Moss urban garden boutique to open in downtown Iowa City

Moss, a new decor store, is opening up in downtown Iowa City on Washington St., offering shoppers a selection of indoor plants, pots and nature-inspired gifts and decor. The store is opening earlier than expected, starting at 10 a.m. this Saturday with a soft opening party from 5 to 7 p.m.

Owners Alan Peterka and Anne Armitage also run bark & bloom inside the NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids and frequently work a stand at the Iowa City Farmers Market.

More than half of Moss’ products are sourced from Iowa or proudly “Made in the USA.” Some local favorites like Cedar Rapids-based Rare Bird Soap and Marion-based Candle Barn, will be featured on their shelves. In the warmer months many products will be grown by Pheasant Run Farm out of Van Horne, Iowa.

“Sustainable and local products run in parallel with our focus,” Armitage said.

According to its website, Moss is named after “a plant that embodies simple elegance, serenity, and its earthy appeal is at the core of our aesthetic.” The items available at Moss — living decor (air plants, terrariums, indoor mini-gardens), preserved and dried flowers, organic candles, raw metal jewelry — bring the natural world into balance with the urban landscape to mix mindfulness and modernity.

UPDATE: Moss has decided to open as of Friday, Oct. 28.

Photos by Kelli Ebensberger