Have you ever wondered where those perfect trees, wreaths, poinsettias, and cemetery pieces come from? "Shelleys Garden Center" a family owned and operated business for nearly 65 years, located in Branford Connecticut. Every year before Thanksgiving they receive their shipment of Christmas Trees, and hat is when all the fun begins...family and friends all chip in to get the garden center set-up for the fun filled holiday season.
Wreaths are only one of the ways that everyone in the "family" can show the artistic side. "Many customers come and order their own customized wreaths that go with their individual styles", says Christiane Fowler(my mom). The selection of wreath varieties and sizes are numerous, along with beautiful ribbons that are new styles and designs yearly by mother Yvette Chambers and sisters Christiane and Taylor. Each bow is hand tied (This is not a very easy task) as each customer desires.
All the poinsettias are individually chosen from various Connecticut growers. Norman Chambers, founder (and my Great Grandfather) had very high standards of choosing the perfect plants that he passed on to his family; I was fortunate to learn this first hand, But, when you decide to purchase some of these lovely flowers just remember that they are very delicate, so each plant will be lovingly wrapped for you to bring home or give as a gift.
If you have lost a loved one you can find a large selection of evergreen cemetery adornments to place at the grave site. John Chambers current owner (my Grandfather) starts to hand make all of these pieces at the beginning of November, this is also a family taught skill and no small task. If you can't find him at his work bench than he is most likely at Dairy Queen buying his German Sheppard as ice cream cone.
My name is Henry Fowler (age 13) and I am the fourth generation to work at my family's Garden Center. I hope to see you for many years to come.
Happy Holidays
