Flowers on Savannah blooms in Lewes

When Paul Miller moved to the Cape Region six years ago, he swore he wouldn't work in the floral industry. But at the encouragement of friends, he met with a local florist and was hired on the spot. He spent the next few years working for two local floral shops doing what comes naturally to him.

But it was time to move on, he said, and when a space became available just outside Lewes he knew it was time to go out on his own. Flowers on Savannah opened Feb. 5 just west of the railroad crossing on Savannah Road. In his first month, Miller said, business is already booming.

“I think we have a lot to offer that other places can't,” he said. “I just love doing this, and I was restricted somewhat at the other places. They kind of put you in your own little niche.”

Working for local florists, he said, he saw some areas that were being missed. He hopes to fill those voids with his creative creations and unique, but popular items, such as tropical fresh-cut flowers in the summer. He said they will be available for pickup or delivery all summer.

Miller describes his shop as a full-service florist, offering services for weddings, sympathy and special occasions. Arrangements and smaller items are also available for pickup, he said. The shop is open until 6 p.m. on weekdays, later than his competitors, he said, which has been good for folks on the way to visit friends or family at Beebe Healthcare.

He also takes appointments and often meets with clients after hours to ensure interruptions are kept to a minimum, he said.

Special arrangements will be offered for holidays. He will also sell unique indoor plants, orchids and flowering plants, and advertise weekly specials on flowers like roses and sunflowers.

Miller comes from a line of florists. When he was growing up in northern New Jersey in the '80s and '90s, his family owned and operated about a half dozen flower shops. He attended the School of Floral Arts & Design in New Jersey, where he completed course work in floral design and shop management. He eventually took over one of his parents' shops and operated it for six years. He then moved to Delaware. He's confident his extensive background and training in the industry will result in a successful business.

“It takes strict management,” he said. “In a way, it's like produce. It's perishable, and it has to be properly taken care of.”

Flowers on Savannah, 16298 Savannah Road, is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday. The shop will deliver from the Indian River Inlet to Milton and as far west as Millsboro. For more information, call the shop at 302-313-5435 or find them on Facebook.