After a lifetime
of nurturing all things green and cultivating relationships
with other "green thumbs," Clyde
Wilson and his business partner, Bud Hornburg, received
one of the highest honors bestowed on any S.C. florist.
A Blumen Affair, owned by Wilson and Hornburg, was named
Florist of the Year by the S.C. Florist Association at
its annual state convention, held this year in Pawleys
Island.
"I was surprised," said Wilson of the recognition. "Our
peers voted for us, so to get this is quite outstanding.
It's really a special, special thing."
Neither Wilson nor Hornburg is new to the
flower business. The two opened their business in 1987.
Hornburg keeps the books and makes deliveries, while Wilson
takes care of most of the floral arrangements.
Wilson, who grew up in Myrtle Beach, can
remember being fascinated with flowers and plants even
in his earliest years. It was this seemingly instinctual
passion that drew him to Juliette's Flower shop on Third
Avenue in Myrtle Beach. The shop was near his home, and
the owner, Juliette Hammond Vickman, allowed him to help
out, starting with small jobs and working up to deliveries
and arrangements. After spending time in the military,
Wilson returned home where Vickman took him under her wing.
After opening his own business, Wilson
served on numerous boards and associations to help advance
his profession, including the Southern Retail Board and
the Teleflora Board. |