Ashby, MA Florists

Ashby Flower Shop News

East Bay Florists Say 'I Love You' to Valentine Customers After Months of Lockdown - CBS San Francisco

Nese said. “I will open up a bottle of wine and we will celebrate it with my staff — and I have the best staff here!”Back in May, the city of Berkeley would not allow Ashby Flowers to sell anything direct from its small shop at Ashby and Telegraph, even though the Whole Foods next door could. At the time, owner Marcy Simon was so mad she made KPIX hide her face when speaking about it during an interview. As a result:“I got millions of phone calls, e-mails, social media comments and people ordering from us,” she said.The outpouring of support from the community warmed Marcy’s heart and, on Saturday with the rules now relaxed, customers lined up to buy flowers. Simon has become a bit more philosophical about the whole thing.“You know, it was early on, people didn’t know,” she said. “We have all become adjusted to functioning in a different way now so, for us, this is the new normal.”MORE NEWS: Santa Clara Officials Open COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic At Local FarmFlorists say this has actually been a good year for business as people search for ways to stay connected during the pandemic. https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2021/02/13/coronavirus-florists-valentine-day-traffic/

Berkeley Florist Remains Bitter That It Can't Do Curbside Sales While Whole Foods Sells Flowers Next Door - SFist

City of Berkeley where stricter, Phase 1 sheltering orders are remaining in place a bit longer (pending any new revised orders from those counties' health officers). That isn't sitting well with Ashby Flowers co-owner Marcy Simon, whose Berkeley shop sits next door to an Amazon-owned Whole Foods location, where flowers are also for sale. Ashby Flowers has been allowed to stay open for deliveries only — KPIX reports that other flower shops elsewhere in Alameda County have begun doing curbside pickups but that is not clear from the most recent county health order issued last week. The City of Berkeley's public health department, which acts independently of the county, is maintaining no curbside retail reopenings for now, and Simon is getting impatient."At the beginning we immediately closed our store, shut off our lights, put up messages to the community saying 'we’re all in this together and we’ll be back.'" She adds, "I think people are going to start defying the rules much more now that Tesla has done that, for sure. We won’t, but others will."Tesla CEO Elon Musk made a stand against Alameda County this week and ultimately got his way in reopening the Fremont Tesla plant — even though it seemed like the county was headed toward allowing manufacturing to restart soon anyway. But actions without consequences like that breed insurrection, and it's likely we're going to see a lot of other business owners rebelling in similar ways given the financial stress of the last two months.And it's doubly frustrating for Bay Area business owners given that other parts of the state are getting to reopen things faster. Governor Gavin Newsom made announcements about curbside retail being allowed to start last Friday, a... https://sfist.com/2020/05/14/berkeley-florist-bitter-about-curbside-retail-rules/

Rosa Ashby of Rosa Flowers, Witney, blames Brexit as store shuts - Oxford Mail

A SUCCESSFUL florist who will close her Witney town centre shop today says Brexit was the 'last straw'. Rosa Ashby has run Rosa Flowers in Witney since November 1997, but the store will shut for good today due to rising costs. Mrs Ashby imported flowers entirely from the Netherlands, but she said prices had risen by a fifth since the Brexit referendum in June 2016. The Witney resident believes costs are likely to increase further, making it even more difficult to run the store. Read again: Florist says Brexit uncertainty means businesses have 'no clue' She said: “It’s been an uphill struggle for the last five years, but since the referendum things have got harder. “When the [value of the] pound dropped it made the costs go up. “People say ‘buy flowers in this country’, but I can’t, all we’re growing are tulips. I can’t stock flowers with one or two varieties. “The Dutch know what they’re doing as they’ve been doing it for hundreds of years." The decision will come as a shock to thousands of Witney residents, but Mrs Ashby said it had been 'a couple of months' in the making. Rosa Flow... https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/17558447.rosa-ashby-of-rosa-flowers-witney-blames-brexit-as-store-shuts/

Five Couples Escape the Familiar for Destination Weddings - Louisville.com

Trust your instincts and believe in your vision. And get a wedding planner. For real. Jeannie Smith, our planner and coordinator (AshBy Wedding & Event Planning), knew what vendors would be appropriate for what we wanted and, more importantly, knew the vendors that would be willing to trek out into the wilds of Kentucky.”This originally appeared in the Spring/Summer 2019 issue of Louisville Bride. To subscribe... https://www.louisville.com/content/five-couples-escape-familiar-destination-weddings

Family moving floral business to new location in New Waterford - Cape Breton Post

