SMITHFIELD—Colorful flower arrangements, antiques and locally made crafts are just some of the things you’ll see as you walk into Every Bloomin’ Thing. This isn’t your typical floral shop.

“One thing that makes us really unique is that we grow and raise a large percent of our flowers,” assistant manager and floral designer Necia Vona said. Owner Richard Hansen’s peony farm in Richmond is one of the places they grow their flowers.

“The flowers we do buy, we buy directly from the growers as opposed to wholesalers,” Vona said. She said they get their roses and many other flowers directly from Ecuador.

Owner Richard Hansen explained this is the reason their flowers last so long. “We have roses last over two weeks,” he said.

In addition to traditional floral arrangements, Vona also creates a variety of succulent plant arrangements which are on display around the store.

The store also carries many items made by local artisans, such as jewelry, cards, bags and more. “We try to patronize local folks items,” owner Richard Hansen said. “You won’t find another floral shop for a hundred miles that’s selling a bird house.”

Hansen said his store caters to funerals, weddings, holidays and special occasions. Vona also added “men in trouble” to the list. Hansen said normally just three people handle the business along with himself. “During Valentines, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day we have to call a few more people in,” he said.

Hansen said he started the store after deciding to turn his hobby of peony growing into an occupation. Every Bloomin’ Thing has been in Smithfield for six years this month.

The store’s building is over 100 years old and was previously a bank. The old vault has been converted into the largest floral cooler in the valley, and the original bank door has been placed in the bathroom entrance. With 25 years of experience as an engineer, Hansen said he felt that restoring the building was worth the money.

Great products aren’t the only thing the store has going for them though, their great customer service is known throughout the valley. According to Vona, Hansen is known to give customers a free rose and a look at the old bank vault turned floral cooler. “We’re known as the friendly florists,” Vona said.

Every Bloomin’ Thing is located 98 N. Main St. It is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Published in cooperation with the Hard News Cafe. Original story is here.