Business is blooming for Barry and Alisa Kaplan, owners

of Heaven's Scent, an innovative new flower shop on

Huddleston Road in Peachtree City.

Customers can select and purchase their own blooms by

the stem and either arrange them on the spot, or take them home

for placement in a favorite vase or bowl. In addition to stocking

the standard florals like roses, daisies and carnations, the Kaplans

have an eclectic assortment of sunset-colored lilies, bright blue

delphiniums, white and pink-tinged rice flowers, and exotic branches

of orchids and King Protea.

Their establishment is an open and airy garage-type structure

that houses water-filled buckets of flowers in every shape, size,

color and scent imaginable. Tables for arranging are set up along

one side. A refrigerator chills the more delicate roses.

"Here, you can put together your own bouquet and select

exactly the ones (stems) you want," Alisa said. "Earlier today, a

woman came in to buy a terminally ill friend some flowers. She

picked some bright lilies, some bright sunflowers, some

delphiniums and some daisies. She added some greenery and the whole

bouquet came to $10. She was so surprised at what she got for

the price. That's what happens when you put all your money into

the flowers; not the dish or the container. You get more bang

for your buck," Alisa explained.

The Kaplans are not newcomers to the flower business.

Barry has owned and operated a wholesale business for the past 15

years and continues to sell to metro area florists from his

refrigerated trucks. Alisa has almost as much experience to her credit.

Together, they hope to expand their market-style floral service to the

Internet, filling orders via FedEx.

Heaven's Scent also handles orders for weddings, holidays

and special occasions. Joanne Reynolds, a well-known local

floral designer is on staff to fill create the perfect arrangement

for any occasion.

The Kaplans will offer a six-week course in basic floral

design starting June 10. According to Barry, the classes will be

conducted by Nellie Queen, who teaches at Clayton State's

evening program, and cost $195, which includes all supplies.

Budding designers must register by May 31.

For additional information, call 770-632-1144 or visit Tuesday

or Wednesday 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. or Thursday, Friday and

Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Closed Sunday and

Monday. The shop is located at 120 Huddleston Road between

Cafe Pig and Carolinas Mexican Restaurant.

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