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SOMERS, N.Y. - Last Valentines Day Heather Maguires dream of a floral design business was just a seedling. This February it is in full bloom. She regularly delivers arrangements and flowers to local individuals and a growing group of merchants, including Annies Nails, Sweet Delites Pastry Shop, Somers Custom Framing and Tazza Cafe.
Although her business launched in the fall of 2011 when her youngest child started kindergarten, the roots of her passion grew from childhood. My mother, my grandmother and I have always loved gardening and flowers, she says. Anyone who know us knows that the sun can be going down and the bugs can be coming out but were still in the garden. The way other families exchange recipes or cooking, we share gardening.
Maguire works out of her house and does not advertise. She buys her stock wholesale locally and sometimes in New York City. Because she has a one-person operation and insists upon very fresh blooms, she asks customers to give her 24 hours notice when ordering. The earlier you order, and the more specific you are, the better, she said.
I like to remind my customers that Valentines Day wishes are not limited to spouses or lovers. Its a wonderful chance to remember a grandmother, a friend, a neighbor, a favorite teacher. A sweet, simple token of affection to let them know they are thought of, she added.
Finding just the right container for an arrangement is also important to Maguire. As an example, she suggests mini roses in a teacup. Similarly, a simple hand-tied bouquet is even lovelier when it is adorned with cellophane and an elegant ribbon.
Maguire will deliver your flowers free of charge anywhere in Somers. The fee for delivery within a 15-mile radius of town is $5. She usually makes deliveries with her dog Bailey for company. Hes my silent partner, she says. Well, maybe not such a silent partner.
Orders for Valentines Day will be accepted through February 11th. Mixed bouquets start at about $25, a dozen roses are about $70. Call 914-826-6085 or order online.
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