Harriet’s Flowers, the beloved Ruskin florist, has closed its doors after more than five decades in business. Owner Gail Roszel, who took over the shop from her mother in 2003, described the decision as “absolutely heartbreaking,” but explained that she and her husband are ready to focus on family. The shop, named for Gail’s mother, Harriet Garbelman, had been a family affair for generations, with Gail learning the trade from a young age. Garbelman, who continued working with her orchids until her passing in 2022, had been grooming Gail for the role since her teenage years.
The decision to close wasn’t easy. Roszel cited several factors contributing to her choice, including the loss of her mother and her main designer, Joann Gauta, within the past few years. Changing market conditions and the construction of a nearby school also played a role. Despite putting the business on the market for 18 months, Roszel couldn’t find a buyer who met her high standards for quality and service. Ultimately, she prioritized preserving the shop’s reputation over a potentially less-than-ideal sale.
Instead of selling, Roszel has found a new direction. She’s leasing part of the building to the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce, a solution that allows her to maintain a connection to the community while pursuing other ventures. The family, including Gail’s daughter-in-law, Ashlye, will now focus on their half-acre flower farm located on their five-acre property. They plan to explore new avenues for selling their flowers, including community markets, wholesale, and supplying other local florists.
The closure marks the end of an era for Ruskin. Harriet’s Flowers had endured numerous challenges over the years, including a fire in 1978, the Great Recession, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and the COVID-19 pandemic. While the loss leaves a void in the community, the shop’s legacy will remain. Melanie Davis, executive director of the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce and a longtime friend of the family, noted that Harriet’s Flowers was an iconic part of Ruskin’s history, and that Gail’s decision, though difficult, represents a natural transition to a new chapter in the family’s lives. Roszel herself expressed peace with her decision, emphasizing the importance of family and the new opportunities that lie ahead.