GREAT FALLS — In the midst of uncertainty, joy is blossoming in Great Falls thanks to Herman's Flowers. Many people see their outdoor sign with a special message, advertising a free rose for whoever is listed on the sign.
“We started with just general names,” said owner Connie Byers-Smith. “And then people would call in or stop in to do special names for them for birthdays, anniversaries, things like that.”
Her family has owned Herman’s Flowers for more than 100 years. She says she's glad to continue a Great Falls staple while bringing new traditions of her own.
“We do have a lot of people who come by and constantly check for their names,” she said.
She is glad a simple gesture started years ago is bringing happiness and love to those needing some good news: “It was just a thought that maybe people would like to see their own names up on a board."
From birthdays and anniversaries to special holidays, she's had requests for every name in the book.
“We had one that was spelled “ABCDE’, she said. “They said that the name was Abcde.”
She's even had some names that did not make it on the board: “Somebody came in and asked if they could get one for their dog,” she said. “And we said no, (laughs) no, it has to be a real person.”
Many come in grateful to receive something special. “Some are surprised. Some people say, ‘I’ve waited for years to see my name on the sign and it's finally there,” she said.
She plans to continue her tradition of spreading positivity through petals.
“Flowers do bring a lot of joy to people especially now,” she said. “It has turned out to be really a good thing.”
Herman's Flowers is located at 1426 14th Street SW.
