About Us

In case you’re curious about our shop’s unique name, we named Aslan’s Garden after Aslan our golden retriever who, along with his brother Murray, served as the shop’s official greeters for many years. Read more about them here

Created by Carmel artist Milton Williams, the original “Shop in the Garden” opened its doors in 1958.

Using the metalwork skills he learned as a Marine blacksmith during WW II,  Milt created his unique garden and copper sculpture gallery in a spacious outdoor courtyard in the heart of Carmel. He became well known for his whimsical creations including copper crickets, ladybugs, mushroom lamps and beautifully sculpted fountains.

If Milt wasn’t tinkering behind the workbench, he and his wife Flo were often found sitting around the shop’s burl wood fire pit with their three sons, customers and friends discussing everything from sailing to succulents.

I came to work for Milt after graduating from college in 1967. Along with the fountains and lighting fixtures I made for Milt’s shop, I started a line of popular copper tube wind chimes that were sold not only in Carmel but nationally. Little did I know that this summer job I worked between riding the waves off Carmel beach, would become my life.

For 40 years, customers returned to the garden’s welcoming and friendly atmosphere but inevitably times changed, and the shop briefly closed its doors. In 2005 when the opportunity to re-open the garden came along I jumped at the chance.
Our goal has been to retain the spirit and feeling of the original shop. Today we showcase our own copper sculptures (with some pieces in the style of Milt Williams) along with the work of local and international artists and craftsmen We’ve also added an inside gallery with fine art and jewelry.

Our manager, Sarah Moody, another talented copper artist, has been an integral part of this garden space for the past nine years. She and sales associate Penny have been bright sources of inspiration and help.

We wish to say thank you to all of our customers — old and new. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Michael and crew