Page 22 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2016

COASTNOTES
THE LEMON TREE FLOWER SHOP
injects bit of magic into creations story by Lynn Lofton photos by Teddy Lewis
The Lemon Tree Flower Shop owner Chris Owens creates floral arrangements with the eyes of an artist and the hands of a skilled craftsman, and a bit of magic thrown in for good measure.
A 20-year veteran of the florist industry, he has a passion for what he does but prefers not to over think the process. “I let my eyes guide me,” he says. “If I stop and think about it, I will do the same things over and over, and that’s not what I want to do.”
He says the inspiration for creating the beautiful floral pieces is just something he feels, although he gives credit to his first teacher, Peggy Walters of Columbus. “She was a good teacher, and I still take classes from her when possible,” he added. “I can always learn something from others.”
Owens’ mother assists with day to day operations including designs.
Lola Mae Albright has worked with Owens for two years, processing fresh flowers as they arrive and taking and delivering orders. “Chris is very talented; he does elaborate work,” she said, “and people like what they see and receive.”
Albright finds her work rewarding as she goes to a variety of places and sees different people each day. “It’s a joy to see the positive effect flowers have on people,” she said.
Owens’ favorite flowers are stock and dendrobrium orchids; Albright’s is baby’s breath.
A large part of The Lemon Tree’s business is crafting flowers for funerals. Even for these sad occasions Owens has a way of injecting a bit of magic. He tucks a little plastic bug into all casket pieces. “It’s just something extra he does,” Albright said. “Employees of the funeral homes look for them now.”
Owens recently purchased Adams Flowers, an icon business in Gulfport since 1902. Both businesses are under one roof but customers can still call the same numbers. “I want to keep up their same service and quality,” he said, “and build on it with the fresh designs of The Lemon Tree.”
The merged shops have a service area from Ocean Springs to Bay St. Louis and receive fresh flowers every day.
Chris Owens and Lola Mae Albright
22 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • September 2016
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The Lemon Tree
100 Cleve Street, Gulfport 228.868.7673 228.832.7440 www.lemontreeflower.com