Garden
Lakes Floral Gift & Garden: A Complete Guide to Flowers, Gifts, Plants & Local Delivery
Finding a meaningful gift is not always as simple as choosing something attractive. The best gifts often combine beauty, personality, convenience, and a sense of occasion, which is why a local florist and garden shop can be such a useful destination. Lakes Floral Gift & Garden in Forest Lake, Minnesota, brings several gifting categories together, including floral arrangements, plants, garden décor, home accents, and specialty gifts. The business has served the community since 1930 and remains family owned, giving it a long-standing connection to the Forest Lake area.
For shoppers searching for a Forest Lake florist, same-day flower delivery, sympathy flowers, birthday arrangements, plants, or distinctive gifts, Lakes Floral Gift & Garden offers a broader experience than a traditional flower counter. Its onsite greenhouse supports seasonal plants and décor, while its gift shop features locally made products and a range of home and garden merchandise. The business also promotes online ordering and flower pickup and delivery.
This guide explains what makes Lakes Floral Gift & Garden worth considering, what you can shop for, how to choose flowers for different occasions, and how to make the most of a local floral and gift-shopping experience.
Key Takeaways
- Lakes Floral Gift & Garden is a family-owned Forest Lake, Minnesota, business established in 1930.
- The shop combines floral design, gifts, garden products, plants, décor, and seasonal merchandise.
- Its onsite greenhouse supports plant and décor offerings throughout the year.
- Customers can order flowers online for pickup and delivery.
- The business promotes same-day delivery and serves local customers as well as a broader metro area.
- Gift shoppers can look beyond traditional bouquets and consider plants, garden accessories, home décor, and specialty items.
- Flowers can be selected according to the recipient, occasion, color preferences, season, and desired message.
- Local florist expertise can be especially valuable for sympathy arrangements, celebrations, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and last-minute gifts.
What Is Lakes Floral Gift & Garden?
Lakes Floral Gift & Garden is a florist, gift shop, and garden-oriented retail destination located in Forest Lake, Minnesota. The business operates from 508 South Lake Street and lists its telephone number as 651-464-2134. Its official website provides information about the shop and directs customers to online flower ordering.
What makes Lakes Floral Gift & Garden different from a florist that focuses only on bouquets is the variety of products and services connected with the store. Its offerings extend into plants, seasonal décor, garden accessories, home décor, and specialty gifts. This creates a useful option for people who want to give something other than cut flowers while still choosing a nature-inspired or locally sourced present.
The business also emphasizes personal service. Its garden and gift shop description highlights knowledgeable staff who can help customers select products and understand the stories behind various items. For shoppers who are uncertain about flower types, colors, plant choices, or gift combinations, that kind of assistance can make the purchasing process much easier.
The History Behind the Business
One of the strongest parts of the Lakes Floral Gift & Garden story is its longevity. The company states that it was established in 1930, making its history part of the Forest Lake community for many decades. The business also says it has remained in the same family for three generations and is currently operated by the original owner’s grandsons, Blake and Kelly Roberts.
That history matters because local floristry is built around relationships. A national flower-ordering platform can make a transaction convenient, but a long-established local florist can bring knowledge of the community, local delivery needs, seasonal preferences, and personal service to the process. Lakes Floral Gift & Garden’s history therefore provides an important part of its identity rather than simply being a date on a company profile.
The business has also expanded beyond traditional floral retail. According to its history page, the onsite greenhouse allows the shop to provide plants and décor for different seasons and holidays. The store also houses Silo Apparel, a clothing boutique serving women, men, and children, adding another dimension to its gift-shopping experience.
Lakes Floral Gift & Garden at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Business | Lakes Floral Gift & Garden |
| Location | Forest Lake, Minnesota |
| Address | 508 South Lake Street, Forest Lake, MN 55025 |
| Established | 1930 |
| Main categories | Flowers, plants, gifts, garden and home décor |
| Ordering | Online flower ordering available |
| Delivery | Local and greater metro delivery promoted by the business |
| Greenhouse | Onsite greenhouse |
| Ownership | Family-owned, three-generation history |
Business details are based primarily on the shop’s official website and local chamber listing.
What Can You Buy at Lakes Floral Gift & Garden?
A major reason people search for Lakes Floral Gift & Garden is that the store covers several gifting needs in one place. Floral arrangements are the obvious starting point, but the shop’s garden and gift offerings make it possible to choose a present based on the recipient rather than relying on a traditional bouquet.
