The Ellis family traces its history of working with plants to the late 1800s, when they operated a pottery-manufacturing company in Texas. Current-generation family members build from their familial expertise at all five of their store locations, spread between Louisiana and Texas. Twice a year, the Ellises travel overseas to identify upcoming horticulture trends decided by UN meetings in The Hague. This has expanded their decorative focus to include all aspects of home décor to complement greenhouses filled with tropical blooms and locally grown shrubbery. Clocks, lamps, and vases score homeowners extra credit in interior-design classes, and fountains and outdoor furniture make gardens hospitable for warm weather. For those who want to get ahead on holiday decorating, they offer an extensive selection of seasonal decor and accents year round. The Ellises encourage creativity with hands-on classes in subjects such as making centerpieces, weaving wreaths, and tying ribbon into perfect bows.
Since 1988, owner Rita Hall and Cloverdale Florists’ team of professional florists have banded fresh buds into festive bouquets. Roses and tulips pair with hydrangea, lilies, and orchids in a variety of festive arrangements to celebrate occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or teeth cleanings. A selection of potted plants blossom within households, and fruit-and-flower gift baskets combine edible and aesthetic pleasure. The colorful petals of customized bridal bouquets, floral cake decorations, centerpieces, and wedding ceremonial flowers can distract guests from the groom’s drooping toupee.