Ryan lely/Sonoma Valley Sun
Susan Blue designing a bouquet in her floral studio behind her home on Broadway.
While all these things may not usually be found in the same place, at Sonoma Flowers, it’s part of the whimsical charm of the family run business. “We like to think of ourselves as ‘Old Sonoma,’” said Susan Blue, who, along with her sister Sally and mother Judi, runs the shop.
Set in a cluster of small wooden buildings on the lower reaches of Broadway, Sonoma Flowers sprang up 15 years ago when Judi Blue, who at the time had an antique collective at the location, began supplying flowers from her cutting garden to local florists. Eventually her daughters joined her and the business grew into its present-day form. “It’s been a wonderful experience,” said Blue. “It’s brought the family together and kept us together.”
Susan Blue creates most of the arrangements and handles orders, but there is always a family member or two around to lend a helping hand. Susan ended up with a degree in anthropology and art, and has channeled those interests into floral design. Judi Blue makes the weekly drive to the Flower Mart in San Francisco, leaving at two in the morning and returning mid-day. The three women clean and organize the flowers, with stems and leaves showering the floor that are promptly pounced on by the seven-month-old Great Dane puppy playing at their feet.
The pup is the newest addition to Sally Blue’s gaggle of Great Danes, which visit occasionally. Blue and her husband breed the dogs, which are approximately the size of children’s ponies yet very gentle. That fact becomes apparent when a small, white chicken struts its way though their legs, seeking tidbits among the discarded leaves, and is ignored by its towering companions.
Upstairs, a musician is practicing some riffs on his guitar, creating a café-like atmosphere. The sisters divide up the work, each pitching in where needed. “We all have our strengths,” said Susan Blue. “I do a lot of the customer service – coming up with concepts for events or arrangements. I try to take people’s ideas and create something special, something that is a little bit different using more textural designs.”
As getting married in the Wine Country became more popular, Sonoma Flowers’ wedding business expanded. “Brides are asking for sophisticated themes now,” said Blue, “and they are planning up to a year out, especially as their guests are making destination travel plans.” In keeping with the family’s multi-faceted personae, Sally Blue followed in her father’s footsteps and went into the photography field for a national company. She now offers portrait photography as well as video production for weddings and events, independently and in conjunction with the flower shop.
The shop is also a Teleflora affiliate, providing flowers for long-distance requests. “Sonoma has a number of places such as Avalon Senior Living, where we do a lot of birthday, anniversary and special occasion arrangements,” said Susan Blue. “Many families that are far away want to stay in touch with flowers.”
Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day are big holidays for florists, and that holds true for Sonoma Flowers, as well. “Those days are huge for us,” Blue said, “but people like to get flowers unexpectedly, too. If husbands and boyfriends knew the emotional value of sending flowers regularly, they would be a knight-in-shining-armor to their wives and girlfriends.”
Sonoma Flowers
20680 Broadway, Sonoma 707.996.1696
www.sonomaflowers.com
Mon. – Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sat. and Sun. by appointment.
