David Graflund has worked with flowers for 55 years - Galesburg Register-Mail

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In lieu of his own family and an ordinary job, David Graflund has seen birth, marriage, special occasions and death from a unique perspective.

He’s spent a life arranging flowers.

The 71-year-old florist for Anderson Florists on North Broad Street started working with flowers in 1955.

“I was 16 back then, and going to Galesburg High School,” Graflund said. “I was 16 years old and I was a delivery boy for the flower shop Dean Anderson owned.

“That shop was at 312 East Main Street. Then he sold it to Don Anderson, who was no relation. Don Anderson is the one who opened the shop here on Broad Street. Of course, it was just half the size it is now.”

Graflund felt an affinity for all things grown and flowers quickly became his life. Before his graduation from GHS in 1958, Graflund took part in the school’s Diversified Occupation Program. He attended classes for half the day, then worked at the flower shop for Anderson. He’s been with his present employer for 52 years.

“It’s been a long time,” Graflund said. “I worked my way up to being a designer â€" which is what I love the most. I love working with flowers. It is always a challenge. Learning to arrange is a little like walking. When you first start, it can be sloppy.”

He compared flower arranging to painting.

“You are working with colors. And there are different styles. There is always a modern style for arranging and that is something I can do.

“But I prefer the more classic style of design. Some might call that basic, or bread-and-butter design. That’s OK. But I like the classic looks. Simple and elegant.”

While Graflund professes to love all flowers, he said gladiolus is his favorite medium. He said tulips and daffodils are the hardest flowers to arrange.

“When they are in season, gladiolus is a joy â€" but I think there is an art to arranging them. Tulips and daffodils are tough because their stems are so watery.”

Graflund has seen flower fashions come and go. Roses were once $5 a dozen. Now they can range in price from $55 to $70 for a dozen. He noted the price increase coincided with the rise in popularity of Valentine’s Day â€" which wasn’t much of a recognized holiday when he started in the business.

He also has witnessed the end of flower arranging for social gatherings.

“Cocktail parties used to be big,” Graflund said. “Harbor Lights used to have cocktail parties and Nunc Mangieri would order big arrangements.

“People used to give big parties in their homes. There was dancing and, oh, the food they served. There was always the demand for flowers at those gatherings. That isn’t the case anymore. I don’t think people throw parties the way they used to.”

But some of the demand has never changed.

“One of the joys is when the girls come in for their flowers before dances,” he said. “They want flowers for their fancy dresses. Those girls can be picky â€" but when they get those flowers they are so overjoyed.

“Weddings are nice, too. And people still get flowers to celebrate births.”

Graflund witnesses more than his share of sorrow.

“Flowers for funerals will never go away. People come in and are so nice. But you can tell they are grieving and stressed out.

“Flowers at a funeral can help. It can add something of beauty to something so sad. I like arranging what we call casket sprays, which lie on the top of caskets. I also feel there is a lot riding on those flowers.”

Graflund’s lone regret is that he doesn’t have anyone to pass his experience to when he dies.

“I have such a library on flowers and plants at home. I’m not afraid to die, but I’m afraid of what will happen to all those things after I’m gone. I would hate to see all those beautiful books at the library on the $1 cart. I regret not having the time or someone to share my love of flowers with. I think we all look for someone to share what we love with.”

But he does know what he wants at his own funeral.

“I want white in my casket spray. And all white flowers. Simple. And elegant.”

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