Bastrop Florist a longtime city treasure

Photos and Article By Terry Hagerty – Contributing Writer

Aya Lueders is a study in deep concentration as she fashions a bouquet of exquisite flowers at Bastrop Florist. It’s a Monday morning at 806 Chestnut Street and owner Aya and staff are handling a slew of customer orders as Mother’s Day approaches. It’s one of the busiest times of year at one of Bastrop’s longest continuous businesses – Bastrop Florist having opened in 1969.

But right along with the work fervor the staff enjoys themselves, conversing amid the bright colors and soothing scents of roses, carnations, daisies, lilies and snap dragons. “Customers often walk into the shop and immediately comment on how amazing it smells, something I guess we’ve grown used to over time,” Aya said. “Still, certain flower scents can suddenly catch us by surprise and bring a smile. The fragrances and beauty of our flowers are a big part of what makes this work so special.”

Aya has an able team assisting her, including floral arrangement designer Rayanne Patterson, customer service rep Robert Buscha, deliverer Jean Magdaleno, and Aya’s husband, Russell. “Our goal is to bring a little light and beauty into every situation, and that’s what I’m passionate about,” Aya said. There is often reflection, too. “We’ve had the honor of creating floral arrangements for life’s most meaningful moments—from births, baptisms, weddings and other celebrations, as well as times of loss and remembrance,” Aya said. “While some shy away from discussing death, it’s a significant part of our (floral) work, and I approach it with deep respect. Being trusted to walk with families through both joy and sorrow is more than a job—it’s a privilege.”

‘A History to the Shop’

Aya’s connections to the history of Bastrop Florist also runs deep (the name has remained the same since its founding). “One of my favorite stories to share with customers is how I remember – when I was a little girl – the original location of Bastrop Florist on Farm Street and Henry Mouser, who founded the business in 1969,” Aya said. “The connection runs deep. I grew up attending church with Mr. Mouser and had personal and professional interactions with him over the years. It was a full-circle moment and a distinct honor to create the floral arrangements for his funeral – a final tribute to someone who helped shape this shop’s legacy.” Beverly and Jack Rhoades bought Bastrop Florist in 1978 and ran it until Aya’s parents, Kay and Hubert Linenberger, bought the shop in April 2000, when Aya began to work there. “My folks had me running the shop from the beginning,” Aya said.

A Wealth of Information

Besides Aya always willing to share information with customers, there’s the much likable Bastrop Florist website – www.therealbastropflorist.com – which is just plain fun as well as informative to read. There’s the blog with articles on such items as the history of floriography (the “language of flowers”) from the Victorian era, and how specific flowers have traditionally conveyed special messages or sentiments.

There are also valuable tips on flower care: “Use tepid tap water,” Aya recommends. “One of the common mistakes that people make is that they tend to put other substances into the water of their flowers. Most flower shops already infuse plant food into your flowers. There is no need to introduce other chemicals.” A few other Aya recommendations: “Keep your flowers in a room with a relatively cool temperature,” Aya said. “Contrary to popular belief, your flowers actually last longer without direct sunlight. Don’t get me wrong, they still need light, however it's important to remember the distinction between light and heat. Direct sunlight, appliances, and heating vents are heat sources and can shorten the life of your flowers. Even ceiling fans can actually cause dehydration in your flowers.” And one more tidbit: “Cut the stems of your flowers at a 45-degree angle,” Aya said. “Cutting the stems at this angle will allow the water to have a greater chance of uptake into the flowers, because with the 45-degree cut there is a greater surface area for the water to pass through.”

Bastrop Florist is open from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. “But, please call us should you need funeral flower orders filled on weekends.” Ph #: (512) 321-2424.

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