Flowerdale Blossoms With Tradition, Emotion
/By Janee Law
jlaw@longislandergroup.com
Ana Patricia Flores-Morales, owner of Flowerdale by Patty, has continued the tradition that has been passed down to her by previous owners, which is to always accommodate the customer no matter the budget and occasion.
There’s the everyday cut on her fingers, the occasional green hue that develops over her hands and there are no holiday breaks, but Ana Patricia Flores-Morales said the perks of being a florist outweigh the stresses of the sometimes demanding, physical job.
“With any type of work you have to love it, but with this especially you have to really love it. Otherwise, you’re not going to put up with it,” Morales, a florist with Flowerdale by Patty in Huntington Station for over 20 years, said.
After moving to the United States from Guatemala 27 years ago, Morales said she “fell in love with the business dealing with flowers” when she started working at Flowerdale in high school.
Morales, 39, of Huntington Station, had the 40-year-old shop passed down to her by previous owners in May 2014, and she’s owned it ever since.
Flowerdale, located at 1933 New York Ave. in Huntington Station, creates arrangements for weddings, funerals, quinceañeras, holidays and the everyday party.
The shop offers a variety of flowers, such as tulips, gerberas, iris, hydrangeas, orchids, roses, and wax flowers. Arrangements, which are priced at a minimum of $50, include plants, gift baskets, silk pieces and balloons, creating an elegant lush style for any occasion. Flowerdale offers single roses for $5, and typically has cash and carry specials starting at $10.
Morales said Flowerdale provides free delivery for local online orders, and 15 percent off for local emergency responders.
As Valentine’s Day closes in, Morales will be stocking her shop with more than 1,000 roses, along with chocolates and stuffed animals. Flowerdale will also be donating flowers to several school districts throughout the Town of Huntington for the celebration of Black History Month.
“Other than the beauty of flowers, I do love dealing with people and seeing their reaction,” Morales said. “Whether it’s a funeral, the flowers will bring comfort to the family. If it’s a get well, it’ll cheer them up. Whatever it is, there is some emotion that it comes with when they receive the flowers. That’s why we put up with the crazy schedules.”
With that, Morales said the business deals more with “emotion” than it does flowers.
“We’re in the emotion business,” she said. “I know a lot of people, I know their stories and I’ve seen their kids grow up. We’re with them all through this crazy ride of life.”
Morales said she’s “very lucky” to have “wonderful, sweet customers.
“That’s the beauty of dealing with this, you get to know people and you get to know what goes on in their lives and you’re a part of it.”
