By Sue Baldani

While flowers are beautiful all by themselves, arranging them in creative ways is when the magic happens. At Flower Designs By Elena in Green Brook, this is exactly what customers experience.

When Elena moved to the U.S. from Greece a few years back, she brought many years of experience, education, and talent with her. “Her mom had a florist shop in Greece, and Elena worked there since she was 14,” says Cathy, her assistant. “She’s very talented and just puts her heart into each arrangement.”

The shop prides itself on providing customers with a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. One reviewer stated, “Beautiful store with a beautiful flower selection. I felt as if I was at home with how amazingly I was taken care of.”

While talent and customer service go a long way, the quality of the flowers is just as important. “We go very early in the morning, at least twice a week, to a couple of local wholesalers, and we also get flowers delivered from Ecuador twice a week, so our flowers are always fresh,” she says. “We also go to another wholesaler just for orchids, and another just for plants.”

One unique component that adds a touch of luxury is how the arrangements and bouquets are wrapped. No ordinary cellophane is used here. “We wrap them the European way in a non-woven fabric and it looks absolutely stunning,” says Elena. “It’s extraordinary.”

Lovely bouquets and arrangements can be customized for any event, including weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, birthdays, and anniversaries. Before she puts an arrangement or bouquet together, Elena spends time with customers to find exactly what they want regarding occasion, color scheme, style and budget. While some people know exactly what they want, others do not and need guidance, which she is happy to provide.

“Sometimes people come in and they say they want a variety of very bright colors,” says Cathy. “Others may want something soft and in pastels.”

Whatever a customer desires, Elena can and will do. While learning the craft from her mother was a big part of her education, she also attended floral school in Greece for two years.

Flower Designs By Elena also offers a Deal of the Day, which is a one-of-a-kind design bouquet. Customers can look at the website to see what is offered daily.

In addition to creating spectacular flower arrangements, the shop also puts together customized, gourmet gift baskets for any occasion, including corporate gifting. Depending on customers' preferences, these may contain high-quality cheeses, crackers, salami, fruit, and more.

Other baskets, especially around Valentine’s Day, may include a wonderful mixture of premium chocolates, flowers, hearts, and cuddly stuffed animals. Of course, roses and other unique flowers will also be available for the holiday.

Along with flowers and gifts, balloon arrangements are also extremely popular and fun. “If a customer has a special request for a special occasion, Elena can cater to that,” says Cathy. If customers cannot make it into the shop, same-day local delivery is available too.

To see some of her magical creations, go to FlowerDesignsByElena.com, @FlowerDesignsByElena, and Facebook. To learn more, call 732-424-6230.