Floral & Garden Design in Highlands, NJ
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or any of our services on a larger scale and receive 20% off
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Written by Two River Times.
Published on February 15, 2013
By John Burton
HIGHLANDS – Valentine’s Day is an important day for many, but most definitely for a florist. This year, it’s more important than ever for Nancy Burton.
Burton’s shop, In the Garden, was heavily damaged in late October by Super Storm Sandy. Since then she has been working feverishly to get everything completed for its planned Feb. 14 reopening. She is hoping to take advantage of the business that day – Valentine’s Day – tends to offer those in her line of work.
The day also has a special significance for her business.
Nancy Burton stands in front of her florist shop, In the Garden. She has been working to get her Highlands floral and plant studio ready to reopen on Valentine’s Day.
Burton initially opened In the Garden in February 2005 – Feb. 7 to be exact – first on the corner of Bay Avenue and Miller Street. She moved the business about two years ago to its current location, 69 Waterwitch Ave. Coming back and reopening on Feb. 14, as Highlands continues coming back, resonated with Burton.
“It just seemed really appropriate,” she said. “I’m kind of excited to open on Valentine’s Day, for the business and to be able to pay back some of the costs. But it’s also the nostalgia of Valentine’s Day” in relation to when she first opened.
Burton, a 37-year-old lifelong Highlands resident, said she walked back into the borough after Sandy when authorities weren’t letting anyone drive in. She was worried about her borough home and her business.
Her home was flooded with about 32 inches of water, keeping her and her family out of it for more than 20 days during which time they lived with friends in Atlantic Highlands. The repair work at home is continuing.
Burton had prepped her business for the storm, storing equipment on upper shelves, unplugging and putting electrical devices away and not restocking the refrigerators following a couple of large event orders she completed just prior to the storm. She believed the shop should be all right if the water rose to about 3½ feet. But the water came in and rose more than 5 feet, Burton said, pointing to a marker still on the shop’s wall, put there by a Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) inspector, showing the water’s height.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was worse than I could have imagined,” she said of the damage caused by the storm. “It looked like a tidal wave came through the store.”
She recalled how items were washed up toward the shop’s front, including her more than 7-foot tall floral refrigerators that had actually floated in the floodwater. Her front window had been smashed, as well.
“Everything that wasn’t latched down got washed out with the tide,” she said.
As she surveyed the damage, she stood in front of her store, “a local guy walked by and gave me a big hug and I just cried.”
Since then, Burton has moved forward, forming a new partnership with her two former co-workers, Jenna Morris and Eileen Rico, and the three have been working to get the business up and running again.
Burton said it will cost her about only $10,000 to get the operation back on track, thanks to the work contributions of her father, a woodworker, and a nephew’s construction business.
In The Garden is a floral and plant studio where Burton and her partners specialize in weddings and other special events, garden design and maintenance.
Burton said working with plants and flowers “is basically in my blood.” Both her mother and grandmothers have been avid gardeners.
Burton studied at the New York Botanical Garden School of Professional Horticulture. She had been thinking about starting her own business – another longtime dream – and opening a floral and plant studio seemed appropriate, she said.
Burton, who has returned to her Highlands home with her two toddler sons and husband Rob Burton, a Highlands police officer, insisted, she is here to stay. “We were able to grow up here,” on the shore, loving all that it provided. “I want the same for my kids.”
She also jokes that, given what she and her neighbors have gone through with this and previous storms, “the webbing on my feet gets a little thicker.”
Editor’s note: John Burton and Nancy Burton’s husband Rob are cousins.
HIGHLANDS — In the Garden, a floral and plant studio specializing in weddings, special events, garden design and maintenance will reopen its doors on Feb. 14. Located in the downtown shopping district of this coastal town, In the Garden was flooded with more than five feet of water during the storm surge, sustaining major damage to the building, interior, and inventory.
Post-storm improvements include repurposed mahogany panelling and crown molding on the walls for a contemporary urban- chic aesthetic sure to appeal to their steady clientele of brides, beach-goers, and local Jersey Shore residents.
Owner Nancy Burton, who founded In the Garden in 2005, is thrilled about her decision to make In the Garden a stronger,smarter, more successful business by not only physically renovating the shop but bringing aboard two new business partners, Jenna Morris and Eileen Ricco.
Burton says: “This rebuilding period is the perfect opportunity to expand and grow the business as a whole. The talent and experience that these two ladies possess will be a fantasticaddition to the roots of In the Garden” Burton attended The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) School of Professional Horticulture and has extensive knowledge of horticulture and floral design. In addition to her 15plus years of experience with cut flowers, Burton also specializes in garden and interior plant installation and maintenance. Her passion and experience come to life with every project she takes on, and every piece she creates includes a personal touch.
Morris found her home at In the Garden in 2007 and brought her own style and eye for design that continue to be an asset to the business. She strives for perfection with all of her events and consistently surpasses her clients’ expectations.
Morris says: “I love the creative process of floral design,and the satisfaction of helping people realize their vision. I am thrilled to partner with In The Garden and be a part of their continued success.”
