Simplicity, serenity, splendor, and warmth welcome shoppers as they cross the threshold of the new florist in town, Green Wood Flowers.

By Janice Llanes Fabry

Simplicity, serenity, splendor, and warmth welcome shoppers as they cross the threshold of the new florist in town, Green Wood Flowers. Owners Thomas and Jenny Seok have carved their own little piece of paradise at the Hanover House at 15 Purchase Street next to Arcade Books. Having had so much success the last five years at their original shop in Bronxville, the couple decided to open a second location.

“We’ve heard a lot of good things about the Rye community,” said Jenny. “We wanted a little studio that’s set back, so we can have more time to get to know our customers.”

They love facing the Square House Museum, whose garden intrigues them. “They seem to have unusual plants, so we are excited to see what will pop up in springtime,” said Jenny.

Charcoal walls, black commercial shelving, and wooden floors provide the perfect backdrop to the vibrant floral bounty. Soft track lighting illuminates such natural embellishments as their own handmade birch decorations, dried hydrangea and eucalyptus wreaths. Thomas intricately adorned tree branches with cotton, cardinals and twinkling lights to frame the focal arched window ever so delicately.

There was a time when the Seoks weren’t absorbed in horticulture. After emigrating from Korea, they earned their MBAs at Iona College’s Hagan School of Business and both went on to work for an investment company. When they started a family, Jenny needed more flexibility to raise their son and daughter, now 12 and 11, so she worked as a realtor for ten years.

As a result of the 2008 financial crisis, Thomas and Jenny decided to go in a completely different direction. After all, he always had a green thumb and her passion for flowers was awakened at the New York Botanical Garden’s floral design classes.

“My mom was a great gardener, but I didn’t realize that I enjoyed it as much until I started taking classes,” admitted Jenny, whose keen eye and fine taste have served her well.

Now, while Thomas is the plant interior/exterior designer, she handles the floral designs for any occasion, from a dining room centerpiece to a full-blown wedding. Green Wood carries all seasonal flowers. Currently on display are tulips, anemone, and scabiosa from Holland, as well as hydrangea (Jenny’s favorite) and daffodils. Among their many houseplants are African violets, hyacinths, kalanchoe, succulents, and ferns. They also carry a beautiful selection of Phalaenopsis and Miltonia orchids, and more specialized species come spring.

Jenny expressed the couple’s determination to meet their new customers’ needs, inside and outside their homes. “We want to get involved and to support our new community any way we can.”

Green Wood Flowers is open from 9-6, except on Tuesdays (flower market day) and Sundays. Stop by or call 305-1511.