Along the Byway: Gordon Florist

We’ve been heading up and down the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway more than usual to support the woman based businesses along the way. It’s been a great deal of fun as there are many interesting establishments along the Byway.  A field of poinsettias in an Ipswich greenhouse caught my eye recently so we stopped at Gordon Florist to take a gander.

We met Peter Gordon, a co-owner who gave us some information and a tour of the various greenhouses.  Gordon Florist has been in business for 5 generations since 1922 and Pete explained to us that the greenhouses are the old fashioned glass style complete with vintage pulley and chain systems.  These greenhouses have withstood many storms over the years; in fact the “NewHouse” is so named because it ‘only’ dates to the 1950s.  These pictures were taken in the “Carnation House”.

Gordon’s seems to specialize in providing the materials you might need if you want to create your own holiday decorations using live plants.  I saw birch branches, pine boughs, wreaths without decoration and other such DIY seasonal building blocks.  In addition, there are plenty of wreaths, kissing balls and trees for people like me who need someone else’s creativity and talent.

Thanks to Pete for taking the time to talk with us and give us a tour!  If you’re driving up the Byway, you should stop at Gordons!