Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
The orchid, with its colorful flowers, makes one of the most beautiful houseplants and has done so for hundreds of years. In fact, the orchid was first cultivated in Asia for its aesthetic quality and as a use in medicine. Bonsais, the miniature trees, were also popular in Asia. Both plants eventually became popular in Europe and America in the 1900s, and since then have remained popular.
Here in Utah, however, there seemed to be a lack in supply. But for Shelly and Clinton Lewis, it made the perfect opportunity to start a business. They opened The Orchid Dynasty at 1344 S. 2100 East in Salt Lake, and for nearly two years now have been a great source for orchids and bonsais.
Clinton is the orchid and bonsai enthusiast, and Shellyís love for flowers and artistic approach to floral design made the business idea almost a given. The store features a wide variety of plants and cut flowers with new shipments arriving weekly, and also offers arrangements for funerals, weddings and other special events. Anything purchased can be delivered anywhere in the Salt Lake Valley and even up to Park City. Clinton himself makes the deliveries.
Clinton and Shelly told me that not only do they want people to buy flowers and plants from them, but they want their store to serve as a resource for providing answers to questions and solutions for any problems that may arise in growing the plants. Clinton and Shelly want people to feel good about the plants they purchase and to know how to take care of them. With each purchase, they include information cards for plant care.
For some people, the delicate blooms of the orchid and pruned miniature trees may seem intimidating. But Clinton assured me that with the right instructions, that they both can be just as easy as most houseplants.
Yes, a visit to Shelly and Clinton at the Orchid Dynasty yields not only good information about orchids and bonsais but also an aesthetic treat.
For Zions Bank, Iím Fred Ball. Iím speaking on business.
