Photograph by Skye Dunlap
Final Flowers: Kristin Nutting, owner of Flower Alley on Lincoln Avenue, will be closing up at the end of the month.
Willow Glen's flower lady calls it quits after six years
Flower Alley owner says she's closing the store for good starting June 30
By Chantal Lamers
Kristin Nutting has been known as the flower lady in Willow Glen for nearly six years. While dining out or grocery shopping, customers young and old have stopped her to ask if she is the flower lady.
But on June 30, Nutting says she's closing the doors to her quaint flower shop, Flower Alley, at 1361 Lincoln Ave.
Before she opened her own business, Nutting worked in a flower shop for six years. "It's a great business, but I've been doing flowers for 12 years and I just need a rest," Nutting says.
The shop is at the end of a small alley behind Casa Casa and Le Boulanger. With its Spanish-style fountain and floral scent, Flower Alley has built a solid following among regulars, Nutting says.
"That's probably the best part," she says. "I know so many customers by name."
Over the years, Nutting says she's watched many of her customers start families and watched those families grow. Some of her regular customers also include nearby businesses, such as Our Secret and Cafe Primavera.
Although closing time is still nearly two weeks away, Nutting doesn't have much time to think about it. It's her busiest time of the year, and she's planning floral arrangements for weddings and bouquets for high school and college graduations.
Her husband, David Wilkinson, helps out around the shop. With his help Nutting has kept her doors open selling greenhouse plants, bright bouquets and dried floral wreaths. "It's been a wonderful experience," she says. "We've watched Willow Glen grow."
After the doors to Flower Alley close, the two plan on vacationing. Nutting says she's not sure where they will venture first. Upon their return, it's anyone guess what they will do, Nutting says.
Willow Glen, California Since 1992
