Flower Vendor Brings Touch of Spring to Square

The smell of spring is in the air--or at least it is at the Cambridge Flower Company, which opened a few weeks ago at the Shops By Harvard Yard.

John D. Downey is the sole proprietor and a "one-man show" who self almost every type of flower.

"If you don't see it here," said Downey, "I can special order it for you."

Downey says sales have been brisk since his shop opened last month.

"Easter week was good because everybody wanted fresh flowers," Downey says, "but business usually comes in spurts."

Downey said some of his best sellers are petite house plants that require little care or maintenance.

"Small cactuses sell well, along with tulips at this time of year," he said.

The prices at the Cambridge Flower Company range from $9.95 for a dozen roses to $3.95 for a mixed bouquet.

Small cactuses go for $3.25 and you can pick up a potted ivy for a mere $3.50.

Jerrold M. Rapaport, a student at Harvard Law School, stopped by yesterday afternoon to pick up a "bird of paradise" flower.

"I wanted something exotic for my girlfriend," said Rapaport.

One Harvard administrator dropped by the store to buy a colorful bouquet for her home.

"I try to get fresh flowers every week," said Mary Fan Kain, the Assistant Director of the Office of Career Services. "It adds to the decor of my house."

Downey said he has always enjoyed gardening and working with flowers.

He said he got the idea to open a flower shop from stopping by the Harvard Shops and noticing all the foot traffic.

"Several thousand people go through here a day," said Downey. "I just saw an opportunity and went for it."

The Cambridge Flower Company is located next door to Barsamian's and is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.