The business opened as Edwards Greenhouse in 1930 and in 1991, a floral design division was added. Today, the family-owned and operated business is jointly owned by Garnette Edwards (third generation) and Erin and Elise Monnie (fourth generation). The company started small – just a truck farm delivering produce around the Treasure Valley – with a focus on onions and sweet potatoes.

Over the years, services and resources were added to meet the community’s evolving needs and interests.

Erin Monnie said that many people have been involved over the years in getting the company to where it is today.

“In the 1950s and 1960s, Paul Edwards began growing cut flowers as markets shifted,” she explained. “Then Dody Edwards recognized a market for bedding plants and custom potting in the 1970s and 1980s. Garnette Edwards expanded the market into herbs and vegetables, and premium annuals. And in the 1990s, Anju Lucas, our perennial manager, helped to expand the perennial, tree and shrub market. John and Karola Carpenter incorporated the flower shop in the ’90s as well, an endeavor passed on to Matt Johnson, our current flower shop manager.”

She continued by sharing that now Robb Smith and Nich Boyton-Steele are growing the high-desert, more drought-tolerant plant market and bringing new hardy intermountain west perennials, trees and shrubs. Beginning last year Addi Rundell, the garden store manager and buyer, introduced pond plants into the retail mix. There are about 40 people that work at Edwards Greenhouse and Flowershop year-round and when spring arrives, they bring on new and returning seasonal staff to equal about 100 employees.

As for what makes the store unique, several things stand out, according to its owners. First, Edwards has the oldest commercial geothermal greenhouse in the United States, allowing them to grow diverse annuals, perennials, herbs and vegetables, in addition to a distinct collection of nursery stock, trees and conifers.

The perennial selection at Edwards is selected specifically for their ability to thrive in the Treasure Valley. Also, the team starts many of their annual and vegetable crops from seed or cutting, which allows them to maintain both selectivity and variety. Lastly, there is a wide selection of specialized garden tools and home-garden décor, including a selection of goods produced by local artisans and crafters.

“‘Edwards is a growing family’ has been one of our business slogans,” Erin said. “We continually adapt our offerings while fortifying our standard services to both bring in new customers and keep our base of loyal, enthusiastic returning customers. We serve thousands of customers each spring season, and hundreds more each holiday season.”

If customers need a floral arrangement, the florists at Edwards create arrangements for weddings, events, and everyday enjoyment. The company is also one of the few Idaho growers that still grow poinsettias and Easter Lilies.

Giving back is also a huge part of Edwards Greenhouse and Flowershop’s mission. They regularly donate to local organizations and fundraising efforts, especially those that support women, children and getting people involved with plants or gardening. Each summer, the company does a ‘SOUPer Sale’ where plants are deeply discounted in exchange for a donation of nonperishable food to the Idaho Foodbank. On Christmas Eve, all poinsettias are available at a pick-your-price model, and 100% of all sales are given to charity. This year, the money will go toward one of Edwards’ own staff members who is undergoing treatment for cancer.

Being in business for nearly a century also means Edwards has learned to navigate various economic ups and downs. But Erin said that they’ve found success in trying to keep costs low, sourcing locally, growing their own products from seed, and putting their staff’s endless creativity to use.

“We thrive, in part, because our community is full of passionate gardeners with beautiful and diverse gardens,” she said. “This has a reciprocal effect, as we feel that people move here because our community takes pride in their landscapes, and this in turn creates new customers for our local garden centers. This community mindedness keeps us connected and looking out for one another and makes for a welcoming community that people want to move to, live in and care for.”