ALWAYS IN BLOOM!

A MOTHER-AND-SUN DUO

By Buffe Baril

Always in Bloom, a family-owned florist in Franklin, has been in business for 28 years and is located across from The Factory at Franklin. It is known for its exceptional customer service and owner Margie Church Dobler is there to make sure all her customers are happy. As full-service florists, they specialize in floral needs for birthdays, Mother’s Day, weddings, baby, get well, sympathy, everyday and seasonal bouquets, and events. Dobler has the reputation for going the extra mile making sure every floral arrangement or gift is perfect for her customers.

Dobler, a Franklin local, was born in the historic Dan German hospital on 4th Avenue South. She graduated from Franklin High School in 1968 and her mother owned a hair salon on Main Street, and her stepfather owned the auction barn where Riverside Franklin is now located. It wasn’t until Dobler was 35 years old she discovered her passion when she began what she thought was just a part-time job at Franklin Flower Shop to help at Christmas doing office work. After Christmas, she continued part-time and started doing basic florals, bud vases, and boutonnières, along with balloons and fruit baskets.

It didn’t take Dobler long before she began doing all the arranging and was promoted to head designer. She realized she had a real knack for floral design, and it was a wonderful creative outlet that brought joy to others. In 1995, Dobler opened her first florist in Independence Square near where Sal’s Pizza is currently located and grew her knowledge and skill by becoming one of Tennessee’s first certified floral design charter members. She continued her education through classes and workshops by some of the world’s most skilled floral artists from Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, Japan, and the United States.

PHOTOS BY BUFFIE BARIL AND KATHY FOX

PHOTOS BY BUFFIE BARIL AND KATHY FOX

Early on, her son Michael would go from kindergarten to the floral shop to be with his mom and customers adored Michael and his charming personality. By age seventeen, Michael began helping with the delivery after his classes at Centennial High School and when he turned 21 years old he became more interested in the business. After watching his mom for years design gorgeous floral arrangements, to her surprise, he arranged a beautiful bouquet, and she knew then Michael would be a great asset to the family business. He quickly became his mom’s, right-hand man.

Sadly, her shop at Independence Square caught fire and they were forced to find a new location, which was on 5th Avenue North. Then in May 2010, Dobler was forced to move again after the Harpeth River overflowed causing their shop to flood. It was then she turned to friend Calvin LeHew who helped her secure a space right before Mother’s Day at The Factory at Franklin. However, after five years at The Factory, Always in Bloom needed more visibility with locals, so they moved across the street to their current location at 227 Franklin Road. The building had been a consignment shop, and many years ago it was a honky tonk. Dobler will even show you the bullet hole left from a late-night brawl.

PHOTOS BY BUFFIE BARIL AND KATHY FOX

When Dobler was asked what she loves most about her profession, she said, “It’s like Christmas when the flowers come in and seeing the smiling faces of our customers knowing we exceeded their expectations. We really think about each person we make flowers for and want to make sure each person feels honored and special.” Michael seconds her sentiments, “I love what I do every day because I can make people smile and get to work with pretty flowers. When I open a box of flowers, it's like Christmas every day.”

Amy Montgomery, the owner of Amy Montgomery Home in Columbia, shares a passion for creating floral arrangements and visited Always in Bloom to peruse their gorgeous flowers. As Michael was getting ready for a pop-up event, he took time to show her around the shop and the 38-degree cooler loaded with roses, tulips, hydrangeas, and many other colorful flowers and greenery. They discussed their favorite flowers to work with and Michael even showed Amy some tricks of the trade he uses with his florals top secret of course. Amy was excited to share her new secrets with her class, Boards and Blooms, which she teaches at her store.

PHOTOS BY BUFFIE BARIL AND KATHY FOX

PHOTOS BY BUFFIE BARIL AND KATHY FOX

At this year’s Nashville Lawn and Garden Show, Michael had the opportunity to show off his talents by participating in an on-stage competition, which he won! His mom was very proud of him as she loves seeing him excel at his gift and the ability he has to make all their customers so happy. Over the years many people have walked through the doors at Always in Bloom and the community has been so kind and supportive, Dobler confesses, “I think I grew up in the best place in the world!”

This mother-and-son duo continues to put smiles on people’s faces even after more than three years of road construction on Franklin Road. Although this beloved florist has been virtually hidden from view due to the orange barrels and construction signs blocking its visibility, it is OPEN for business! With Mother’s Day quickly approaching, or any event needing a colorful pop of flowers, take time to order a beautiful bouquet from Always in Bloom and support this adored small business. They even offer delivery to the local community.

Follow them on social media at @alwaysinbloomfranklin. For orders call (615) 591-7990, order online at alwaysinbloominc.com, or stop by Monday through Saturday and browse the store. Who knows, you might even meet Gribbit, Margie’s rescue pug that hangs around the shop, or Porsche, Michael’s rescue cat.

BUFFIE BARIL is a Tennessee REALTOR®, founder of LovelyFranklin.com, and local storyteller. Her passion is telling the backstories of Williamson County including the historic homes, interesting places, and fascinating people. You can follow her on social media at @buffiebarilrealtor and at @lovelyfranklintn or visit LovelyFranklin.com