HOULTON, Maine — For generations, Chadwick Florist and Greenhouse has provided southern Aroostook County with a variety of fresh flowers, house plants and gifts.
And for just the fifth time in its 112-year history, the business is under new ownership after Tammie and Rob Mulvey purchased the business from Amanda Linscott on Dec. 20, 2019, and took over on Jan. 1.
“How could I turn down an opportunity to purchase a successful business that has been around for more than 100 years?” Tammie Mulvey said. “Plus, this business really goes along with what we are doing, but expands that to include more products. We love it.”
The Mulveys are no strangers to the plant business as the Hodgdon couple have operated their successful Pleasant View Tree Farm in Hodgdon for the past eight years, selling Christmas trees, wreaths, vegetable seedlings, annuals and more from 1190 Calais Road in Hodgdon.
Rob Mulvey, however, has worked in the Christmas tree business since 1991 and six years ago added a second Christmas tree location in Searsmont to serve customers in Waldo County.
“We will bring a lot of our products from our Hodgdon store here,” Tammie Mulvey said. “People will be able to purchase apple trees, blueberry and raspberry bushes, perennials and other types of shrubs.”
One thing that won’t change right off is the presence of Linscott as she agreed to remain with the business. Diane Lincoln, another employee under Linscott’s ownership, will also be staying.
“Amanda is staying on for a year to help with the transition,” Tammie Mulvey said. “I told her I wasn’t going to buy [the business] without her.”
Tammie Mulvey said her biggest challenge in taking over the floral business will be learning the specifics of creating floral arrangements, and also juggling her time between the two businesses she owns. She also plans to expand the amount of house plants offered.
“I love new challenges,” she said. “It’s very exciting.”
Besides flowers, Chadwick Florist and Greenhouse also has a wide array of gift items, including mugs and stuffed animals and also offers tuxedo rentals. Hand-made signs by Ellen Tidd can also be found at the shop.
Chadwick Florist and Greenhouse, located at 23 Spring St. in Houlton. For information, visit mechadwickflorist.com or Pleasant View Tree Farm at pleasantviewtreefarm.com.