The garden and gift shop describes a curated collection of locally made products, home décor, candles, textiles, wall art, garden sculptures, birdhouses, terrariums, botanical prints, and other plant-related gifts. Availability can change with seasons and inventory, so shoppers should confirm current products before making a specific purchase decision.
The store is also positioned as a destination for seasonal shopping. A greenhouse can support plant and décor offerings that change throughout the year, while gift merchandise can provide alternatives when cut flowers are not the right choice. This variety is particularly helpful when shopping for someone whose interests include gardening, decorating, cooking, outdoor living, or local products.
Main Shopping Categories
| Category | Best For | Why Consider It |
| Fresh flowers | Birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations | Traditional and highly personal |
| Sympathy flowers | Condolences and memorial occasions | Expresses care when words are difficult |
| Plants | Gardeners and long-term gifts | Lasting alternative to cut flowers |
| Garden décor | Outdoor enthusiasts | Adds personality to outdoor spaces |
| Home décor | New homes and general gifting | Useful for style-conscious recipients |
| Specialty gifts | Hard-to-shop-for recipients | Offers alternatives to standard bouquets |
| Seasonal items | Holidays and seasonal celebrations | Matches the time of year |
Why Choose a Local Florist?
A local florist can offer something that standardized online flower marketplaces often struggle to reproduce: direct human guidance. When a customer explains the occasion, relationship, preferred colors, budget, and recipient’s personality, a florist can use that information to shape a more appropriate arrangement.
This becomes particularly important when the order has emotional significance. Sympathy flowers, wedding flowers, milestone arrangements, and gifts for someone recovering from an illness or celebrating an important achievement can require more thought than simply selecting a product photograph.
A local shop can also help when flower availability changes. Seasonal conditions, flower supply, and freshness affect what is available on any particular day, so experienced floral designers may recommend substitutions that preserve the overall style and feeling of an arrangement.
For customers who want something distinctive, Lakes Floral Gift & Garden’s broader gift and garden inventory creates another advantage. Instead of choosing only between roses and mixed flowers, shoppers can consider plants, décor, garden accessories, and other gifts.
Choosing Flowers for Different Occasions
The right flowers depend heavily on the reason for giving them. A cheerful birthday bouquet should communicate a different feeling from a sympathy arrangement, anniversary flowers, or a romantic Valentine’s Day gift.
Before ordering from Lakes Floral Gift & Garden, start by identifying the emotion you want the gift to communicate. Do you want to celebrate, thank, comfort, congratulate, welcome, remember, or simply brighten someone’s day? Once the purpose is clear, choosing colors, flowers, size, and additional gifts becomes much easier.
Birthday Flowers
Birthday flowers can be colorful, energetic, and personal. Bright mixed arrangements are often appropriate when you want the gift to feel cheerful, while a more restrained bouquet may suit someone with a minimalist style.
Consider the recipient’s favorite color if you know it. If you do not know their preferences, a mixed seasonal arrangement can provide variety without requiring you to identify one specific flower.
Anniversary Flowers
Anniversary flowers are naturally associated with romance and appreciation. Roses are a familiar choice, but they are not the only option, and a custom arrangement can feel more personal.
Think about the recipient’s personality rather than following a fixed formula. Someone who loves gardening may appreciate a flowering plant, while someone who enjoys home décor may prefer a beautiful arrangement paired with a decorative gift.
Sympathy Flowers
Sympathy flowers require a different approach. The goal is generally to express compassion, respect, and support rather than excitement or celebration.
White, soft pastel, and subdued arrangements can be appropriate, although the most suitable choice depends on the relationship and circumstances. When ordering sympathy flowers, make sure the recipient’s name, delivery location, and any service information are accurate.
Get-Well Gifts
Flowers can brighten a room and provide a visual reminder that someone is being thought of. However, plants or small gifts may sometimes be more practical, particularly when the recipient enjoys caring for plants or decorating their home.
A florist can also help you select an arrangement suitable for the setting. For example, an arrangement intended for a hospital, care facility, or workplace may need to be smaller or easier to display than one intended for a private home.
Thank-You Flowers
Thank-you flowers work best when they feel sincere rather than excessive. A compact bouquet, seasonal arrangement, plant, or complementary gift can communicate appreciation without overwhelming the recipient.
If you are thanking someone for a specific favor, consider adding a short personal note. The message often becomes as meaningful as the flowers themselves.
Same-Day Flower Delivery and Online Ordering
Convenience is one of the most important considerations when ordering flowers. Lakes Floral Gift & Garden provides an online ordering option and specifically promotes flower pickup and delivery through its website. Its history page also states that the business offers same-day delivery seven days a week, 362 days a year, and serves both local customers and the greater metro area.
