Nov 19, 2007

Flower shop hopes to make the grade in old Ledgeview schoolhouseBy Charity OlsonGreenBayPressGazette.com

The old schoolhouse at Dickinson and Creamery roads in the town of Ledgeview has been a piece of history for many in the area who attended school there or, in more recent years, stopped in to explore antiques.

The school recently underwent a makeover and welcomed a new occupant — a store with a mix of yesterday and today rolled into one.

The Cutting Garden, owned and operated by De Pere resident Carmen Carter, opened as a full-service florist and gift shop that offers what Carter calls a unique and personal touch.

“I realize everyone has something different that they like, and we offer that customization,” Carter said. “I have customers who come in and share what the recipient likes, and we incorporate that into the arrangement.”

An arrangement of flowers and pheasant feathers is a creation that was inspired by Carter’s husband, who is a bird hunter. It made Carmen realize that, with more than 21 years of experience doing flowers, her favorite part was the people and making them happy.

“I know I like different things that aren’t the norm,” Carter said. “Others probably have that same perspective, so I thought this was an opportunity to offer something different.”

Read complete article.