Since 1984, The Flower Shop in Spring Hill has been supplying our community with blooms, floral arrangements and a lot more.
“I’m incredibly proud that The Flower Shop is celebrating 35 years in business this month,” said owner Albert Tavolaro. “I’m so fortunate to be able to share this accomplishment with family, staff, friends and customers,” he said.
To mark the occasion, The Flower Shop is offering 35 percent off everything in the shop during the weekend of October 19, 2019.
Tavolaro’s shop, located at Forest Oaks Boulevard and Commercial Way, was originally a private house. It was repurposed as the florist shop and they even managed to find a use for the in-ground swimming pool as a sunken wedding chapel.
“Our next wedding will be held here in a couple of weeks,” Tavolaro said, running down some brick steps and standing under the floral arch.
Tavolaro has been in the flower business since a young age. He opened his first store in Brooklyn at age 18 and his flower design shop was featured in the 1986 movie “Moonstruck” starring Cher and Nicholas Cage.
“They liked the old-fashioned woodwork all the mirrors I had,” said Tavolaro. “The street was filled with lights, crewmen and RVs with everything from equipment to specially fitted dressing rooms for the stars,” he said.
Tavolaro believes that his business longevity is due, in large part, to the loyalty and commitment of his customers.
“I believe that The Flower Shop’s commitment to quality and customer service has been the foundation of our success,” he said.
“Cultivating and nurturing our customer relationships is vital to us and I have to thank my employees Ritsa and Penny for that.”
“Right now, we’re buying in blooms and foliage with the colour and hue of Autumn,” said Tavolaro. “I look to see what flowers are trending and what will be available for fall and then I order and price them,” he said.
Sunflowers are currently the favorite choice. They are long lasting and have a vibrant colour. Sunflowers are heliotropes, this means they naturally lean toward the sun. Traditionally a sign of positivity, happiness, cheer, luck, health and hope, sunflowers provide a burst of colour to any wedding bouquet, table centerpiece or flower arrangement.
“As well as sunflowers, I’ve got pumpkins of all shapes and sizes I use for fall arrangements,” he said.
“Flowers are very delicate and should be harvested at the optimum time,” said Albert. “Then we have to allow for travel so that they arrive in perfect condition at the perfect time.”
Albert’s flowers come mostly from growers in South America from countries like Ecuador and Colombia. But he also uses suppliers in Mexico and California.
“It wasn’t like that back in 1984,” said Tavolaro. “Flowers used to be grown in the U.S. and locally, here in Florida.”
“It really depends on what is trending and what my customers want,” he said. “I just know my growers have to meet enormous demands throughout the year and I have to make sure there will be enough blooms to fulfil my customer orders.
If you go
Flower House
What: Fresh floral arrangements for all occasions, gift baskets and other items
Where: 7260 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays
Phone: (352) 686-4180 / Toll Free: 800-255-5298
Email: [email protected]
Tips to make your flowers last longer
• Use filtered water instead of tap water and check the water level daily
• Do use the plant food provided
• Cut the stems with a knife, not scissors. Scissors will crush the stems.
• Cut and recut the stems often
• Choose a good spot to show off your flowers.
