The Stem Floral Design Ltd.
Located at the stoplights in Athalmer, The Stem Floral Design Ltd. is in the business of making exquisitely beautiful floral arrangements for every occasion. For the perfect gift for a special person, a wedding, a new baby or just for yourself, we have a lovely selection of blooms on site or will special order to your request. We also carry Karen Graham gift cards, Granville Island soy candles, McBlooms hand creams and lotions, home décor items and more.
Owner Shandrea O’Brien studied floral design at the Floral Institute in Seattle, and has certification in basic as well as advanced design. She did her first floral arrangements during the summers in her parents’ kitchen and when word spread of her talent, the fledgling business took off. Since that day, Shandrea’s mom, Norma, has been a partner with the business side of The Stem, as well as helping out in the store, and has learned arranging herself.
The Stem has been commissioned by the Eagle Ranch Golf Course for the last four years to design the weekly floral displays for their dining room and has also built special floral arrangements for several of the construction companies in the valley. Shandrea hires extra help for the weddings and special weekends. This summer, Krissy Trigg will be joining her. Krissy has also attended the same Floral Design classes and is apprenticing under Shandrea.
Last summer The Stem did the flowers for 49 weddings from June until September. Many couples are from out of town but have fond memories of happy summers at the cabin in the valley and want to have their weddings here. Shandrea explains that some people book a year in advance and others come just two weeks before their wedding. The Stem always makes it work and has never had to turn anyone away. Shandrea does not favor wedding packages because, as she explains, each wedding is unique and personal. She sits down with the couple and they plan together the perfect flower arrangements for their special day.
Many couples want to have their weddings on auspicious dates. For instance, The Stem did 11 weddings in four days around 08/08/08 and already Shandrea has 5 weddings booked for 10/10/10.
Besides beautiful fresh and fragrant flowers, The Stem also carries a great selection of Granville Island soy candles, Karen Graham gift cards, McBlooms hand scrub and hand creams that are perfect for the gardener’s hands, floral vases, houseplants, home décor items, fancy paper napkins and artwork. And if you are looking for a unique gift for a baby or small girl, The Stem has a selection of brightly-colored ‘Lollitops’ hats, handmade with loads of ribbons and fun stuff.
Special-order flowers from the Stem will usually be delivered the same day. Wedding flowers, of course, take longer, but for spur-of-the-moment inspirations, why not stop in and choose from among the many lovely blooms in stock?
The Stem Floral Design Ltd.
305 – 3rd Ave. Invermere, BC
Phone: 250-342-7559
Fax: 250-342-7558
contemporary_flowers@yahoo.ca
