Trillium Florist: Patch Business Profile

ARDMORE, PA — The Lower Merion area is full of local businesses in which your neighbors pour their hearts.

From restaurants to health care, craft stores to legal firms, the region features a plethora of businesses ready to serve the community.

Check out Patch's profile on a local florist business below:

Business name: Trillium Florist
Nature of business: Family owned Florist
Owner: Wally Heppenstall
Address: 41 Rittenhouse Place Ardmore, PA
Founding date: 1982
Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Friday, with extended for holidays
Number of employees: 2

How would you describe your business?

Trillium Flower Shop Was Founded In 1982 By Wally Heppenstall. A Third Generation Main Line Resident. Wally Is The Third And A Trillium Flower Has Three Petals, Hence The Email - [email protected]. Wally's Wife, Booker Joined The Team Early On; She Had Owned Her Own Successful Flower Shop For Many Years. Trillium is A Small, Attention To Detail Full-Service Boutique Flower Shop. Trillium Flower Shop is a small, full-service boutique flower shop founded in 1982 by Wally Heppenstall, a third-generation Main Line resident. Wally's passion for flowers and his dedication to his community are evident in every aspect of the business. The shop's name reflects Wally's heritage and connection to the area, as well as his appreciation for the natural beauty of the trillium flower, which has three petals—a nod to the shop's unique email address, [email protected].

Wally's wife, Booker, joined the team early on, bringing her own experience and expertise from running a successful flower shop. Together, they have built a reputation for quality and personalized service, offering customers beautifully designed arrangements tailored to their needs and preferences. Unfortunately we lost Booker two years ago.
At Trillium, we source our flowers and eclectic greens both locally and from around the world, ensuring a diverse and vibrant selection. Each bloom is properly processed and conditioned, ready to be transformed into stunning custom arrangements for our customers. Our commitment to attention to detail and exceptional service sets us apart, making Trillium a cherished part of the Main Line community.

What are some of your customer’s favorite items, services or products?

Our customers have a few favorites when it comes to the products and services we offer. One standout is our award-winning orchid plants, which are loved for their elegance, beauty, and longevity. These stunning plants make wonderful gifts and can add a touch of sophistication to any space. In addition to our orchids, customers also rave about our special occasion flower arrangements. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or just because, our thoughtfully crafted arrangements bring joy and beauty to life's moments. Our party table centerpieces are another favorite, designed to enhance any event with their vibrant colors and creative designs. Wedding flowers are a significant part of our business, and our clients appreciate the personalized approach we take in bringing their visions to life. From bridal bouquets to ceremony arches, we pay close attention to detail and strive to exceed expectations. Lastly, our customers enjoy the convenience of our local delivery service, which allows us to bring our beautiful creations directly to your location, restaurant, or event venue. This service ensures that your floral arrangements arrive fresh and on time, adding a special touch to any occasion.

Does your business have any big plans in the near or far future, such as expansion, new offerings, etc.?

We have no plans to expand.

What is the best part of operating a business on the Main Line?

The best part of operating a business on the Main Line is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with our customers. At Trillium, we take pride in working closely with brides to bring their visions to life, whether it's choosing the perfect color palette for a wedding or helping them navigate the details of their special day. We also enjoy the chance to be a part of life cycle events like proms and holiday parties, creating memorable experiences through our thoughtfully curated selections.

Our connection with the community allows us to understand our clients' tastes and preferences, which helps us offer personalized service and a wide range of options for their events. Being able to support our customers through important moments in their lives and share in their joy is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. This strong bond with the Main Line community is what truly makes our work special.

What are some of the difficulties in operating your business that customers may not be aware of?

One of the challenges we face in operating our business is competing with online companies that claim to be florists but are actually middleman businesses without genuine floral experience. These companies can often offer lower prices, which may seem appealing to customers initially, but they may not provide the same level of quality, care, and expertise that a true florist like Trillium can offer.

Customers may not be aware that these middleman businesses often outsource orders to third-party suppliers, which can lead to inconsistencies in the final product. In contrast, our team at Trillium is deeply invested in each arrangement, carefully selecting and arranging every stem to ensure it meets our high standards and reflects our customers' unique tastes.
Another difficulty is the challenge of competing with the convenience and marketing reach of online businesses, which can make it harder for local businesses to stand out. However, we believe our personalized service and commitment to excellence set us apart. We take the time to understand our customers' needs and preferences, providing a level of attention and customization that online businesses simply can't match.

What are some of your favorite businesses on the Main Line?

Jack McShea's, Past Present Future, Char & Stave, & Sontuosa BYOB

Want to feature your business on Patch? Email [email protected].