By: Deb Sanders
Step into Lawrence Florist at 927 North 2nd Street, and you’ll instantly catch the energy that fuels North St. Charles’ favorite flower shop. During a recent visit, owner Tammy Lawing was seamlessly multi-tasking—hand-crafting a vibrant fall wagon filled with rich autumn foliage, coordinating details for an upcoming event, and sharing the deep history of her business, all without missing a beat.
The story began in 1961 when original owner Mary Lawrence opened the doors at 5th and Jefferson, running it for 39 years. In 2000, Tammy made a life-changing pivot after more than two decades in the corporate world. Realizing she wanted a different path, she took a leap of faith, purchased the business, and relocated it to Frenchtown—first to 1322 N. 2nd, and eventually settling into their current location in 2010. Marking 65 years of service, Lawrence Florist remains a proud local fixture.
While the shop handles everyday orders—birthdays, get-well wishes, sympathy, and the occasional "just because I screwed up" arrangement—Tammy’s heart belongs to weddings. Before the pandemic, the shop designed 75 to 100 weddings annually. While national trends dipped, local demand is rebounding strongly, with 65 weddings projected for the upcoming season.
Tammy operates with a fierce commitment to freshness and customer service. Flowers arrive fresh every Monday and Thursday, turning over weekly. Plants refresh every two to three weeks. Nothing sits long enough to gather dust. She is supported by a wonderful staff which includes 1-3 regulars and up to 15 seasonal helpers, depending on the season.
That dedication to doing things right stems from a personal commitment to integrity. For example, a few years ago, a grieving family called, upset that a funeral basket held taped-together stems. Tammy investigated and discovered a funeral home intern had accidentally dropped the basket and tried a secret DIY fix with scotch tape and paperclips. Even though it wasn't her shop's mistake, Tammy replaced the basket entirely and gifted the family coupons for free $5 Fun Flowers. Three years later, a member of that family walked into the shop and asked Tammy to design her wedding, citing that exact act of honesty.
That personal connection keeps generations coming back, especially families from nearby Orchard Farm School District. Dads routinely bring their teenage sons in to teach them how to order homecoming and prom corsages, starting a local rite of passage that turns high schoolers into lifelong clients.
Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Christmas reign as the "Big Three." For Christmas, Tammy partners with local growers to ensure top-tier quality over mass-produced big-box poinsettia plants. Whether you need a quick $5 walk-in bundle, a grandeur display for a milestone event, or advice on seasonal stems, Tammy and her team are ready to welcome you into a St. Charles tradition that’s still going strong.
Lawrence Florist offers same day delivery (if ordered by 10:00 a.m.) to St. Charles, St. Peters, O’Fallon, Lake St. Louis, and parts of St. Louis County.
Check out their website at www.lawrenceflorist.net.