Say 'I love you' with flowers from Rodier.
Flowers and Valentine’s Day go together like the “horse and carriage” lyrics in the Frank Sinatra song, “Love and Marriage … You can’t have one without the other.”
“Flowers are so much apart of special occasions,” said Mary Jones the owner of Rodier Flowers on Main Street in Ridgefield — whether they’re large milestone events or small and quiet moments. I consider it an honor when people come to us and we get to complete their special occasions.”
For the last three and half years Mary has been the owner of Rodier Flowers, which has now become one of the most enchanting stores to grace Main Street. With its two bay windows as a showcase for her selective merchandise, there’s always a reason to stop and peer in, no matter the season. And one should, for Mary, in her down-to-earth welcoming manner, has come to think of her customers as friends, and her commitment to contributing to the support of the community is as paramount as her desire to offer the best in quality and value.
“When we moved back to Connecticut after living around the the country, we drove down Main Street and said, ‘OK, we found our town.’ Even before I was a merchant, I always thought if you love the town you need to support it. I’ve always tried to shop first in town.”
With Valentine’s Day matched only by Mother’s Day when it comes flowers, Rodier Flowers offers a wide selection with, of course, roses always coming first.
“We do lots and lots of roses, as you can imagine,” Mary said. “We love the roses, love bringing them into our shop. We carry only premium roses, though. They have larger blooms than the non-premium ones — larger blooms, sturdier stems, more long-lasting and more beautiful.”
But Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all about roses. “Not everyone is a rose fanatic, so we have a whole bundle of lovely mixed bouquets — lilies to specialty tulips. And, of course, not all tulips are created equal. Some are fancier than others. You can come in and find that more unique arrangement here, whether big or small.”
Off to the right, as you enter her shop, is a large new walk-in cooler to house and showcase their array of flowers. Along with the luscious aroma, the colors and shapes of these tended flowers are enticing. Turning the flowers in the cooler three times a week allows Rodier to stock a varied assortment, which wouldn’t be possible in a smaller space. With some flowers lasting longer than others, the cooler allows the shop to carry more than only the basics, and, with shipments arriving frequently, if a customers desires a special something, Rodier can get it quickly.
Along with their flowers and glass bowls of every shape and size, Rodier carries containers and gifts, all with a nature-inspired theme. Dotted throughout the store are note cards, small ornaments with a flower motif and beautiful ceramic bowls in the shape of a leaf. A weeping pussy willow in an earthy container catches the eye, as do the coral-scented soaps, which come in a decorative box. There are gifts large or small — ones to say a thank you, ones that make a memorable wedding gift and ones for a special person.
When it comes to Valentine’s Day, Mary smiled and said, “If you’re going to tell someone you love them — well — you should do it right.”
Rodier Flowers is at 384 Main Street, Ridgefield; 203-438-291; rodierflowers.net.
