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Rooted in Community – How The Cupboard Brought Big Talent to a Small Town

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“If somebody could mobilize that many people to write letters – she had an audience.”

–  Ken Selody, Atlock Farm owner, topiary master, and former gardening expert for the Martha Stewart Show

The Cupboard

Nestled next to the colorful murals of the Johnston Street alley in Decatur sits a cozy kitchen and garden boutique called The Cupboard. You’ll find top-quality cookware, plants, essential home and garden tools, books, and unique gifts on the shelves. But, to owner Ginger Cobl, The Cupboard is about more than transactions – it’s about relationships.

Over the years, Ginger has curated collections from vendors – many of them local – to fill the void of a quality home and garden store in North Alabama. She holds regular events at The Cupboard – from monthly “Cook the Book” classes to pop-up cooking and gardening classes, Ginger has formed a community at The Cupboard. Just ask Ken Selody!

Ken Selody

Owner of Atlock Farm, the upscale nursery in New Jersey, Ken soared in popularity with his regular appearances on The Martha Stewart Show. He shared his gardening expertise as a contributing editor for Martha Stewart Living magazine, and even supplied plants to a party hosted by Tom Cruise and to Hollywood movie sets. His appearance on HGTV in 2022 further contributed to his widespread recognition as a gardening expert and topiary master.

When Ken decided to leave Martha Stewart Living to pursue growing plants and designing topiaries full-time, his agenda included taking his topiaries (and knowledge) on the road. He traveled through Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Texas in a “Johnny Appleseed kind of take on topiary,” posting on Instagram, “Are there people or shops that would be interested in having me stop?”

Ginger’s Army Puts Decatur, AL on the Map

Ginger saw Ken’s question and mobilized her army of faithful supporters. She started a letter-writing campaign and got Ken’s attention.

“They tagged Decatur. They tagged the Cupboard. I was getting dozens of direct messages,” Ken explained. “The sheer enthusiasm was impossible to ignore.”

Ken made that stop in Decatur, and the rest is history. Ginger and Ken became fast friends, and in April of 2025, Ken made another trip to Decatur to hold a topiary workshop at The Cupboard.

Topiary enthusiasts came from near and far to see Ken, learn the delicate art of topiary design, and buy some of his masterpieces.

Decatur – Full of Surprises

Decatur is full of these quiet surprises. It may seem like a small town, but those who step inside quickly discover a place where creativity blooms, neighbors support one another, and roots run deep.

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