Fulton St. Flora
How Fulton St. Flora Is Getting City-Grown Flowers Into Your Hands & Homes
Maybe you’ve passed their glass-encased pop-up shop on Prince St., or seen their iconic faded blue and white pickup truck around town. For Christian and Janelle Herr, a lifelong love of flowers turned into a business that’s become a household name in the city.
A nature-lover by heart, Janelle started gardening when she was a kid. When she married Christian, she found a partner who would assist as a laborer, delivery guy, studio hand, occasional designer, and, in their own words, a sounding board for “constructive criticism,” when need-be. “Most of all, I’m here for Janelle,” he says.
When the couple moved to — yes, you guessed it — Fulton St. in the city, they brought their love of plants with them. As their yard started to fill up, Janelle realized she could begin making small bouquets for family and friends. The idea grew until the couple ended up removing all of the grass from the plot to turn it into an agricultural flower growing area. “Our micro-urban bloom farm was born,” they said.
"Janelle is simply a natural when it comes to designing, I am always amazed at how quickly her work comes together. Myself, well, I am learning more and more every day,” Christian said of his wife’s work. “Flowers bring great joy to people.” Joyous they are, and the Herrs are on a mission to keep spreading it. “Our community is what allowed us to get to this point,” they shared. “Our friends have supported us by loaning tools, providing grunt work, or even welding, our friends have provided the push, they have added determination, creativity, they have even added a pop up park. The friendship and community in Lancaster has been here for us with open arms.”
Though the couple will no longer be operating at the Prince St. park, there are still many ways that Lancastrians can utilize their services. Fulton St. Flora is available for event floral design (weddings, special events, corporate) custom floral arrangements and bouquets (delivered if you need it) and business floral subscriptions. For bigger projects, they sometimes outsource fresh blooms, but always locally. “Our goal is to us as many local growers as we can and because of that we need a little time to run out to the farms to collect the freshest flowers possible,” they said.
They’re pleased with their business’ growth over the past few years, and would like to keep serving the community. “It's organic, honest, and has found its way into the right hearts and will continue to do so as we drive into our wedding florals schedule for this coming year. Honestly, we love it all. Large events with all the decorative trimmings down to a small bouquet. If we can continue to provide those options then we are on track with our goals,” the couple shared.
As for why they chose Lancaster, the couple notes that it’s shaping a “welcoming new future” for itself. “Around every corner is a new improvement, new idea or new business,” they said. “If you take a chance, work hard within the city and try your best you can be a part of Lancaster's new future in so many ways. We love it here.”
By: Brianna Wiest