Because delivery policies and cutoff times can change, customers should verify current requirements when placing an urgent order. Same-day delivery should not be treated as automatic for every order or circumstance. Checking the ordering page or contacting the shop directly is the safest approach when timing is critical.
A Simple Delivery Process
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
| 1 | Choose the occasion | Helps narrow arrangement styles |
| 2 | Select flowers or a gift | Match the recipient and purpose |
| 3 | Enter recipient details | Prevents delivery errors |
| 4 | Select delivery information | Ensures the order goes to the right place |
| 5 | Add a personal message | Makes the gift more meaningful |
| 6 | Review the order | Catches spelling and address mistakes |
| 7 | Submit the order | Complete the purchase through the available ordering system |
| 8 | Contact the shop if timing is urgent | Confirms current delivery possibilities |
When a delivery is time-sensitive, double-check the recipient’s complete address, phone number if requested, building information, and preferred delivery details. These small checks can prevent avoidable problems.
Plants and Greenhouse Shopping
Not every gift needs to be a bouquet. Plants can provide a longer-lasting alternative, especially for recipients who enjoy gardening, indoor plants, or outdoor landscaping.
Lakes Floral Gift & Garden highlights its onsite greenhouse as a source of plants and décor for different seasons and holidays. This is particularly useful for shoppers who want to explore options in person rather than selecting a plant solely from an online photograph.
When Should You Choose a Plant?
A plant may be a strong choice when:
- The recipient enjoys gardening.
- You want a longer-lasting gift.
- The occasion is connected to a new home.
- The recipient likes indoor greenery.
- You want to commemorate a milestone.
- You are looking for an alternative to cut flowers.
However, plant gifts require some knowledge about the recipient. A person with limited space, little natural light, or no interest in plant care may appreciate a decorative gift more than a living plant.
Gifts, Home Décor and Garden Accessories
The gift shop component is another major reason to consider Lakes Floral Gift & Garden. According to the shop’s description, customers can find locally made products, home décor, candles, textiles, wall art, garden sculptures, birdhouses, terrariums, and botanical-themed items.
This creates opportunities for gift combinations. For example, a plant can be paired with a decorative container, while a floral arrangement can be complemented by a small home accent or seasonal item.
The key is to avoid adding items simply because they are available. A thoughtful gift should feel intentional, so choose complementary products rather than creating an oversized collection of unrelated objects.
How to Choose the Right Floral Gift
The easiest way to choose a good floral gift is to work backward from the recipient. Start with the person’s personality, then consider the occasion, setting, color preferences, and timing.
Use This Five-Part Method
- Identify the occasion. Birthday, anniversary, sympathy, congratulations, thank-you, holiday, or no special occasion.
- Consider the recipient. Think about age, personality, hobbies, favorite colors, and home style.
- Choose the format. Bouquet, arrangement, flowering plant, green plant, garden gift, or home décor.
- Set a realistic budget. Decide what you want to spend before browsing.
- Add personalization. Include a message or select a gift that connects with the recipient.
This method prevents one of the most common mistakes in flower shopping: choosing something beautiful but poorly matched to the person receiving it.
Floral Arrangements vs. Plants vs. Gift Items
There is no universally superior gift category. The best option depends on the recipient and the purpose of the gift.
| Gift Type | Advantages | Possible Drawback | Best Recipient |
| Fresh arrangement | Immediate visual impact | Eventually fades | Almost any celebration |
| Flowering plant | Longer-lasting | Requires care | Plant lovers |
| Green plant | Long-term presence | Needs suitable conditions | Gardeners and home decorators |
| Garden décor | Reusable and decorative | Requires outdoor or suitable space | Outdoor enthusiasts |
| Home décor | Practical and stylish | Personal taste matters | Homeowners and decorators |
| Specialty gift | Can be highly personal | Selection varies | Hard-to-shop-for people |
The strongest choice is usually the one that fits the recipient’s lifestyle. A beautiful arrangement may be ideal for a celebration, while a plant may be more memorable for someone who enjoys gardening.
Shopping for Seasonal Occasions
Seasonality plays a major role in floral design. Flowers, plants, colors, décor, and gift merchandise naturally change throughout the year.
Spring often brings fresh colors, flowering plants, Easter-related décor, and garden-focused merchandise. Summer can emphasize outdoor living, bright arrangements, and plants suitable for seasonal spaces. Autumn introduces warm colors, harvest themes, and seasonal décor, while winter brings holiday arrangements, evergreen elements, and gift-oriented shopping.