Ricco is a talented gardener and plant lover studying Garden Design at NYBG. Her enthusiasm and work ethic is contagious.
“Expanding the ownership and working as a team towards the same goals will lead to endless possibilities, Ricco says. “I am very excited. Our future is bright! ” In the Garden is at 69 Waterwitch Ave., Highlands.
Store hours are by appointment Monday to Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Information: 732-291-0311 or www.InThe GardenNJ.com.
From left Jenna Morris, Nancy Burton and Eileen Ricco of In the Garden, a plant and floral studio in Highlands. PHOTO COURTESY OF IN THE GARDEN
HIGHLANDS – When Hurricane Sandy pummeled the borough’s historic downtown, it did not spare In The Garden, the floral and garden design shop on Waterwitch Avenue.
Five feet of water flooded the shop, knocked over tall coolers and did untold destruction to the shop’s flowerbeds.
But after months of hard work and some clever bartering, the shop reopened Wednesday, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
“When we actually figured out that we could open by Valentine’s Day, that was our target date,” said Nancy Burton, who owns the shop with Jenna Morris and Eileen Ricco.
While other businesses impacted by Sandy have chosen not to rebuild, Burton said the decision to rebuild was simple.
“For one thing, the phone kept ringing. That’s the first feeling that you’re still needed and wanted,” Burton said. “And all three of us live here, so we wanted to do it for the town.”
Eileen Ricco arranges a basket at In The Garden in Highlands, one day after the flower and garden design shop reopened following Hurricane Sandy.Rob Spahr / NJ.comThe decision not to relocate to higher ground was also easy.
“Normally we have a great following of clients in Highlands. We have so many regulars who come in on a weekly basis for their long-stem rose or wrapped bouquets,” Burton said. “We’re also right by the Seastreak Ferry, so we get a lot of people coming in for the weekend bouquets. It’s a lot of locals as well as a lot of out-of-towners, because I think we offer a unique style and good quality.”
Burton owned the shop by herself prior to the storm, but due to the significant effort it would take to rebuild, she brought on Morris and Ricco as partners.
“We thought it was just a good idea that we take it on together, because it’s overwhelming for one person to handle. But for three people to take it on is pretty powerful,” Morris said. “And I think it’s a great time for a fresh start. We’re starting from scratch and building it together.”
But before they could start from scratch, they had to clean out what was left of the existing shop and the debris that Sandy left behind.
“It was so awful. Everybody knew the damage was bad. But when we finally got back in to see it for ourselves, it was heartbreaking,” Ricco said.
“We’re actually trading wedding flowers for the work,” Morris said. “It’s really an old-fashioned sort of trade system we’ve got here. But both of the gentleman from the construction company (Char-ron Construction) are getting married this year, so we’ll do the flowers for their weddings.”
And while the visible destruction from the storm has been pretty much cleaned up or repaired, Ricco said the full extent of the damage will not be known for some time.
“We’re really not going to know what we’re up against until the growing season starts. If things don’t grow back, we’re going to have to replace them. So there’s a lot of work still to be done,” said Ricco, who works mostly with the shop’s garden operations. “Our plants were beautiful before, but hopefully we can make them just as beautiful or even more beautiful.”
This sign hung in front of In The Garden in Highlands, letting residents of the Sandy-ravaged community know that the flower and garden design shop would be reopening.Rob Spahr / NJ.comOn Thursday, the product of their hard work was a busy shop and a strong showing of support from the community.
“It’s been amazing. All people have been doing is honking, waving and stopping in just to say hi. And I think it’s because it’s colorful. The flowers are fresh and alive, and people love it,” Burton said. “A lot of people are still displaced from town, but came back just to get their flowers for today.”
Natalie Nichol is still displaced from her Sea Bright home, but made a point to drive from Asbury Park, where she is currently staying, to Highlands to support the shop.
“Every time I hear that something is reopening, I try get out there that day or at least within their first few days open to show them support,” Nichol said while buying a bouquet of flowers. “And this is very special for downtown Highlands. Everybody is still looking for normalcy, and seeing bright colors and flowers here brings you back to normal. It makes you feel like spring is coming.”
Eyewitness News
HIGHLANDS (WABC) – At “In the Garden”, things are finally blooming again. The flower shop is finally back in business after Sandy shut it down. This is a mark that serves as a badge of honor for Nancy Burton. Burton decided to reopen and take on two new partners Eileen Ricco and Jenna Morris. The shop’s reopening is a sign that the community is pulling together by helping each other. The recovery in the Highlands has been slow, and many shops are still closed, so residents are thrilled to see the flower shop open again. On Valentine’s Day, the day so many florists count on, Burton is counting on her customers. “I can’t wait to see all my customers,” Burton says, “I know they’ll be back.” They will be visiting a remodeled shop where there is a renewed sense of passion. Burton’s family’s home was also flooded, and she is still working on getting it renovated. Meanwhile, sales on Valentine’s Day have been pretty good. She sold 50 dozen roses, almost what she does normally on any other Valentine’s Day.
At “In the Garden”, things are finally blooming again. The flower shop is finally back in business after Sandy shut it down. This is a mark that serves as a badge of honor for Nancy Burton.
