By Amy Barnes
Photos by Matt Johnson
Jeff Wallitsch, Nique Freese
Jeff Wallitsch, Nique Freese
Nestled in the heart of St. Matthews inside Digs Home and Garden (Chenoweth Square Shopping Center), Petals Louisville stands as a testament to the beauty and elegance of floral artistry. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a premier floral boutique, the business offers a variety of seasonal house plants, custom containers and exquisite floral arrangements, along with unparalleled service to its increasingly growing local clientele.
In addition to the delightfully well-curated boutique experience, Petals stands out for the personalized care and expert guidance provided by co-owners Nique Freese and Jeff Wallitsch. Known to inspire each other as creative "muses," their synergy is evident as they often complete each other's sentences. The pair met twenty years ago while Freese was shopping inside Wallitsch Nursery and Garden Center. Jeff, whose background is in horticulture and elementary education, is a third-generation member of the Wallitsch family who grew up in his family’s nursery. Nique, who earned a degree in accounting, grew up in a family of gardeners and quickly discovered she wanted to spend her time surrounded by plants and color.
The two quickly bonded over their deep love of gardening and passion for container design; in fact, they are such close friends they miss spending time together on Sundays when the store is closed.“I always joke that this is the longest relationship I have ever had,” said Wallitsch. “We met at Wallitsch Nursery. When Nique started her custom container business, I was working there; she bought the plants and our friendship evolved.”“I think we always knew that we wanted to do something together,” said Freese. “It’s really hard to find somebody you want to spend every day with. We make each other very happy and we try to reflect that in the store because we do love the store and we love the location — and we love what we’re accomplishing. I think just doing that with a person who makes you happy every day makes it really pretty simple — and we make each other laugh.”
A Blossoming JourneyAfter creating custom planters in Louisville for over fifteen years, Freese and Wallitsch eventually decided to go into business together; they now operate Petals along with Wallitsch Nursery. What started as a modest shop has bloomed into a beloved destination for those seeking floral inspiration, distinctive arrangements and captivating designs that reflect the unique vision and personality of its clients. From classic bouquets to avant-garde creations, the florals and plants are meticulously crafted to each customer’s needs. Whether for indoor or outdoor spaces, the Petals team oversees projects from consultation to installation.
A Bespoke Boutique Experience Harmoniously blending color, texture, and form, lush roses, delicate lilies, exotic orchids and vibrant tulips abound inside the store, along with a variety of pre-planted containers and small gift items. A variety of bouquets are available for purchase daily; known as a “grab and go” service, these have quickly become a bestseller. Beyond traditional floral arrangements, Petals Louisville also offers a range of custom services, including rehearsal dinners, small weddings, and corporate gifting. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, the boutique's team works closely with clients to bring their vision to life and create unforgettable experiences.
Central to Petals Louisville's ethos is a dedication to providing exceptional service and fostering meaningful connections with customers. Whether a first-time visitor or a loyal patron, visitors can expect nothing short of personalized attention and care from the moment they walk through the door.
To learn more about Petals, visit petalslouisville.com or visit Freese and Wallitsch at 3905 Chenoweth Square.
