Goodbye to Cottage Flowers

I came across a lovely window message this morning as Archie and I walked to the shop, and I wanted to share it here as I thought what a beautiful way of saying goodbye and acknowledging all who have supported her business.

I don’t personally know Lynley, but I have purchased flowers from her on various occasions throughout the years, mostly by phone, and she and her team have always provided wonderful customer service.

I know how much of myself I’ve put into Inspire Me over the last 13 years, and I have enormous respect for anyone who has not only run a business for 42 years but has ensured that it continued to provide great service to their local community. And not only that, Cottage Flowers has also managed to stay relevant in a world that has changed enormously during that time. You are an inspiration Lynley.

Their beautiful window displays have also provided me with a lot of pleasure as I’ve walked by over the years, and I will miss it on my walks to the shop.

Enjoy your time painting and hanging out in what I’m sure will be a beautiful garden Lynley…

PS: I tried to find Lynley on Facebook, but couldn’t, and I would really appreciate anyone who is friends with her, passing on my best wishes.

Later ...

I popped into Cottage Flowers yesterday to properly meet Lynley and share with her the personal messages several people had left on the Facebook post I did a couple of days ago. She’s not on Facebook so she hadn’t seen them.

Lynley asked me to let everyone know how much she appreciates everyone who has supported her business over the years. She said her customers and the pleasure she got from being able to do what she loved doing is why she did it for so long. 51 years in fact!

Before I left I looked around and thought ‘I really need to come back tomorrow with Georgia and pick up some bits and pieces for the shop’.

So, I picked Georgia up this morning and as we drove I said ‘do you think we should set a budget?’ to which she instantly replied ‘YES!’, to which I replied ‘maybe not, cos then I’d just feel bad when I blow it.’ LOL

It was a real pleasure spending a couple hours or so with Lynley today, getting to know her a little and picking out all sorts of wonderful things that’ll make great props in the shop. We were also trying to channel Viv who’s on leave at the moment because we knew she’d love some of the gorgeousness for her photography.

People were coming and going while we were there, including those who wanted to buy fresh flowers, not realising that Lynley is closing down Cottage Flowers. Georgia and I could feel the genuine sense of loss she felt as she said “I’m very sorry, but I’m closing down”. She admitted how hard it was to say those words, and after being in business for 51 years, I can only imagine what it must feel like to say goodbye.

← Next Post Previous Post →