Redmond Floral, 8070 160th Ave. NE, invites community members to have “A Bloomin’ Good Time,” working side-by-side with experienced designers while they test their own skills at flower arranging.
“We are very excited to have the opportunity to share our expertise and to share the joy of flowers with others,” said Redmond Floral owner Linda Elliott. “Our designers will teach specialized flower care and handling, along with basic techniques.”
There is no charge for the advice if you bring your own flowers, vases or other supplies. Materials can also be purchased from Redmond Floral and if requested, they can deliver your finished product.
“It’s really all about fun, floral education and providing new and exciting things to do in Redmond,” Elliott explained. “Instead of keeping floral design mysterious, we’ll help flower growers do their own (arrangements) or maybe people will bring in flowers from the Saturday Market.”
The help is available whenever the store is open except for weeks of “major floral holidays” such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or Christmas.
Isn’t giving away their secrets a little dangerous?
No, Elliott laughed. She estimated that it takes 10-15 years of experience to “be considered a designer who can put anything together.”
Combined experienced, between Elliott and her staff, was estimated at 40-50 years.
In fact, Redmond Floral is celebrating its 41st year in business — including 34 years at the present location. The original store was located near the old Green’s Funeral Home (now Redeemer Redmond Church). The store’s logo shows original owner Bill Landvatter riding an antique bicycle in the Derby Days parade — holding a bouquet of flowers, of course.
Elliott said she’s retained the quaint logo out of loyalty to neighbors who’ve kept the shop busy all through the years in return for “great customer service — one hundred percent satisfaction guaranteed. If they’re not happy, we’re not happy. Without our customers, we’re nothing.”
But besides having ties to Redmond’s past, Redmond Floral was one of the first local businesses to participate in the City of Redmond’s recycling program and is “very conscious of our footprint,” said Elliott.
“We offer a vase recycling program,” she added. “Bring them in clean to get a free rose. And our growers are certified green. They take good care of their employees — offer day care, pay people a decent wage and help working parents — and use green growing practices.”
We asked Elliott how downtown construction projects have affected her recent business. It’s been a bit hard for her delivery driver to get in and out of the parking lot, she admitted, but she seemed to be taking it mostly in stride. She’s even offering a Construction Special — a dozen roses for $49.99 instead of the usual $65-70, as well as other weekly specials.
Reminding readers to check out “A Bloomin’ Good Time,” Elliott cited a study at Rutgers University which, in summary, said that receiving flowers has both instant and long-lasting impact on people’s moods and problem-solving abilities — and can improve memory for those who are aging.
For more information, call (425) 885-3333 or visit www.redmondfloral.com.
