Winchester Florists Ramp Up for Mother's Day

Mahoney's Garden Center and Pondview Florist in Winchester have seen an uptick in business of late as Mother's Day approaches. 

Business is Good

Despite wetter weather this year compared to 2012, business has increased at Mahoney's recently for Mother's Day, which is Sunday, according to company spokeswoman Lisa Roberts.

"Spring 2013 has been wetter and colder longer this year compared to the exceptionally early warm spring last year, so to start we were a little behind, but the last week was nice and sunny and we've caught up, so we (are) about the same," she said.

Meanwhile, Pondview Florist owner Diane DeSimone said business has been very busy this week ahead of the holiday.

"It's a lot of everything," DeSimone, of Melrose, said of the items selling quickly at her shop. "It's flowers, plants and arrangements with cut flowers."

Popular Flowers for Mother's Day 

Among the popular flowers being sold at Mahoney's this week are hydrangeas – both cut flower arrangements and living plants— as well as tulips, according to Roberts. Mahoney's is also running some last-minute deals on flowers such as Mandevilla, Hydrangeas and New Guinea Impatiens, according to the company's website.

Marc Picariello, a Stoneham resident and floral designer for Pondview Florist, said the shop gets a lot of requests from customers for mixed arrangements for Mother's Day.

"I would definitely say it is busier than Valentine's Day," Picariello said at the bustling shop Thursday afternoon.

Added Business

Picariello said that Pondview is also handling flowers for a couple weekend events unrelated to Mother's Day, which is just making things that much more busy at the shop. Among the events being tackled by the shop are communions, parties and a wedding, according to DeSimone.

"I have seen an influx of orders, especially earlier orders," he said. "People will usually call us which is better because we want to make sure for the holiday that the order has been taken and it is good to go."

Special Delivery

Pondview will likely have 3-4 vehicles making deliveries on Mother's Day, while Mahoney's anticipates using a couple more vehicles than usual including two new vans.

As far as the holiday weekend goes, Pondview will have several people working at the store including a couple more people than usual, while Mahoney's stores will have about 350 people working which is a few more than last year.