By THADEAN THOMAS
Photo Credit: Thadean Thomas
You might think recipes belong in a kitchen, maybe for baking cookies or a perfect steak dinner. But recipes are essential at Rainbow Florist & Delectables Inc., though instead of kitchen staples like flour and sugar, they’re mixing roses, tulips and baby’s breath to craft the perfect bouquet. For 40 years, the shop has been a staple on Laurel’s Main Street, providing arrangements for weddings, funerals and a host of other orders and events in between. “We do everything,” the owner Judy Ashwell said.
Ashwell has owned the shop since 2017.
“There’s not too many other [flower shops] left in Laurel except us,” Ashwell said. With its unusually large storefront offering window displays and a welcoming space, Rainbow Florist & Delectables has been the go-to for flowers in the community. “I’ve done research before I even bought it…most flower shops don’t have as large of a storefront that we do, so we are able to carry a lot of things,” Ashwell said, adding, “We just love flowers.”
The shop specializes in their own well-crafted recipes, and florists craft arrangements based on the customer’s preferences. Ashwell recently received a call from a customer requesting a bouquet with a woodsy-theme, with flowers like birds of paradise and curly willow, and with greenery providing balance and appeal.
Roses are the shop’s most popular flower, especially in the lead up to Valentine’s Day. As spring approaches, customers often ask for daisies, while hyacinths, sunflowers and black-eyed Susans, Maryland’s state flower, are popular through the summer. Tulips, which start sprouting in December, are ready by February and then again around Mother’s Day. “I don’t fool with them when they’re not the best,” Ashwell said, emphasizing quality over quantity. She sources most seasonal blooms from Florida and uses local sources in the summer.
Photo Credit: Thadean Thomas
In addition to flowers, the shop also collaborates with local chocolatier, Sweet Cascades, which has stores in Savage Mill, Ellicott City and Columbia. Owner Susan Whary said she has always loved the Laurel area, as it is where she grew up and raised her sons. She first partnered with Rainbow Florist three years ago to offer chocolate truffles. Now, Whray stocks the shop with a wide selection of chocolates.
“We will have chocolate-covered strawberries which are super, super popular,” said Whary, of a special Valentine’s Day treat offered on Feb. 14.
Rainbow Florist & Delectables is at 370 Main St.
_____________________________________________________
Tips on how to help floral arrangements survive beyond Valentine’s Day:
- Invest in a proper vase to hold your flowers, which often come wrapped.
- Cut the stems on a slant using a sharp knife or pair of scissors. This prevents the stems’ vessels from being damaged or crushed, allowing the flowers to drink properly. This should be done every four days.
- Add fresh water and provide new flower food every four days.