It’s a great location too and the parking is better.”The former MacSween’s Flowers & Gifts building has been the home of bouquets for at least 32 years. The building first housed Ashby Nurseries, then was purchased by the MacSween Family who ran  it for about 20 years. It was later purchased by the Burke Family who owned it for about seven years before the Keeping family took over the business about five years ago.Tanya had been living in Slave Lake, Alberta where she sold insurance, until the devastating 2011 wildfires forced her to leave. She moved home and when the flower shop went up for sale, the family purchased the business, opening Jan. 15, 2012.  Tanya said they didn’t have a floral background but they’re a creative family.“We are all pretty good, can do anything we pick up.”Tanya and her brother Charles took courses including spending a week with Jennifer Daniels – a certified florist -  at Daniel’s Flowers in Windsor.Now Tanya usually runs the business six days a week but the family is close by whenever extra hands are needed including sister, Patricia Lozinski.“My father does the deliveries and on holidays my nieces and nephews, aunts, cousins, and my sister will all come in whenever needed.”Tanya said their shop caters to all occasions and all budgets.They have chocolates and do balloon bouquets and have an assortment of plants. As well as getting requests for flowers they also get the stories to go with them.Tanya said one customer calls every year on his wedding anniversary.“Whatever year the anniversary is, he sends her that many roses. A nice big vase of mixed roses. Actually he should be in this month.”She said another time a man came in four days in a row buying one rose each day. On the fifth day he purchased a red and a white rose with the stems intertwined.“That was the day he asked her to marry him.”Tanya said business has been really good and they know it‘s because they go the extra mile. She said when requested by the customer they will pick up things such as a bottle of wine to be delivered with flowers, and have even picked up and delivered meat trays and fruit trays with the flowers being delivered to funerals.“There is an extra delivery charge for a pickup but as long as we can do it in New Waterford, we will do it.”Although the shop specializes in flowers and plants, ... http://www.capebretonpost.com/news/local/2017/1/29/family-moving-floral-business-to-new-location-in-new-waterford.html

Valley Florist in E. Templeton receives $10K in startup money - Worcester Business Journal

Valley Florist and Greenhouse in East Templeton has received a $10,000 small business loan from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corp., the Fitchburg organization announced Friday.Brendan Loughman, owner of the company, received the loan, with funds earmarked for startup costs and inventory.Loughman has an advanced certification in floral design, as well as years of experience as a floral designer, according to a NCMDC press release. NCMDC, the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, is a microloan lender which can provide loans to small businesses up to $150,000.Loughman was referred to NCMDC by the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center at Clark University in Worcester. https://www.wbjournal.com/article/valley-florist-in-e-templeton-receives-10k-in-startup-money

Coco Shop Designer Taylor Simmons Wore Floral Oscar de la Renta for Her Outdoor Ceremony Overlooking the Ocean - Vogue

Ultimately, Taylor explains, “we chose the safe bet of [having a wedding at] home.”The bride’s parents live in Marion, Massachusetts, a small town close to Cape Cod. The couple didn’t initially consider it because there isn’t anywhere for guests to stay. “My other great, great grandfather’s home is just a mile from my parents’ with a grass terrace, a long rhododendron-lined walk, and a backyard that borders the ocean,” Taylor says. “We decided on a late morning ceremony there followed by an hour of cocktails and a three-course lunch. I loved that this plan allowed most guests to drive from and return back to their homes that day—it felt safer and like a smaller ask.”The couple worked with Elizabeth Allen of Elizabeth Allen Events to plan it all. “She’s amazing!” Taylor says. “She helped us navigate the virus and replanning with incredible grace.”Taylor didn’t have any preconceived notion as to what kind of silhouette or design she wanted for her wedding dress. “I went to all of the traditional appointments when we thought the wedding was going to be in Antigua, but didn’t find anything quite right,” she remembers. “I love vintage and the idea of taking something old and making it new again, so was planning on wearing my grandmother’s champagne-colored, satin gown when I came across this Oscar de la Renta gown online in July. It was perfect—ultra-conservative and traditional in silhouette, but unexpected in an upbeat black.” She paired the dress with her mother’s diamond and ruby earrings and a pair of nude Jimmy Choo heels. Jameson had a navy mohair suit made by New & Lingwood for the day and complemented it with a white dress shirt and blue Hermès tie.Taylor never wanted a wedding party—even for their Antigua wedding that never was. “I just wanted my younger brother next to me,” she says. “We’re just 15 months apart and that relationship means so much to me.” Jameson has one brother too, so it worked out well. Both brothers wore navy suits, white shirts, and coordinating Hermès ties like Jameson.The ceremony started at 11:30 a.m. and was short and sweet—a traditional Episcopalian service held outside. There were rows of spaced out wooden chairs that were simply framed by topiary orbs.“My parents, brother, and I entered from the back and waited out of sight in a nook of the property’s rhododendron vista as guests were seated to a string quartet,” Taylor says. “My brother then escorted my mother down the rhododendron vista and, minutes later, my father and I held hands as he walked me down the aisle. I carried lilies because my mother carried lilies when she married my father.” The officiant was one of the bride’s father’s oldest, closest friends and the beloved headmaster of the boarding school she attended. “He was the first wedding decision we made and the one part of the ever-changing planning process that didn’t change for which I am grateful,” Taylor notes. “He gave the ceremony even more gravity and grandeur.”After the service, the newlyweds walked to a series of cocktail tables by the water and then back toward the house for photographs. Taylor quickly realized that one benefit of having under 50 guests is that photos go quickly, and it’s easy to include every guest.Cocktails included Champagne, white wine, and a late summer spritz. The cocktail napkins were white linen and had the bride’s mother’s initials, “STMS,” embroidered on them in white. “It was a sophisticated detail that made it feel even more like we were inviting everyone into our home,” Taylor says. Jameson’s father, who was unable to fly to the wedding from California, grows grapes and makes wine in Mendocino County, California. He provided wine with personalized labels commemorating the original November date. “I love that Jameson had a little bit of home with him in Massachusetts that day... https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/taylor-simmons-jameson-mcfadden-cape-cod-wedding