Because inventory can change, customers should treat seasonal examples as inspiration rather than guarantees. The exact products available at Lakes Floral Gift & Garden may depend on the current season and stock.
Popular Seasonal Shopping Moments
- Valentine’s Day
- Mother’s Day
- Easter
- Graduation
- Wedding season
- Anniversaries
- Birthdays
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
- New Year’s celebrations
- Housewarmings
- Sympathy and memorial occasions
Planning ahead is particularly helpful for major floral holidays because demand can increase significantly. If the arrangement needs to arrive on a specific date, ordering earlier can provide more flexibility.
Tips for Ordering Flowers Online
Online flower ordering can be convenient, but the process deserves careful attention. Product photographs are helpful, yet the final arrangement can vary because flowers are natural products and availability changes.
Before completing your order, read the product description and understand what is included. If a specific flower or color is important, contact the florist rather than assuming that the exact pictured arrangement will always be available.
Online Ordering Checklist
- Confirm the recipient’s full name.
- Check the delivery address carefully.
- Include apartment, suite, floor, or facility information when applicable.
- Choose the correct delivery date.
- Review the occasion category.
- Select an appropriate arrangement size.
- Add a personal message.
- Check the order total before submitting.
- Verify current same-day delivery availability for urgent orders.
- Contact the shop with special requests.
A short personal message can make even a standard arrangement feel much more intentional. Instead of writing only “Happy Birthday,” mention a shared memory, specific quality, or reason you appreciate the person.
What to Consider Before Buying
Price is only one factor in selecting flowers. Freshness, design quality, delivery reliability, customization, presentation, and customer service can all affect whether a purchase feels worthwhile.
Independent review sources show that customers have commented positively on arrangement quality and service, while some reviews have also raised concerns about pricing. One consumer rating source reported that 68% of its 31 ratings gave the business a “superior” overall rating, while individual comments included both praise for flower quality and criticism about cost.
That mixed information is useful because it demonstrates why customers should compare value rather than focusing only on the lowest price. A more expensive arrangement may provide a different level of design, freshness, customization, or service, but customers should still choose an option that fits their budget.
Questions to Ask Before Ordering
- What arrangement style best fits this occasion?
- What flowers are currently freshest?
- Can the florist accommodate a color preference?
- Is same-day delivery currently available?
- Are substitutions possible if a particular flower is unavailable?
- Is pickup available?
- What plant would suit the recipient’s conditions?
- Are there complementary gifts that would work well with the arrangement?
Pros and Cons of Shopping at a Full-Service Floral Gift Shop
A combined florist, garden center, and gift shop provides more choices than a traditional flower store, but variety can also make shopping more complicated.
| Pros | Cons |
| Flowers and gifts in one destination | More choices can make decisions harder |
| Plant and greenhouse options | Plant availability changes seasonally |
| Local customer service | Pricing may differ from mass-market sellers |
| Online ordering | Product images may not represent every final detail |
| Local and broader delivery options | Delivery requirements should be confirmed |
| Seasonal décor | Inventory changes throughout the year |
| Long local history | Individual customer experiences can vary |
The best approach is to use the shop’s variety as a resource rather than feeling obligated to purchase multiple products. Start with what the recipient actually needs or would enjoy.
How to Make Your Gift More Personal
Personalization does not necessarily mean spending more money. Often, the smallest details create the strongest emotional connection.
For example, choose the recipient’s favorite color when possible. Select a plant connected to their hobby, or choose home décor that matches the style of their living space. If you know they love gardening, a garden accessory may communicate more thought than a generic bouquet.
A handwritten or carefully written message is another simple improvement. Flowers communicate visually, while a personal note explains why you chose the gift.
Personalization Ideas
- Favorite flower
- Favorite color
- Birth month connection
- Seasonal flowers
- Plant matching the recipient’s hobby
- Garden accessory for an outdoor enthusiast
- Home décor matching their style
- Meaningful message
- Arrangement designed around the occasion
Expert Tips for Better Floral Gifts
Experienced flower shoppers understand that the best arrangement is not necessarily the biggest arrangement. Proportion, color harmony, freshness, and suitability for the setting all matter.
For a workplace, smaller arrangements can be easier to manage. For a dining table, an arrangement should not interfere with conversation or block the view across the table. For sympathy occasions, the design should communicate respect and care rather than feeling overly celebratory.
Another useful principle is to trust professional floral design when you do not have a strong preference. If you tell the florist the occasion, budget, preferred colors, and recipient’s personality, you give the designer enough information to create something appropriate while allowing them creative flexibility.
