Isn’t there something extraordinary about fresh-cut flowers that makes any occasion something that much more special? Whether it’s a graduation, wedding, birthday, holiday, or just because… a bouquet says far more than words in a card could ever tell someone.
I often wonder about that very thing every single time I’ve been given a bouquet. Why do I feel that much more special and loved? Why do I fuss, ooh, and ahh over a bouquet so much? And is it just a girl thing? Such thoughts ran through my mind whenever I bury my face into the colorful arrangement gifted to me, my heart full, and always a tear or two. Cheesy, I know. But I have a feeling I am not the only person to feel this way about fresh-cut flowers.
Perhaps it’s the sheer beauty of the colors, combined with the excellent arrangement of a florist showcasing their craft; it’s gaudy in all the right ways. Possibly it’s the fragrance of fresh roses that perfumes cannot equal. I think it’s all that, and the one simple truth —that the beauty will not last.
Every rose cut in its prime is then rushed to cold storage to be sorted, purchased by local florists, and rushed once again to cold storage to be arranged by color, size, and type, creating a work of art that will not last. Oh, we’ve created packets of magical powder that guarantee our flowers will stay fresh for as long as possible. Still, in the end, the flowers are either dried to hold the memory of their luster or discarded, leaving the receiver with a glass vase to be washed and stored away for the next special occasion.
It’s always a little sad when the first petal falls, reminding one that in the case of a flower, time is not on its side, or consequently, our side. But isn’t that what makes the gift so special in the first place? To know the money spent, the gift given is all for a few moments of magic, like memories we hold dear to reflect on later?
Whatever the occasion or reason, nothing quite compares to the gift of giving or receiving a fragrant bouquet. A local’s favorite spot to shop for that special someone or occasion is Flowers By Jackie. Flowers By Jackie isn’t new to Lake County; in fact, this local florist has been serving the area since 1977. Although Jackie has since retired and handed over the reins to family friend Tammi, the florist shop continues to exceed expectations. Why? I’m so glad you asked!
The first time I heard of Flowers By Jackie was from a friend who spotted it and said, “Did you know there’s a florist shop in High Street Village?” The second time was a personal experience when I attended a ladies’ luncheon all decked out in floral arrangements by, you guessed it, Flowers By Jackie. That undid me, and I had to see for myself!
The escape began before I opened the door. Rustic wood and metal displays, all dressed up in plants and flowers, seemed fitting against the exposed wood siding. Inside, a whole new world presented itself with the scent of a florist’s shop. You know what I am talking about.
I breathed in deeply the cornucopia of everything good, alive, and right that comes from flowers. Green everywhere. The large, expansive room displays a diverse variety of house plants and an abundance of succulents for those shopping for something that will last long after a week or two. To my surprise, this seemed to be a one-stop shopping experience, where cards of every kind were on display, along with lotions, bath accessories, chocolate, gardening tools, books, games, stationery, and, did I mention, even more chocolate? Many of the items are locally made.
Before long, I was greeted by Tammi. “We love to welcome people in. Please come and explore,” she said, making her way to the flower cooler/refrigerator. Inside were buckets full of flowers waiting to be transformed into floral arrangements, along with ornate arrangements in a variety of sizes to choose from. There were dozens of roses, all dressed up in a vase, and mugs displaying a variety of flowers, all perfectly chosen and arranged. Pure art comes to mind. 3-D painting before my eyes, and oh, how good they all smelled, the same perfume I first smelled when I opened the doors, just more concentrated, as if coming from the source of the fragrance itself.
“I love to invite people to the back room,” Tammi smiled, making her way behind the counter. “I want everyone to feel at home here.” She guided me toward the back of the store. “This space is where we do our workshops.” I could easily envision tables set up in the ample, open space, with people gathered together working on projects.
Sure enough, I checked out their social media and found a variety of classes offered, including a Peony Party, a Succulent Wreath Workshop, a Kids’ Easter Bunny Workshop, and a Planting Workshop. No matter the season, there’s always a reason to be creative. The workspace is warm and inviting, just like the rest of the shop. Before long, my day’s obligations ended my visit. But I smiled when I turned to leave, knowing that no matter the season, it’s always going to be spring when I visit Flowers By Jackie.
A great way to experience Flowers By Jackie is to attend the Second Sunday at High Street Village, where local makers, artisans, vendors, and small businesses gather to sell their wares. It’s a chance to see more than just flowers. But, before you leave, do step inside Flowers By Jackie to make the experience complete.
Flowers By Jackie Lakeport
1839 N High St, Lakeport, CA 95453
(707) 263-3326
