MUSCATINE, Iowa–Since her teen years, Karen Garrett has worked in the floral industry. Over time, her passion for it grew and she decided to open her own shop, along with the help of co-owner Julie Schildt. “I started working at 15 at Carlson Floral here in town and I just continued on and decided to open my own store,” she recollected.

Now, 30 years later, Flowers on the Avenue has a little bit of everything to delight flower lovers and those looking for the perfect gift. Flowers on the Avenue can provide bouquets of any size for everyday occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries, as well as larger custom arrangements for weddings and funerals. Garrett and Schildt work carefully with each customer to make sure they understand exactly what would suit them and create stunning arrangements in all price ranges. They encourage you to come visit them in person at 1138 East Ninth Street in Muscatine between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. and noon on Saturdays. “We prefer to meet one on one–we can get a better idea of what they want rather than trying to explain it over the phone,” said Garrett.

Along with their beautiful flowers and plants, Flowers on the Avenue also carries a wide array of one of a kind gifts. From cozy shawls, to dazzling jewelry, to wooden bowls hand carved by a local artist, Flowers on the Avenue has the perfect gift for even the pickiest people to shop for. “We like to buy local, or at least Iowa made,” Garrett emphasized.

In their three decades of business, Flowers on the Avenue has garnered quite a following, and demand for their creations has grown over the years. To improve their selection and enlarge their space for customers, Flowers on the Avenue recently extended into the neighboring storefront. Garrett, who owns the building Flowers on the Avenue occupies explained, “when the last person left, we decided to expand–we needed the room.” Their additional space currently houses many of their locally made gifts and promises to hold even more fun creations soon.

To celebrate their first 30 years in business, Flowers on the Avenue held a special open house Oct. 7 through 9. The weekend celebration kicked off with an in-store performance by local musician Joey Peate. Garrett recalls, “it was kind of a special night.” The open house continued over the next several days with giveaways celebrating the work of local artisans.

Since the start, Flowers on the Avenue has belonged to the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and has appreciated their support for local small businesses. “We’ve been a member forever, since we opened, to be community oriented,” Garrett remarked.

Taking care of the Muscatine community has always mattered to Garrett, as she appreciates the many friendships she has formed with clients over the years. “We have a good client base and it’s fun to meet people in a small town community.”