Farewell, Flower Garden

The wall behind Susie’s desk has photos and hand-drawn (notably, by the late artist Bill Shurtliff) sketches of the different locations of the Flower Garden over the years.

by Marsha Chartrand

It was a summer day in June 1999, and Mike Helton was about to realize a lifelong dream of owning his own flower shop. He and his partner, Susie, had moved to Manchester fairly recently and then he discovered that Deneine Schaible had the Flower Garden for sale. It was an opportunity of a lifetime, and he grabbed it! As a floral designer, Mike had an inimitable style. He generously loved the community and the community loved him back. Susie stayed out of the limelight, primarily doing deliveries, but also learning about the business at Mike’s side until he passed away in 2016. She then took what she had learned over the past 17 years and kept on going forward as the Flower Garden.

Saturday, June 7, will be the “26th anniversary” and final day of business for Susie Helton and The Flower Garden in downtown Manchester. Susie made the difficult decision to close the store a few weeks ago, but wanted to keep the information private due to health reasons. “I’m retiring because of increasing health problems, and I can’t keep relying on volunteers to help me. I have no regrets; this is what I need to do,” she said. “But I would keep doing it if I could.”

The volunteers she mentions are numerous and varied, not to mention devoted to Susie. They include Todd Ducsay, Sue Fielder, Jennifer and Jerry Miller, Linda Reeves, Liz Roopas, Carolyn Supers, and Joseph Vigilanti. Their participation varies from deliveries to designing arrangements, much like Susie’s own experience. She is effusively grateful for their help during her many hospitalizations over the years, particularly recently. She also has great appreciation for her suppliers, Antoinette at Kennicott and Nick at Hyacinth House, for their loyalty and friendship.

Most of all, she is thankful for the community’s unfailing support and kindness to her and The Flower Garden for the past 26 years. An open house party had been scheduled for Saturday but was cancelled since Susie remains hospitalized and it’s uncertain if she’ll be able to attend. But people are welcomed to stop by, say hi, and bring cards and well-wishes for her. Or just sign the guest book with a special message for Susie.

Congratulations, Susie, on your retirement! You’ll be missed.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.