MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Countryside Floral & Garden

​How does your garden grow? Or, in this case, where does your garden grow? Based in Issaquah, Countryside Floral & Garden (1420 NW Gilman Blvd #1, Issaquah, WA 98027) grows beautiful plants in the shop’s greenhouse as well as on owner Jon Robert Throne’s Covington area farm – Farm, Fare & Floral.
 
Countryside Floral & Garden has been an Issaquah staple for 40 years. Jon has worked at the store for 19 years, buying the store in 2012. The store’s offerings run the gamut. It’s got everything from African violets and long stem roses to candles and bunny-driven carrot cars. The store’s all decked out for Easter!
 
When you enter the store, your senses are filled with delightful smells and vibrant colors in a wonderland where Jon and his staff design beautiful floral creations for all occasions, including weddings, corporate events, birthdays, funeral arrangements, and more. What’s unique about the store is the talent of his experienced staff who have 135+ years of combined experience. When needed, the store calls in extra designers for particularly large events and holidays to be sure they can serve all of their customers.
 
Originally from Michigan, Jon got his first spider plant at age 5 and his first tomato plant at age 6, and he was hooked.
 
“I’ve always loved watching things grow, whether it is a seed, plant, person, animal or business,” Jon said.
 
When we asked Jon what his specialty was, he said it was hard to choose one thing, because the store is  diverse and they offer so many things, from locally made gift items (e.g., candles, chocolates, bath & body products) to plants and incredible floral masterpieces.
 
So why would a Covington customer use an Issaquah floral shop?

• Jon buys flowers directly from Canada. One day the flower is picked by the grower and immediately put in water. It travels that day to the floral auction in water, and it goes directly to the buyer while still in water within one to three days of being picked. This means their flowers are fresher and will last longer than stores that get their products in South America that have a long journey to make it to their final destination.
• Issaquah is only 20 miles away, but if you don’t want to travel, Countryside Floral & Garden delivers floral arrangements to Covington, Maple Valley, Ravensdale, parts of Black Diamond and Kent.
• Many of the store’s products are available on the company’s website.
• You’d be supporting a Covington Chamber member who supports us with his investment and his donation of a floral bouquet at each of our chamber luncheons.

  
A little about Jon
 
In addition to Countryside Floral & Garden, Jon owns Farm, Fare & Floral, a Covington Chamber member at the Community Leader level (thank you, Jon!). He is also a member of the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce and NACE Tacoma/Seattle. He holds the AIFD (American Institute of Floral Designers) and CFD (Certified Floral Designer) designations, signifying his experience.
 
On the personal side, we asked Jon:
 
Wine or beer? He prefers wine, especially a buttery chardonnay.
Dogs or cats? He prefers dogs, but he has both.
Happy place? Feeding the animals on his farm gives him a special energy.
A fact few people know? Jon is a preacher’s son.
Three words to describe himself: eclectic, charismatic, unique
 
If you haven’t already visited Countryside Floral & Garden, it is worth the short drive to meet Jon, his lovely staff, and their wonderful store and designs. 

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