I had the pleasure of stopping in at a very unique shop in Loudon. I have heard many people talking about the custom designed floral arrangements that come from The Flower Box and I wanted to see for myself what the shop is like. When I entered the shop I was really drawn into the atmosphere. Unlike other florists who only carry floral, this shop features other items which I love such as Willow Tree Figurines, Colonial Candles, grape vine arrangements, unique art and other warm and graceful pieces. The shop had a little bit of everything. The longer I lingered, the more I enjoyed.

I was greeted by owner, Merian Brewster, and I asked her what inspired her to open The Flower Box. She replied that it was really a whim that got her started. “We really needed a good florist in this area. When people heard that I was thinking about opening one, everyone told me to contact Henry Hawkins. He has a reputation for being a great designer. So, I called him up and asked him if I opened the shop would he come in and do the floral. Henry was interested, so we started the shop. We have been in business for about 3 ? years.”

I mentioned to Merian that her shop had an excellent reputation. I told her that people have told me that when they go to a wedding or funeral they can tell which flowers have been arranged by The Flower Box. Merian was quick to point out that Henry Hawkins should be credited with that. “His creations are so beautiful and natural, people just love them. Everybody wants Henry. He has been doing flowers for over 30 years and he is well known in this area.”

I was thrilled to be invited to go into the back of the shop to meet this reputable designer. Henry Hawkins was quietly working on a beautiful casket spray. When I asked him how he became involved with flowers he smiled and said, “To tell the truth, I kind of got rooked into this kind of work. I actually wasn’t a flower person at all. In the 1960s I was working in a flower shop when I was going to school. One day they were real busy and they asked me if I thought I could help them out by doing some of the flowers. I did, and the rest is history.” Henry’s talent and the atmosphere at The Flower Box work magically together. “I enjoy my work here,” Henry reported. “I just come in and do my thing.”

The Flower Box doesn’t just specialize in fresh floral. “We also do silks,” said Marian. “We can do funerals, weddings, birthdays, holidays, and any occasion flowers.”

Whether you are in the market for flowers or looking for a unique shop to purchase a gift or a little something for yourself, I recommend that you stop by The Flower Box. It is a true gem in the heart of Loudon.

The Flower Box is located at 409 Grove Street in downtown Loudon. Shop hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays 9-5. They are open on Saturdays by appointment. You can reach The Flower Box at 865-458-0019.