Creativity sparks new business venture

A local floral and gift shop is under new ownership. Connie Weber took over Farmhouse Blooms in Thompson Falls last month. The shop on Main Street offers a variety of fresh blooms and plants, as well as gifts and organic tea.

Weber recently moved to Thompson Falls with her family. She grew up in Missoula and has lived in Montana her whole life. She worked as a high-risk obstetric ultrasound technician and had a great career, but said eventually her family decided to move to Thompson Falls. The Webers had visited the area for several years camping, then bought property in Thompson Falls about six years ago with the goal of moving here.

When former Farmhouse Blooms owner Nanette Blake decided to sell the business, Weber thought it was a perfect opportunity. "I've always liked being creative," said Weber, who noted that Blake is helping her in the transition with the shop.

Sandra Schraeder worked for Blake and stayed on with the business when Weber purchased it. Last Friday, Schraeder was busy putting flowers of different colors and textures together for wrapped bouquets. Schraeder said she also pays attention to the movement of flowers and filler stems together when she is creating arrangements.

Weber said she will look to add more gifts to the shop, at 507 W. Main Street, and would also like to add some gardening tools and accessories.

"I've really loved meeting all the people and learning about all the different flowers," said Weber, who added that her favorite flowers are lilies and Gerber daisies. She noted that it's fun to deliver flowers and see the reactions people have to getting a special arrangement.

Farmhouse Blooms offers a variety of arrangements in the shop, or customers can pick individual stems for the staff to create a bouquet. Weber also said that because of the floral network the shop is part of, they can facilitate orders to anywhere from the Thompson Falls location. Order also can be placed online for Farmhouse Blooms.

Weber and her team are looking forward to the wedding season, and already have some jobs scheduled this summer to create arrangements for local weddings.

For gifts, the shop offerings include glass artwork, Montana-made dog treats and organic teas that can be purchased in bulk or steeped by the cup.

"I'm really grateful for all the lovely people here and I love that there are so many gardeners," Weber added.

Farmhouse Blooms is open 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Friday. The store can be reached at 406-827-4224 or online at farmhouseblooms.net.