Five Practical Florist Tips
Give the florist context.
The more useful information you provide, the easier it becomes to recommend an appropriate arrangement.
Mention allergies or sensitivities when relevant.
If the recipient has known sensitivities, tell the florist before ordering.
Consider the destination.
A hospital, office, funeral home, restaurant, or private residence may require different arrangements.
Order early for major holidays.
Advance ordering provides more flexibility when demand is high.
Do not obsess over exact flower substitutions.
Natural inventory changes, and an experienced designer may substitute another flower that maintains the intended color, shape, and overall design.
Why Local Experience Matters
The long history of Lakes Floral Gift & Garden is particularly relevant to customers who value community-based businesses. The company says it has operated since 1930 and remained family owned for three generations. The Forest Lake Area Chamber of Commerce likewise lists the business as a local, family-owned floral, gift, and garden provider established in 1930.
The local connection also extends beyond retail. The business describes its delivery service as covering the local area and greater metro area, while its store combines floral design with plants, décor, gifts, and seasonal merchandise.
For customers, the practical advantage is simple: you can discuss a gift with a local team, order online when convenient, or visit the store to explore options in person. That combination can be especially valuable when the purchase is personal or time-sensitive.
A Quick Guide to Choosing Your Gift
| If the Recipient Is… | Consider… | Why |
| Romantic partner | Roses or custom arrangement | Classic expression of affection |
| Parent | Seasonal flowers or plant | Warm and personal |
| Gardener | Plant or garden décor | Matches their hobby |
| New homeowner | Home décor or plant | Fits a new living space |
| Coworker | Compact arrangement | Appropriate for an office |
| Grieving family | Sympathy arrangement | Communicates compassion |
| Friend | Bright seasonal bouquet | Cheerful and versatile |
| Hard to shop for | Specialty gift | More individualized |
| Outdoor enthusiast | Garden accessory | Connects with their interests |
This table is a starting point rather than a strict rule. The recipient’s personality should always take priority over a generic gifting formula.
Final Buying Checklist
Before placing your order with Lakes Floral Gift & Garden, take a moment to review the essentials. A few minutes of preparation can make the difference between an ordinary purchase and a thoughtful gift experience.
- Know the occasion.
- Know the recipient’s style.
- Decide on your budget.
- Choose flowers, plants, décor, or another gift.
- Consider favorite colors or flowers.
- Confirm the delivery location.
- Verify the requested delivery date.
- Check current same-day availability if needed.
- Add a meaningful card message.
- Review all order details before payment.
- Contact the shop if you have special requirements.
Conclusion
Lakes Floral Gift & Garden offers much more than a traditional florist experience. Established in Forest Lake in 1930, the family-owned business combines floral design with plants, garden products, home décor, seasonal merchandise, and specialty gifts. Its onsite greenhouse and broader gift selection give shoppers several ways to find something appropriate for birthdays, anniversaries, sympathy occasions, holidays, celebrations, and everyday gestures of appreciation.
For customers who need convenience, the business also provides online flower ordering and promotes pickup and delivery services, including same-day delivery according to its official history page. The best shopping strategy is to focus on the recipient first, then select a gift that matches the occasion, personality, lifestyle, and setting.
Whether you need a classic bouquet, a long-lasting plant, garden décor, or a distinctive gift, Lakes Floral Gift & Garden provides a broad selection to explore. When in doubt, speak with the floral team, explain what you are celebrating or expressing, and let professional design experience help guide your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lakes Floral Gift & Garden?
Lakes Floral Gift & Garden is a family-owned florist and gift-and-garden retailer in Forest Lake, Minnesota, established in 1930. It offers flowers, plants, décor, gifts, and delivery services.
Where is Lakes Floral Gift & Garden located?
Lakes Floral Gift & Garden is located at 508 South Lake Street in Forest Lake, Minnesota, ZIP code 55025. The listed phone number is 651-464-2134.
Does Lakes Floral Gift & Garden offer flower delivery?
Yes. The business provides flower pickup and delivery ordering through its website and states that it offers same-day delivery services to local and greater metro areas. Customers should confirm current delivery requirements when ordering.
Does Lakes Floral Gift & Garden sell plants?
Yes. The business highlights its onsite greenhouse, which provides plants and décor for different seasons and holidays. Plant availability can vary based on season and inventory.
What can I buy besides flowers at Lakes Floral Gift & Garden?
Customers can explore plants, garden accessories, home décor, candles, textiles, wall art, garden sculptures, birdhouses, terrariums, botanical-themed gifts, and other specialty products.
