople.

“There will be handmade products,” she said. “We’ve already got some jewelry and crochet items. I’m always interested in bringing in more like those.”

Williams said she will be shipping flowers in during the cold fall and winter months, and selling flowers she grows herself during the spring and summer. Customers will be able to special order centerpieces and bouquets for holidays and other occasions.

Jeff Williams, who operates an auto transport company, is originally from Union. He and Meriah moved to Union from the Prineville area in 2019.

Meriah has worked for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Central Oregon, a nonprofit entity that advocates for children and youth in foster care, since 2010. She serves that organization as a program coordinator, working from home.

As she takes her first steps toward becoming an active part of downtown Union, her goals are modest.

“I’d like to be a good resource for the community. I think people get tired of having to run 15 miles for a birthday card or a gift,” she said.

Getting a retail business in shape for a grand opening is always a major undertaking. Williams said she appreciates support she has received from her family, the local community and, especially, from her good friend Katelyn Smith.

“I’d give a shout-out to Katelyn. She’s my bestie. She’s been a lot of support in the practical matters,” Williams said.

Catherine Creek Gardens and Gifts

Catherine Creek Gardens and Gifts, 265 S. Main St., Union, will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 24 and Nov. 25 for its grand opening. After that, the shop’s regular hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The grand opening will feature giveaways and drawings.