Burton decided to reopen and take on two new partners – Eileen Ricco and Jenna Morris. The shop’s reopening is a sign that the community is pulling together by helping each other. The recovery in the Highlands has been slow, and many shops are still closed, so residents are thrilled to see the flower shop open again.
On Valentine’s Day, the day so many florists count on, Burton is counting on her customers.
“I can’t wait to see all my customers,” Burton says, “I know they’ll be back.”
They will be visiting a remodeled shop where there is a renewed sense of passion.
Burton’s family’s home was also flooded, and she is still working on getting it renovated. Meanwhile, sales on Valentine’s Day have been pretty good. She sold 50 dozen roses, almost what she does normally on any other Valentine’s Day.
Highlands, New Jersey (February 1, 2013) – In the Garden, a floral and plant studio specializing in weddings, special events, garden design and maintenance will reopen its doors on February 14th, 2013. Located in the downtown shopping district of this coastal town, In the Garden was flooded with more than five feet of water during the storm surge, sustaining major damage to the building, interior, and inventory. Post-storm improvements include repurposed mahogany panelling and crown molding on the walls for a contemporary urban-chic aesthetic sure to appeal to their steady clientele of brides, beach-goers, and local Jersey Shore residents. As well as custom designed organizing solutions from The Container Store and Furniture from Creative Displays and Designs.
Owner Nancy Burton, who founded In The Garden in 2005, is thrilled about her decision to make In the Garden a stronger, smarter, more successful business by not only physically renovating the shop but bringing aboard two new business partners, Jenna Morris and Eileen Ricco. Burton explains: “This rebuilding period is the perfect opportunity to expand and grow the business as a whole. The talent and experience that these two ladies possess will be a fantastic addition to the roots of In The Garden”
Burton attended The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) School of Professional Horticulture and has extensive knowledge of horticulture and floral design. In addition to her 15+ years’ experience with cut flowers, Burton also specializes in garden and interior plant installation and maintenance. Her passion and experience come to life with every project she takes on, and every piece she creates includes a personal touch.
Morris found her home at In The Garden in 2007 and brought her own style and eye for design that continue to be an asset to the business. She strives for perfection with all of her events and consistently surpasses her clients’ expectations. Says Morris, “I love the creative pocess of floral design, and the satisfaction of helping people realize their vision. I am thrilled to partner with In The Garden and be a part of their continued success.”
Ricco is a talented gardener and plant lover currently studying Garden Design at NYBG. Her enthusiasm and work ethic is contagious. Ricco adds: “Expanding the ownership and working as a team towards the same goals will lead to endless possibilities. I am very excited. Our future is bright! ”
Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly..proverb
That statement sums up the last two months. As many of you know our wonderful little town of Highlands got hit pretty hard with the super-storm Sandy. My business as well as my home and many of my family members homes were damaged pretty extensively. Today marks two months since our lives were turned upside down, and things are still are far from normal. But, WE ARE REBUILDING! Slowly but surely. We will redesign the interior of the shop with hopes to open in February-March.
In the mean time I have been keeping very busy with my children, husband, rebuilding our home , as well as keeping my clients happy through the past holiday season. I would like to take this time the thank many people who have helped me get through this. My designs have been created in spaces I never thought possible. Thank you to Beacon Hill Country Club Members and Staff, the ladies locker room “design room”transformed wonderfully for the many events we have had so far. Sebastians Hair-em, thank you! You welcomed me in to your salon and it made my life a little easier each week for the weekly arrangements. Also I am very happy with the new hair style that I received one week! Rick and his staff at Calverts Wholesale, you have been such a great help. Thank you for always being there and letting me use your space. Joey Parsons, Thank you for all that you continue to do and for letting me feel right at home in your studio. Jim at Angel Plants, Andy, Jay and Marco from Mueller Bros; thank you! Jenna, Eileen, Cheryl and Nick thank you for all of the support and help. There have been I few times where I knew I could not do anymore and you guys really came through. You are all really such great and talented friends, I do not know what I would do with out you. Nick, Henry and the Staff at Off the Hook thank you for your generosity. Your kindness will come in handy to get some projects going faster then I saw possible. My sister Christine and brother in law Jerry, thank you so much for everything you are doing especially for taking care of our boys right after the storm so we could get a grip on what was going on. My Mom and Dad for staying strong, I cant wait to sit and relax again with you! My wonderful Burton Family members. We stay strong as a team, and we will get through this. Thank you to the Police, Fire, and all borough employees for working tirelessly to get our town cleaned up. S many of you were affected by the storm first hand and still found the energy to work so hard for all of us. Rob and Lindsay Hensle, Siobhan and Ryan Lillis, Jennifer Davies, Dave and Kelly Cohen, Pam and Nick, Uncle Chet, Aunt Eileen, Judy and Phil, Aunt Bart, Terry K., The Wilson and Dixon Families, The Bedfords, Atlantic Highlands Methodist Church, Mr Elliot, Morgan Stanley Red Bank, The Robin Hood Foundation, and many other loyal clients and friends. Please forgive me if I did not mention you directly I will add more as they come to me.
