According to Tom Hofmeister, owner of The Floral Garden in Bethlehem, the way to make a floral arrangement that really wows is to be a good listener.
“We try very hard to hear what our customers are trying to convey as far as what they are looking for,” said Hofmeister.
He said he and his friendly and talented design team of Clorece Weir, Laura Stalker and Janet Gough take the time to meet with their customers and really get to know their tastes — from the quirky to the traditional — in order to create an arrangement or special occasion display that makes a lasting impression.
“Our goal is to provide beautiful and creative floral designs that convey a mood that the customer is looking for; personalized for each event,” said Hofmeister.
That personalized customer service often goes above and beyond what one might expect from a florist, and Hofmeister said The Floral Garden is happy to deliver.
He described one wedding where he did the floral arrangements and a bit of set design as well.
“I had to convert a barn and fill it with antiques,” said Hofmeister, “so I had to go antique shopping.”
In another instance, a bride came into the shop the day of her wedding and asked the design team to create her a bouquet with only minutes to spare, a request that was met with stunning results.
“She was delighted!” Hofmeister said.
The Floral Garden, which has been Bethlehem’s premier florist for nearly 20 years, has recently entered a new chapter with an expansion and redesign of the shop. The new shop has enhanced retail and production areas and offers an expanded selection of plants, as well as fresh and everlasting floral designs.
Located at 340 Delaware Ave. in Delmar, the shop provides Teleflora wire service and supports the seasonal offerings advertised by Teleflora, as well as arrangements that feature their own creative artistry. Although the shop is based in Delmar, The Floral Garden makes at-home deliveries to areas throughout the southern Capital District, including Loudonville and Menands. Special event arrangements have an even greater range.
“Our floral designs have been used to decorate wedding and event venues throughout the Capital District and from the Catskills to the Lake George region and east into the Berkshires,” said Hofmeister.
During its almost two decades in business, The Floral Garden has been active in the community, supporting local organizations’ fundraisers through donations and more.
“We’re really trying to be a good community servant,” said Hofmeister.
The Floral Garden also hosts private parties and other classes throughout the year, so customers can try their own hands at the art of floral arrangement.
Whether it is for a presentation bouquet for an 8-year-old’s dance recital, a cheerful arrangement delivered to a local hospital, a sympathy arrangement or a wedding day display, the staff at The Floral Garden are ready to listen to what their customers are looking for — and deliver.
For more information, visit the website at www.thefloralgarden.net or call 478-7232.