Jordan Mayblum 9:26 a.m.
Friday, November 8, 2019 9:26 am
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ROCHESTER - Studley's Flower Gardens isn't just a business in downtown Rochester. It's a part of the fabric of the community, and has been for nearly a century.
But that's not to say that the business hasn't grown and changed with the times. Over the years Studley's has gone from specializing in growing cut flowers on site to being a full-service florist, garden center and landscape company with a strong eCommerce presence that ships flowers all over the country.
"We offer personalized service and customized solutions for every flower and garden lover's needs and interests," general manager Molly Meulenbroek said. "We create floral designs you won't find anywhere else, and grow a unique selection of plants specially curated for your success."
Studley's Flower Gardens was established in 1928 at its current 82 Wakefield St. location by Joshua Studley, a prominent Rochester resident who served a term as mayor of the city during the 1940s. Studley died in June of 1952, but his wife Norma continued running the business until selling it to Pieter and Betty Jane Meulenbroek in 1971.
The Meulenbroek's retired in 2008, passing the business on to their two sons, Rochester natives Jeffrey and David. Jeffrey became the president with a focus on greenhouse operations, David became vice president overseeing landscaping operations and Jeffrey's wife Molly became general manager with a focus on marketing and administration.
"We are proud to be a second-generation, family-owned business here in Rochester," Molly Meulenbroek said. "We work hard every day to live up to the standards Joshua Studley began that were continued Pieter and Betty Jane."
Flowers are still at the heart of the business, with arrangements available for holidays, weddings, proms, special occasions and more.
"We believe the floral designs we create should be as extraordinary as the milestones customers are celebrating," Molly said. "We are inspired by the power of flowers to bring joy each time someone gives or receives a floral gift.
Studley's also carefully selects each plant cultivated in their greenhouses to flourish in a customer's home or garden. They consult industry experts and carefully research the best plants for each order.
Landscaping services are also grounded in expert knowledge and decades of experience. The business is certified through the New Hampshire Landscape Association and the National Association of Landscape Professionals.
A Part of the Community
Studley's has a long history of giving back to the City of Rochester by supporting local organizations. Joshua Studley served on the Governor's Council and Rochester City Council, and Pieter and Betty Meulenbroek served on non-profit boards and commissions such as the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, the Gafney Home and Rochester Rotary Club.
Carrying on the tradition, David Meulenbroek is a past president of the board of Rochester Main Street and Jeffrey Meulenbroek is a former president of the NH Plant Growers Association (NHPGA) and serves on the steering committee for Plant Something NH.
Molly also serves on the steering committee for Plant Something NH, and chairs the Rochester Historic District Commission and recently received a Rochester Arts award for her work on behalf of the commission to save and renovate the Rochester City Hall annex. She serves as a committee volunteer for Rochester Main Street, and as a member of the Society of American Florists she has taken advantage of industry education as an advocate for the industry."
What's Coming Up?
There's a lot on the horizon for Studley's as the holiday season approaches.
"Our greenhouse is full of the ever popular poinsettia plants," Molly said. "Along with many of our seasonal plants, we grow them here on site. We grow some unique varieties and our plants are more lush and full than you'll find anywhere else in the area."
The business will also be continuing its series of Plants & Pints Nights at Revolution Tap Room, with wreath making workshops Nov. 30, Dec. 2, 3 and 4.
They will also welcome the community to Rochester Main Street's fourth annual Festival of Trees event on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 and 7.
Learn More
Studley's Flower Gardens is open Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit www.studleys.com or follow them on social media at facebook.com/studleyflowergardens, twitter.com/studleys and instagram.com/studleyflowergardens.
Jordan Mayblum writes articles for the City of Rochester