 |
|
|
Gwen and Minner Hobbs, a mother-daughter team, began working together in 1998, when Gwen decided that, with her gardening talents and daughter Minner’s artistic background, they had the makings of a great flower growing and arranging duo. They started their business, Flowers in Season, with the goal of creating beautiful flower arrangements that reflected the country elegance of Vermont. Blessed with a location in South Hero, which lies in Vermont’s relatively temperate “banana belt,” they have achieved that goal by growing an abundance of flowers on their own property. In season, these homegrown blooms lend an intensely local flavor to arrangements that also include fine flowers from wholesalers and other markets.
Their fresh approach has been a boon for business - what began as a small operation handling a couple of events a year has now blossomed into a thriving company. Gwen and Minner work from Gwen’s home on the shores of Lake Champlain, in a round barn on the property. It’s hard to tell what they like more: working with flowers, or working with one another. “I can’t think of a better business partner than my mother - we complement each other, have fun and can relate to the mother-daughter dynamic that is often an important piece of planning a wedding,” says Minner of their relationship. And Flowers in Season is truly a family affair, with multiple other relatives involved in various aspects of the business. “We like to think we are innovative,” says Gwen of their blending of work and family life.
Gwen and Minner each bring a particular strength to their shared enterprise. Minner’s artistic flair lends itself well to flower arranging, which she describes as being similar to painting on canvas, only in 3-D. Gwen is the dreamer of the two, coming up with big-picture ideas that make wedding celebrations memorable. Together, they don’t just do flowers, but work with lighting and décor as well to bring a unique design perspective to each occasion. In addition to creating beautiful flower arrangements, both women pride themselves on their ability to listen to and interpret what people are saying, developing a unique relationship with each wedding customer as a result. It’s this kind of thoughtful attention - to customers and to one another - that makes Flowers in Season a perennial favorite of Vermont couples.
|
|
