Every autumn for more than 25 years, nearly 15,000 square feet of showroom space at Green Mountain Floral Supply is transformed into a dazzling wonderland for our week-long Annual Fall & Holiday Open House. This year was no exception.
“Hosting our annual Fall and Holiday Open House is more than just showcasing our showrooms and blooms,” said Tom Jennings, owner of Green Mountain Floral Supply. It’s about building relationships. It gives our customers the opportunity to see the quality of our goods firsthand, learn about the care and passion that goes into our work, meet our staff, and feel confident in choosing us as their trusted wholesale supplier. It’s our way of saying, ‘We’re here for you, and we value your business.’”
As customers from Vermont, New Hampshire and New York, and as far away as Maine and Massachusetts, stepped through the main entrance they were greeted by a beautifully decorated grand archway woven with garland, winter berries, snowflakes, toboggans and festive ribbon galore. Snow-capped, fully decorated faux trees in blue and silver, rich gold and red, and dazzling white, created inviting twinkling vignettes for customers to browse in wonder.
Everywhere, the space radiated warmth, creativity, and inspiration, leaving customers eager to bring the magic of the season into their own businesses.
A number of new things made this year’s Open House extra engaging. Customers were invited to enjoy a special Opening Reception to kick-off the annual event, meet and mingle with Green Mountain Floral Supply’s long-time friend and Open House specialty guest designer, Marlin Hargrove, AIFD, PFCI, AAF, of Atlanta, connect with fellow floral enthusiasts and professionals, and enjoy refreshments. A challenging showroom-based scavenger hunt activity as well as a first-ever food drive to benefit the local South Burlington Food Shelf also provided a unique way for customers to interact and help benefit the larger community. Participation in both activities provided customers an opportunity to enter the Open House raffle. Congratulations again to Annette of Dragonfly Florals in Highgate Center, Vermont who won a 5’ pre-lit Federal faux Christmas tree.
With more than 40 years experience, Marlin Hargrove has established himself as an influential leader in the floral industry and was the perfect professional to partner with on this year’s Open House educational programming.
Marlin generously shared his ebullient personality, diverse expertise, deep knowledge base and “Marlinisms” with Green Mountain Floral Supply customers through a full day of back-to-back complimentary professional education sessions and exclusive showroom tours.
“The best thing about floristry is plan b, c, and d” and “(As designers and floral professionals) we need to be curious about everything” or “a little bit is good, a lot is better!”, imparted Marlin to the floral customers gathered around him during his educational sessions. Topics ranged from bow tying and creative ribbon; artful wreaths; hardgood mechanics; transitional decorating through Thanksgiving to Christmas to Winter, window decor; and much more. Customers shared overwhelmingly positive feedback about Marlin’s overall accessibility and approachability as he handled their questions with ease, sharing details and engaging stories from his long career in many different facets of the floral industry.
Throughout the full Open House week, customers also visited to take advantage of reserved showroom appointments, exclusive show specials, themed lunches, and in-house led hands-on demonstrations on bow and corsage/boutonniere making.
Mark your calendar now for our next Green Mountain Floral Supply Annual Fall & Holiday Open House, October 25 – November 1, 2025.
