By ALEXANDER SIMONE

Staff writer

Kathy’s Floral Design was a packed venue at its grand opening Thursday, with 35 residents fitting into the small shop on E. Grand Ave. in Hillsboro.

A native of Marion, owner Kathy Goering quickly adapted to life in Hillsboro.

“I know the area well,” she said. “I got to know a lot of people so I feel right at home here.”

Goering already knew what she wanted to do when she moved a year ago.

“I was aware of my talents,” she said. “I had taken classes and worked in flower shops. I’d feel like it’s a waste of my abilities if I weren’t to pursue this.”

Before moving to Hillsboro, Goering spent every Monday in Shawnee, taking personal lessons from a certified florist.

“Last fall was when I started thinking seriously about it, but I didn’t get the building until July,” she said. “It was quick planning and it came together fast.”

Having a shop in town again is an appreciated convenience, Hillsboro resident Kathy Decker said.

“It’s nice to have a florist in town,” she said. “I’ve really missed that.”

Decker hopes the new shop will attract more youth to the city.

“I think having a younger person downtown with a business is an encouragement to other young people,” she said.

One of Goering’s favorite plants is the stock flower because of its varied color scheme.

“It’s so fragrant and beautiful,” she said. “It’s such a full flower that it fills up the vase nicely.”

Both ends of the spectrum, inexpensive flowers and ones that cost more money, have their uses, but using a variety creates a better blend, Goering said.

“They’re both fun to work with and they work well together,” she said.

Flowers are not the only items featured at the shop. Goering sells selections of scented candles, cards, and paintings by her sister, Amy Goering.

Amy is a professional artist with a master’s degree from Pensacola Christian College in Florida, who has paintings in galleries around the U.S.

“Amy does a good job,” Goering said. “I feel like they are a good fit in the flower shop.”