Creating with plants and flowers is second nature to Katharine Brown. After a decade of growing beautiful blooms at her own Wayne County farm, the newly minted director of floral design recently planted roots at Settlers Hospitality to oversee operations at Gorgeous Floral in Hawley. The retail shop is a jewel box of houseplants, unique vessels, terrariums, living and dried centerpieces as well as home and garden décor. The location is also the hub of activity for a flourishing floral design service that creates arrangements for weddings, memorials, holidays, life occasions and subscriptions.
Natural Attraction
Katharine is a highly sought-after floral designer who “flowered” the properties of Settlers Hospitality for many weddings over the last eight years. So, it was only natural the business colleagues would join forces to grow a new endeavor in Gorgeous Floral. Not only is the name indicative of the merchandise, it’s also a nod to its location. Floor to ceiling windows wraparound the building providing a stunning view of the river gorge below. So, visiting Gorgeous Floral is a feast for the eyes in more ways than one.
Rooted in Beauty
A peaceful, spa-like atmosphere permeates throughout the space. Flowers, plants and greenery surround a curated mix of gifts, gardening tools and home décor. It’s a place for visitors to find inspiration and soak in the surroundings, both indoors and out. Throughout the year, Gorgeous Floral hosts workshops and classes covering a range of topics in a fun, easy to digest manner. Customers can bring the beauty of Gorgeous Floral into their home or office with weekly or monthly subscription packages. The Designer’s Choice Fresh Floral Arrangements are delivered to a customer’s doorstep.
Blooming Good
Katharine has a penchant for working with seasonal, locally grown products and incorporates them into the arrangements at Gorgeous Floral whenever possible. She plans to tap into the bounty from local growers and producers to showcase at the shop. Many couples are adopting the seasonal aspect of floral design for their nuptials, which makes for a truly unique look. Katharine also says color is back in a big way when it comes to wedding flowers, but is confident the elegance of green and white will never go out of style.
Get Growing
According to Katharine, the threat of early, or late, freeze in this part of Pennsylvania poses a challenge to gardeners. Her current favorite shrub is Bush Clover because of its late season color and fountain-like blooms. She also advises customers not to overlook classics such as daffodils and hydrangeas when planting a home garden. “There are hundreds of daffodil varieties, and they last a long time as a cut flower,” explains Katharine. “The same goes for hydrangeas. There are far more than the traditional big, white balls we know so well and many of them can grow in our area and last forever in an arrangement.”
Fresh Ideas
Katharine is excited to see both locals and visitors at Gorgeous Floral in Hawley. She is thrilled to plant herself in the downtown business community as a floral designer and for the shop to become a destination for travelers. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. from May to November. From December through April, the shop is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Gorgeous Floral in Hawley is located at 210 Welwood Ave., adjacent to the Hawley Silk Mill. Call 570-576-0490 or visit gorgeous-floral.com
Bridal Bouquet Photo: Harmony Renee Photography