EPHRATA — The Floral Cottage, a new floral design shop owned by Liz Graaff, held its open house Monday, drawing members of the community to celebrate the launch of the store. Located in the heart of Ephrata, the shop provides flower arrangements, plants and locally sourced gifts inspired by Graaff’s passion for floral arrangement. 

"I absolutely love flowers," Graaff said as she welcomed each guest into her shop with a smile. 

Having previously taught floral design at the Ephrata School District, she decided to take a leap of faith and step away from traditional education to create a space where her love for floristry could come to life, she said.  

"I wanted to bring something special to Ephrata, and this community needed a floral shop,” she said.  

Graaff has lived in Ephrata for more than 14 years, and she said her connection to the area inspired her decision.  

"I realized this would be the perfect opportunity to combine my love for flowers with my desire to serve my community," she said.  

Her vision for The Floral Cottage is not only to provide high-quality floral arrangements but also to create an atmosphere of support and connection for and among locals.  

The open house featured an array of floral displays, showcasing Graaff's unique arrangements. From vibrant bouquets to elegant centerpieces, each piece reflected her commitment to individuality and customer preferences.  

"I like to listen to my customers,” she said. “When they call or come in, I encourage them to share their ideas or any specific colors or themes they have in mind. It’s essential for me to capture their vision and create something truly special." 

Graaff said she has been getting a lot of positive feedback from the community. 

“I got a very kind email from one of the families that I did a funeral with. They told me how they were grateful for how I worked with them during such a hard time,” she said. “They said I captured their mother so well. It made me feel like I did something that helped them get through such a hard time. That’s truly my goal with this shop, to bring a little bit of love and brightness to people’s days.”  

The Floral Cottage's offerings extend beyond floral arrangements. Graaff also sells a variety of local products, including locally made candies and cards.  

"People can come in and pick up a bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates, and a card all in one trip," she said. "It’s a one-stop shop that helps encourage shopping locally and supporting our community." 

She said that she does local deliveries to Ephrata, Soap Lake and nearby rural residents for a small fee.  

“I had someone call me from Florida wanting to get a bouquet for a loved one in Ephrata. We talked for a little bit, and I processed the payment through the phone, got to work and made sure their loved one got a special surprise,” she said.  

In addition to her floral work, Graaff is committed to engagement with the community through workshops and classes.  

"I hope to hold design classes here, at the shop, in the future," she said. "Sharing my knowledge and passion with others is something I cherish, and I want to inspire creativity in everyone who walks through my doors." 

As part of her plans to foster a sense of community, Graaff is collaborating with local businesses for special events. The first of many partnerships is with Millie's Wine Bar in Ephrata, where she will be teaching a floral arrangement class Dec. 9. The class costs $65 and includes an alcoholic beverage and all materials needed to make a holiday centerpiece.   

“It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with people and share my passion with them,” she said. “They will also get to take home a beautiful centerpiece and learn a new skill.”  

Graaff, venturing into small business ownership, hasn't been without challenges.  

"I was scared at first because I've never worked for myself," she said. "But my husband was incredibly supportive, and my family and friends rallied around me, making the decision to open the shop feel less daunting."  

Over time, she said she has embraced the challenges of owning a business, recognizing the importance of establishing a structured routine while remaining flexible to meet customer needs. 

She said the positive reception she has received since opening has also helped to alleviate her fears.  

"The community has been so welcoming and supportive, and people have really spread the word about my shop," Graaff said. "I've been grateful for social media and for those who have reposted or shared kind comments about my work." 

As Graaff embarks on this new journey, she said she's dedicated to serving Ephrata with creativity, warmth and a personal touch.  

"I want people to know that I’m here to help them celebrate the special moments in life," she said. "Whether it's a birthday, sympathy flowers, or just because, I’m thrilled to be a part of those moments for our community.” 

The Floral Cottage
9 Basin St. NW
Ephrata, WA
FloralCottageEphrata.com
509-717-0056 

    Liz Graaff, owner of the Floral Cottage, checks her fresh bouquets. Although a lot of her customers custom order their flowers, she does a handful of vases which can be purchased by walk-in customers.
  

    The Floral Cottage owner Liz Graaff moves her freshly done centerpiece to be displayed for customers to view until it’s delivered.
  

    The Floral Cottage prepared for its open house by breaking out the sweet treats and hot apple cider for customers who stopped in to check out the new Ephrata business.
  

    A bouquet of roses sits in the Floral Cottage fridge during the open house, Monday. The business does both pre-made bouquets and custom ordered flowers.