07/10/2021
Driving through Franklinâs Grassland Village, near the Battleground Sonic and the Tractor Supply, itâs easy to notice a distinctive landmark building with metal green roof and outdoor bistro tables. The charm of this building is enhanced by an impressive array of colorful flowers framing the doorway of Steven McLellanâs Garden Delights Fine Florist, a shop filled with novel flowers and gifts. McLellan first came to Nashville from his native Oklahoma to attend Belmont University, and heâs been a Tennessean ever since. A lifelong flower aficionado, he opened Garden Delights in Nashville 28 years ago, then moved the shop to its permanent home on Hillsboro Road in 2000. Entering the shop feels like crossing the threshold into a fairy house wonderland. The lush look is created by McLellan and well-known designer Kris Bagbey, using nature-inspired artwork, live plants, soaps & lotions, tabletop, jewelry and vintage-style cachepots. Shoppers will find gifts and home decor by makers such as Memphisâ , personal care, .violets plants, and pebble art by Canadaâs Sharon Nowlan, along with an extensive selection of high-quality silk flowers. Fresh flowers are sourced both locally and from as far away as Israel and South America. In addition to their gift and floral business, McLellan and his team have designed thousands of weddings and now focus their efforts on corporate events and private parties. Floral arrangements can be ordered in advance, delivered, or picked up last-minute from the storeâs display cooler. Varieties regularly include roses in many colors, antique garden roses, hydrangea, gerbera daisies, fragrant oriental lilies, a large selection of potted orchids, and seasonal wildflowers.
Friday afternoons and all day Saturday is âHappy Flower Hour,â when individual fresh floral stems can be purchased, unarranged, for half price. Be sure and say hello to Mr. Delphinium, the storeâs friendly resident cat! 2179 Hillsboro Road, Franklin. Archipelago Botanicals Garden Delights Fine Florist Kris Bagbey Optimara African Violets Creative Co-Op, Inc.