Gunston Flowers: Lorton's Last-Minute Problem Solver

Things are a little hectic at . It's Valentine's Day and the shop has extra staff working fast to accommodate a rush of last-minute callers. Plus, two resident dogs and a Blue-fronted Amazon Parrot behind the counter help the small shop look even busier. 

"The busiest period of the day will be between 5:00 and 7:30 p.m.," said shop owner Peter Chabra. "The grocery stores are sold out and this is people's last chance before getting in trouble."

Here's The Deal:

• One dozen roses wrapped in paper: $60
• Vases range from $15-$25
• Rose colors: red, yellow, pink, white, orange, black and purple

The Flower Business

Gunston Flowers opened in 1998 on Valentine's week, and sister store Festival of Flowers opened in 1989. "Actually, our busiest week is on Mother's Day," said Peter. "Everybody's got a mother, but not everyone's got a lover."

Peter, a native of Manville, NJ, is a non-practicing real estate attorney, and, on weekends, works as a contractor for property management companies in the area. He occasionally gives his wife Carol a bouquet of Sonya roses, the same that were in her wedding bouquet 38 years ago. Carol worked in flower shops for more than a decade before opening the family business.  

"We were childhood sweethearts," said Peter, adding that running a flower shop isn't all roses. "A family businesses can be difficult during the holidays. When everyone is with their families, we have to be at the shop."  

Stacey Chabra, Peter and Carol's daughter runs Gunston Flowers. She's been a certified florist in Virginia since she was 14.

"For Valentine's Day, we usually have 50 delivery orders, about 100 arrangements and then walk-in and carryouts. We're constantly making stuff all day," Stacey said, adding that a lifetime with flowers can be prickly. "Cleaning 1,500 roses is still very uncomfortable. But you get used to it. You stab yourself and just keep going."

But how do you buy flowers for the girl in the flower shop? "Don't be my boyfriend and buy me any damn flowers," said Stacey. "I don't want flowers from somewhere else and then have to rearrange them." 

So, why go to Gunston Flowers? "That's easy," said Stacey. "We're a local family-owned operation with a bird, two dogs and we care."