About Walnut Groove

I grew up in Eureka, Illinois—a small town that was originally called Walnut Grove (in 1855 when it was founded), but the name was changed because there was already another town named Walnut Grove in Illinois.

Then for many years, I lived in Champaign, Illinois, making my living as a musician and teaching piano, voice and guitar lessons. It was there that I also first developed an interest in woodworking.

So the name of my online store, Walnut Groove, is a play on words (from the original name of my hometown and my music background).

I currently reside in Bloomington, Illinois, which is also where I attended college many years ago (at Illinois Wesleyan University). And it was in Bloomington that I first met my future wife, Kelly, who is a Master Gardener (through the University of Illinois Extension). She's also a phenomenal cook, taking the food from her gardens and creating delicious meals with it in her kitchen. This has provided the inspiration behind much of the garden- and kitchen-themed work that I have produced here, as many of the items in this store were initially conceived and created for her gardens and kitchen.

So, look around, I hope you find something you like for your own home and garden!

—Ryan Neaveill
Bloomington, Illinois