“Where Flowers Bloom So Does Hope.”

These enthralling words decaled on windows and the shop sign greet customers as they skedaddle into Around The Corner Florist. The small-town flower shop sits nestled in the North Hall County railroad town of Lula.

The quoted words ring a true tune for residents of the sleepy, yet bustling town. Whether you need a funeral floral arrangement that bids a final farewell or a joyous wedding creation to celebrate new beginnings, a simple gift of one red rose or a smattering of a dozen roses, or a sweet tastebud treat for any holiday or special occasion, travel no further than around the corner.

Patti Thomas, 51, of Lula, took over as owner of the shop after the former owner, Vicky Chambers, a popular Lula businesswoman, succumbed to injuries suffered from a car accident.

“I jumped at the opportunity,” Thomas said when she learned the Chambers family was contemplating selling the floral hot spot. It was a business venture Thomas had always contemplated.

In March 2015, Thomas began her teenage dream of being a florist, which flourished into her wish of designing the creative, beautiful arrangements that accompany a floral business.

Linda Corn, who has worked for Around The Corner Florist for five years, stayed firmly rooted with the shop when Thomas assumed ownership. She wears the title of designer and manager.

“She’s a valuable asset,” Thomas said. “And I could not do it without her.”

The popular floral haven was a major contributor for the Lula Fall Festival in September.

“It’s usually not this hectic,” said Thomas’ husband Joe as he pointed at the array of activity.

Festive balloons, folksy fall wreaths, autumn orange ribbons, fall flowers in a rainbow of shades, and all the makings of fall festival goodies, filled the shop from nook to cranny.

“Patti is the owner. I’m just the delivery man,” Joe Thomas said with a laugh.

Patti Thomas, however, gave her husband credit.

“Joe runs our office,” she said.

The married couple of 26 years are not the only Thomas’ in the shop.

Erin, their 19-year-old daughter, returned home for a visit from the University of North Georgia Dahlonega campus to lend a hand.

Along with fall arrangements, the University of Georgia’s red and black along with its bulldog mascot makes appearances in the shop. The beloved Athens bulldogs are not the only bulldogs lurking around Georgia. An elementary school down the road from Around the Corner Florist answers to the name of The Lula bulldogs.

Homespun fall wreaths made by Patti Thomas and Corn bring a cozy country decor accent.

Joe Thomas said the Simply Southern Tees are also a big seller.

“One day the UPS delivered a box of the shirts,” he said. “Before the box was opened, a woman had already bought two.”

Around the Corner Florist also offers sweet treats such as scrumptious candy bouquets and fruit baskets which are ready to deliver a taste of love to friends and family.

The Around The Corner Florist folks know North Georgia loves pottery, too. Therefore, Folk Potter made by Roger Corn is a fetching addition to the floral arrangements, baskets, wreaths, gifts and treats.

The florist shop delivers gifts within a 20-mile radius, including Gainesville, Cleveland, Habersham County, Oakwood, Braselton and Clermont. Staffers also can wire flowers anywhere.

For more information, visit Around the Corner’s website at www.aroundthecornerflorist.com.