Congratulations to Chuck and Margaret Flaherty, Magnolia Garden Center, who have been named Magnolia Business Persons of the Year for 2009.  They are being honored for their long history of hard work and dedication in the neighborhood.

Chuck and Margaret have owned the Garden Center for almost 14 years and they have lived in Magnolia since 1985.  Both had long-time prior careers, Chuck in wine and Margaret in insurance and they started a small cut flower business in their backyard.   When the Magnolia Garden Center was for sale, they jumped at the chance to work together. 

It’s really fun owning a neighborhood business; we’ve gotten to know so many happy gardeners and fellow village business owners.  It’s a thrill and an honor to be part of the gardening lives of new gardeners, helping with their first organic vegetable gardens or designing of their first container gardens or first houseplants.  For the many experienced gardeners we see year in and out, it’s fun to hear how they and their gardens are developing as we grow older.  We are blessed to be part of many families’ holiday traditions, from the Village Tree Lighting at Open House to delivering their Christmas trees and presents to their homes.  Helping people, working with plants, greening Magnolia–that’s what we enjoy about being in business in our lovely neighborhood.