Florists wilt under COVID-19's impact, losing Easter and Mother's Day would be devastating - yoursun.com

Linda Stevens, a fourth-generation florist and owner of Stevens the Florist South in Englewood.Her great-grandfather, Charles Stevens, first opened a florist shop in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and the family had wholesale greenhouses as the business flowered. But COVID-19 and new state rules have forced closure of her Englewood shop at 3455 S. Access Road. She delivers or takes orders off the web or from regulars that include Keith Rowley of Rowley Insurance in Englewood. On Wednesday he had purchased flower arrangements for his staff, all isolating at home to show support.“Just trying to help others and keep our town strong,” Rowley said.Pushed on what may happen to her shop, Stevens choked back tears.“We’re taking every precaution,” she adds of keeping everyone safe through COVID-19’s run.But not just florists are suffering through COVID-19, of course. For the public’s safety, retail, bar and restaurant owners deemed non-essential are being told to close their shops or limit their services to take-out or delivery. The American economy is being devastated, losing billions in sales and value in March alone.Aside from the loss of life and millions of laid-off workers, COVID-19’s impact on business is unprecedented.But even as U.S. flower sales wilt as supermarkets and web services elbow into the trade, independent florists still account for $7 billion in annual sales. There are more than 32,000 related businesses employing 75,000 or so workers.It’s estimated that Americans alone will purchase 110 million roses in a normal year, three-quarters of them by men. Wholesale fresh-cut flowers and plants account for billions more in revenue.And while hurricanes and other natural events damage florists, COVID-19 is especially hurtful, as it closes off weeks of sales and the places to which flowers, arrangements and things related to the business go.At the 1-800-Flowers in Port Charlotte shop, for instance, March 2019 sales blossomed. Should COVID-19 keep its pace and the country remain tucked away in isolation, however, this season could be devastating, said Vanessa Carusone, the shop’s manager and a North Port city commissioner.“Probably looking at one-third of last year,” she said of 2020’s predicted sales for March and April, should trends continue. “The odds are stacked against us.”Easter and Mother’s Day, she added “are our bread and butter.”COVID-19 has also changed delivery rules... https://www.yoursun.com/northport/news/florists-wilt-under-covid-19s-impact-losing-easter-and-mothers-day-would-be-devastating/article_2e88771e-75de-11ea-a009-0b875913d327.html

Richard LaMontagne | Obituary | Salem News - The Salem News

VA, and Mark LaMontagne of Exeter, NH, and he was preceded in death by his brothers, Frederick and Donald LaMontagne. Richard was a graduate of Essex Agricultural School in Danvers Massachusetts where he excelled in botany. After graduation he opened up Flowers by Dick, a florist shop on North St. in Salem, Mass. There he thrived for many years before moving to Florida. In Florida, Richard ran a number of businesses including an orange grove, three more florist shops, a furniture store and a number of real estate ventures. Beyond his success, the most important thing to Richard, affectionately known as Dick to the many who loved him, was his family. He was a devoted husband to Mary and the dedicated father of eight children. He always encouraged all his children to realize that they could accomplish anything they wanted in life. Dick was someone who led by example whether it was his work ethic, his generosity to others or his deep faith in God. To know Dick was to love him. Dick loved spending time with his family and was always up for a good time. His infectious smile and Dad jokes were always a great addition to any gathering. He loved touring the country with his family in his motorhome and he enjoyed taking cruises with them to the islands. Dick was the kind of person who could talk to anybody and have a good time, always making everybody feel better. He could pick up a conversation with a friend he had not seen in twenty years just as if it were yesterday. He loved Florida but he also cherished his roots in New England. He never missed the opportunity to travel north where he loved the changing leaves, the spring blooms and the smell of the ocean air in Rockport. Later in life, as a true labor of love, Dick sacrificed much to take care of his cherished wife Mary, who had suffered a stroke. Many called him a saint on earth but to him, it was simply love. Dick will be sorely missed by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers and many other friends and relatives who so deeply loved him. But everybody who ever knew him will also smile when they think of him, just glad to have been loved by such a kind and wonderful man. Dick can now be found in heaven rejoicing with Mary, his parents, his brothers and a multitude of relatives and friends who so sincerely loved him. The family will receive friends Friday, February 12, 2021 from 4 to 8 pm at Gary Panoch Funeral Home in Boca Raton, Fla. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturda... https://obituaries.salemnews.com/obituary/richard-lamontagne-1081606303