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Fendley's Flowers is the right pick for any occasion

Fendley's Flowers is the subject of this week's Mid-Week Mugging

Roses are red, violets are blue, and Fendley’s Flowers has the gift for you.

Located at 4 Alliance Boulevard, Fendley’s Flowers has been a staple for all things that blossom for over 40 years. As the recent rush for Valentine’s Day is now over, one would think that it’s quiet time for the staff at Fendley’s but Catharine Burke says differently. The floral designer is always busy making new bouquets and arranging orders for all types of occasions but does admit that this past big date was a big one.

“We do have five staff members here but come the big days we would ideally require more,” said Burke. “It is just an insane industry come Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and even Christmas. This Valentine’s Day for example, it actually started at Christmas time with us placing our orders then with our suppliers just to secure the number of roses we think we will need. The roses come in probably a week before Valentine’s Day and we get started right away on prepping, cleaning and rehydrating the flowers to get them ready for sale. It is eight straight days of constant work and really it is Feb. 13 and 14 now as people have started a day earlier to beat the mad rush on the actual day.”

With holidays always approaching on the calendar, Burke and the rest of the Fendley’s staff are always prepared for the flower of the occasion but they also have to be ready for that drop-in customer who doesn’t know much about the flower business and just wants to pick up a bouquet for his wife. With over 20 years experience in the flower industry, Burke knows just what to do.

“We get people in here a lot who are looking around and not sure what to get,” said Burke. “I encourage anyone to just come up to the counter and ask any of our staff. It’s what we’re here for. It can be intimidating because most feel like this flower goes with this occasion and has to look like this. I’ll usually ask what the recipient’s favourite flower is, what their favourite colour is and even more particular questions can be helpful. I will also ask if the flowers are going to the house or the office; should it be the house then I recommend a beautiful cut bouquet because chances are there is a vase already there, but if it’s to the office then maybe get them in vase just in case.”

With the warmer weather happening throughout Simcoe County, it is a great reminder that spring is just around the corner. As the snow melts and the sun shines, many are thinking about all things colourful and Burke says that Fendley’s is too.

“Everybody is tired of winter and they’re looking for the spring flowers and colours to liven up their home, office or garden,” said Burke. “Springtime really rejuvenates the whole floral industry and gets us out of the winter slump. A lot of people pick up tulips for the spring as their season is December to May and are such a bright, uplifting flower. If you close your eyes and think about a bright arrangement of tulips it just feels like winter is over.”

But even during the winter months, Fendley’s is busy. Everyday there is something even if it isn’t on everyone’s calendar. Burke says that the shop is always ready for the birthdays and other events that need sprucing up.

“Birthdays are a big one here and we handle wedding arrangements and for the sad occasion of a death in the family we will do all possible to alleviate that part of your concern,” said Burke. “I think people forget that flowers are just always a great gift for any time of year. They really lift someone’s spirits or change the look of a room. Flowers are also such a time-honoured tradition whether it is a centrepiece or a boutonniere; they are always the right gift.”

If flowers aren't only what you need, there is a wide array of stuffed animals, jewellery and household trinkets to go along with your gift.

Fendley’s Flowers is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday.

You can check them out at the website here.