By Staff
Kim West
Franklin County Times
It's fitting that Village Florist owner Lila Fuller marked her store's 12th anniversary this fall after taking over Hal and Myra Kirby's shop full-time in October 1995.
After all, the most commonly known flower arrangement is a dozen roses.
"Roses are good for anything, and we strive to have different roses," said Fuller, who employs one full-time assistant and several part-time workers, and also receives assistance from her family as needed. "Red roses are the most common, but we can get any color if given ample time. If the roses are not stocked locally, we can usually have them here in one week."
The most popular flower during the holidays are typically poinsettias, and Fuller's favorite year-round flowers are cala lilys, oncidium orchids and peonies.
"We like different, unique flowers, and those come in a variety of colors," she said.
Fuller didn't receive formal training for running a business or designing floral arrangements. Instead, she learned the old-fashioned way – by working for her aunt, who owns a Red Bay florist shop and spending five months working alongside the Kirbys before taking over thir store.
Village Florist can handle floral needs ranging from weddings and sympathy work to home arrangements and gift baskets.
"Some customers come into the shop not knowing what they want, and we'll help them as much as possible. Others know exactly what they want, and some will bring in a picture to show. And we have books they can look through," Fuller said.
Fuller said she enjoys the creative aspect of her job the most.
"I enjoy the work, and I like to create in the moment. We don't follow flower recipes and we like to create our own designs," said Fuller, who believes flowers shouldn't be overshadowed in an arrangement. "God made flowers so pretty, so there's not a lot we have to do to improve them."
Hours of operation for Village Florist, which is located at 304 Jackson Avenute in downtown Russellville, are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m. until noon Wednesday and Saturday; and closed on Sunday. For more information, call 332-1991.