You know those places that just feel like they belong in a storybook? That’s basically the vibe you get when you pull up to Rose of Sharon Dunstable. It isn't some generic, strip-mall flower shop with refrigerated roses that look like they've been sitting there since the last millennium. Honestly, it’s a whole different animal. Nestled at 101 Pleasant Street, this spot—officially known as The Rose of Sharon at Blossom Hill—is part floral design studio, part gift shop, and part actual working flower farm.
If you’ve lived around Dunstable, Massachusetts, for a while, you probably remember when the shop was just a local florist. It has been a staple in the community for over 30 years. But since 2013, when Melissa Oothout took over the reins from the original owner, Jimmy Cerchiaro, the place has transformed into something much more "farm-to-vase."
The Magic of the Blossom Hill Flower Farm
Walking onto the property in the middle of summer is kind of an experience. Most people don’t realize that from mid-July until the first frost hits New England, a huge chunk of the flowers used in their arrangements are grown right there on the hill. We aren't just talking about a couple of marigolds. They grow some seriously high-end stuff:
- Dahlias (the absolute stars of the show)
- Lisianthus (which looks like a rose but is way hardier)
- Foxgloves
- Zinnias
- Sunflowers
The thing about growing your own flowers is that you can offer "fragile" varieties that don't survive being shoved into a shipping box and flown across the country from South America. Those giant, plate-sized dahlias you see on Pinterest? They don't travel well. But at Rose of Sharon Dunstable, they just walk out to the field, snip them, and put them in a bouquet. It makes a massive difference in how long the flowers last and how vibrant the colors are.
✨ Don't miss: Why the Siege of Vienna 1683 Still Echoes in European History Today
Why the "Slow Flower" Movement Matters Here
Melissa and her team are big on sustainable farming. They practice "organic lean" farming, which basically means they aren't drenching their fields in nasty herbicides or pesticides. It’s part of the whole "slow flower" movement—the idea that you should buy flowers that are in season and grown locally.
When the New England winter inevitably shuts down the fields, they don't just give up. They source their blooms as locally and sustainably as possible. It’s a bit of a puzzle every winter, but they’ve been doing it for decades, so they know who has the good stuff.
What Most People Get Wrong About Rose of Sharon Dunstable
There is one big thing you need to know if you're trying to order from them online. If you search for "Rose of Sharon Dunstable," you might land on some generic Teleflora or BloomNation site.
🔗 Read more: Why the Blue Jordan 13 Retro Still Dominates the Streets
Pro tip: Don't order through those big third-party sites. The shop actually has a warning on their website about this. Those big national networks often show generic arrangements with flowers that might not even be in season in Massachusetts. If you want the real-deal, artistic stuff that the "Team Blossom" designers (like Melissa and Kimberly Duggan) are known for, you’ve got to call them directly at (978) 649-7559 or use their actual website.
Wedding Floral Design: The Local Heavyweight
If you’re getting married anywhere in the Boston Metro or Central Mass area, you’ve likely heard this name. They are a preferred vendor for some of the most iconic venues around, like the Barn at Gibbet Hill in Groton or the Bedford Village Inn.
What makes them different for weddings? It’s the texture. They love using "bits and bobs" that other florists might overlook—pods, berries, and interesting greenery. They treat a bridal bouquet more like a piece of art than a round ball of roses. They’ve been voted a "People's Choice" favorite for years, and for good reason. They do the whole nine yards:
💡 You might also like: Sleeping With Your Neighbor: Why It Is More Complicated Than You Think
- Arch and altar decor
- Cake florals (yes, real flowers on the cake)
- Flower girl crowns
- Elaborate centerpieces
Navigating the Practical Side of Things
Located right on Pleasant Street, the shop has those classic New England hours. They are usually open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, and they close a bit earlier on Saturdays (usually around 2:00 PM). Sunday? Forget about it—they’re closed to the public, though they do give special attention to funeral deliveries on those days because, well, life doesn't always wait for business hours.
Their delivery area is actually pretty wide for a small-town shop. They cover:
- Dunstable (obviously)
- Groton
- Tyngsboro
- Pepperell
- Westford
- Acton
- Littleton
If you’re trying to send something further out, they usually have a list of other independent florists they trust to recommend. It’s that old-school community vibe where they’d rather you get good flowers from a competitor than bad flowers from a big corporation.
Essential Actionable Insights for Your Next Visit
If you're planning on stopping by or ordering, keep these few things in mind to get the best experience:
- Go for the "Mason Jar" Special: In the summer, their farm-to-table Mason Jar arrangements are the best bang for your buck. They use whatever is blooming that morning.
- Call, Don't Click: For custom work, a five-minute phone call is better than any online order form. You can tell them the "vibe" (like "bright and wild" or "moody and dark"), and they’ll nail it.
- Check the Seasonal Schedule: If you specifically want dahlias, aim for late August or September. If you want tulips, think spring.
- Ask About the Shop Dog: Poppy Rose is the resident "Flower Inspector." If she's there, she's usually the highlight of the trip.
- Book Early for Events: If you have a June wedding or a Valentine's Day emergency, don't wait. Because they are a smaller, high-quality team, they hit capacity way faster than the big-box shops.
Whether you're looking for a "just because" bouquet or planning a 200-person gala, Rose of Sharon Dunstable is a reminder that local expertise and a bit of dirt under the fingernails will always beat a generic assembly-line floral shop. Support the farm, get better flowers, and keep the "fairy tale" property on Pleasant Street blooming.