Hello!
Welcome to Painted Gardens! We are a full service florist shop and flower farm located in Canterbury, CT. We are open year round to serve all of your floral needs. No matter the occasion, we have you covered!
Shannon and Justin opened Painted Gardens in the Fall of 2022. After many years of planning, saving, trial and error, and definitely a little bit of luck; we have found our home here in Canterbury, CT.
About Us
Shannon is the face behind the flowers! Although she is a first generation farmer; she has worked in agriculture since the age of 16, and has a deep love and respect for all types of farming. She also has an extensive background as a grower, with over 10 years of experience in the horticulture industry.
After caring for, and losing her Aunt Tracy to cancer in 2020, Shannon's outlook on life changed forever. Shortly after, while trying to return to "normal", she fell into a job at a local florist shop. The job, as well as the inspirational women around her, ignited a passion within she didn't know existed. The memories and connections made will last a lifetime.
Since then, she has expanded her education and craft to have her own distinct, unique and eclectic style. She is proud to be formally trained in fresh, faux, and dried floral design. Her favorite thing about floristry is that it is always evolving!
When Shannon is not planting or designing, she is typically still making something. Having been an artist her entire life, she loves to create using foraged and recycled materials. She is also a skilled painter and hand stamps custom paintings of bridal bouquets, and other special flowers for her customers. Only using the extra flowers and paint; this is how Painted Gardens found it's name.
Justin is and always will be the glue who holds the farm together. He knows how to do a little bit of everything and is the master of creative solutions.
Justin single handedly built the main growing field our first year with nothing more than a wheelbarrow and shovel. He has since then created multiple fields of crops. Making it possible for us to be no-till farming on almost 2 acres as of 2024. Incase that was not enough, he renovated a 40 year old outbuilding into our current flower shop, built a greenhouse, AND fenced all of our gardens to keep our crops safe. He is a first generation farmer and force to be reckoned with! We would not be here without him!
Justin is new to growing but has a natural gift for it. He is skilled, knowledgeable, and always eager to learn more. He has handled all of our seed starting, tuber dividing, storage, and most importantly, PLANTING. This season Justin will have started and planted over 10,000 seeds, as well as over 400 dahlia tubers.
When Justin is not planting, building, or fixing something; you can find him hanging out with our dog Lazslo and researching new plant varieties! Occasionally he may even be in the flower shop making a bouquet or two!
With our combined love for animals, nature, and art we have dedicated our life to building this farm as well as growing quality, pesticide free, local flowers to create stunning arrangements and gifts for everyone to enjoy. We look forward to meeting you and continuing to serve our community! Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about us!
Whether you are planning a wedding or event, have a school dance or prom, need sympathy flowers, or even just a beautiful bouquet for the kitchen table, give us a call or stop into our store open Thursday - Saturday 10-6.