There are numerous occasions to show love and affection. The result is making a lasting impression with that other person. Researching for the right gift or service takes time. Checking online or asking friends are often the preferred methods of finding suitable gifts. That could be time-consuming and potentially expensive.
That will not happen when you arrive at Smell D Roses, LLC, located on 1175 Post Road in Warwick. Shop Owner Larry O’Brien has a wide range of floral arrangements and selective gift ideas to highlight any milestone. His shop features flowers from various regions; ideas on their setup and presentation, and what people can do post-purchase to keep it fresh.
O’Brien said that his love of flowers started early and has grown—literally and figuratively—over the years.
“I began my journey into floral design when I was 17 years old,” he said. “I loved gardening flowers and worked with my mother and grandmother early on to learn more. I could see colors and could put them all together as far back as high school. I was able to gain experience through a couple of early jobs. It would be what set up the seeds for owning my own business.
“I knew that this was what I wanted to do for a career,” he said.
He was able to decipher soil and mineral characteristics, and learned what flowers thrived under which conditions. He said that it took a lot of trial and error to determine the best solutions. His passion for gardening early in his life also sparked his life-long passion toward helping others in this field.
From those beginnings, followed his foray into becoming a business owner. His first business was “Flowers R Us,” in East Greenwich, in the late 1990s. Larry said that he likes having one letter in his store titles. He also worked as a licensed wedding planner for some time.
He also owned a store named “Roses and Balloons,” that offered exactly what the name implies. One year after the Covid-19 outbreak, he opened Smell D Roses, in 2021. In October, O’Brien celebrated his third anniversary at this current location.
As the holidays will arrive soon, O’Brien unveiled a unique way of commemorating a loved one, such as a family member or pet. He offers classes for groups of four people or more to build their very own memory trees! He provides the materials needed to make the project happen. All participants need to do is bring any personal items with them. That might range from photos, heirlooms, and other small items that could be included. People can also put on lights to make it more festive, which Larry can assist with anyone who might be “all thumbs.”
It is a one-night, several hour course that can be an occasion builder, and keep someone’s life and memory alive. Larry said that the memories last long after his class ends.
“Anyone can come in and build a one-of-a-kind item that will resonate with the creators,” Larry said.
“I use a boxwood tree because they last longer than other types of trees. People have the option of doing it themselves or having me do it for them. The finished trees are displayed in the store throughout the holidays, at which point, customers can either take the tree home or leave it here.”
The trees measure 18 inches tall and will need to be watered to maintain its freshness. The classes are often held on Mondays and Wednesdays, after business hours, from 6:00 PM to
8:00 PM.
He added that business has been “really good” since its opening, and that he hopes the coming year will be even more prosperous. Despite opening during the throes of Covid, O’Brien said that he was able to build his shop and earn a reputation for providing excellent products with premier customer service.
He is also a fan of giving back to the community. O’Brien is involved with several organizations that are important to him. His hope is raising some money and awareness for them during the holidays.
Smell D Roses, LLC offers fresh flowers, plants, succulents/cactus, dish gardens, large floor plants, orchids, fruit/gift/gourmet baskets, balloons, handmade items from supporting local artists. He specializes in weddings and funerals.
“People need to stop in to fully appreciate what I offer at my specialty florist,” Larry said.
Smell D Roses is open weekdays from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM, Saturday from 8:00 AM to
3:00 PM, and Sunday, by appointment only.
More details may be obtained by calling Larry O’Brien at 401-900-7673, or by emailing him at smelldroses2021@gmail.com.
Gift ideas and other information may be found by visiting his website at www.smelldroseswarwick.com.
