Although the new owner is keeping the name the same, customers will notice some changes at Hillside Florist. [Photos by Elizabeth Jamison]

When longtime Hillside Florist employee Angie Lang got the chance to take the reins, she didn’t hesitate to plant new roots.

As of May 1, Lang officially became the new owner of Hillside Florist. She and her daughter, along with three part‑time employees, are continuing with the same friendly, hands-on approach customers have always appreciated.

Customers can still purchase fresh floral arrangements for all of their special occasions.

Since taking over Hillside Florist, Lang said she has put an emphasis on plants, rather than focusing solely on floral arrangements. By offering more plant selections, she hopes to bring in younger crowds since younger people seem to be more interested in plants than floral arrangements. She is also hoping that the addition of plants will help keep business steady throughout the year, since floral arrangements tend to draw customers mainly for special occasions.

In addition to flowers and plants, customers can purchase other gift items such as chocolate.

Along with plants and fresh arrangements, customers can also find silk arrangements, pet memorials and gifts such as chocolate, stuffed animals, wind chimes and sun catchers. As far as service, Lang said she’s interested in giving people what they want.

“We’re not here to make a million dollars. I just want to make people happy; that’s what makes me happy,” she said.

Lang said she purchased Hillside Florist because she loves the adventure. She also loves flowers and plants and wanted an opportunity to put to use her acre of land, where she grows and maintains flowers.

There are plants a plenty at Hillside Florist.

A plant enthusiast, Lang, is always eager to share her knowledge, and is sure to inform customers of plant care and maintenance when they visit the store. She is always happy to help with services like re-potting plants for customers for a small fee. She has even tossed around the idea of holding educational classes at the Kewanee Public Library.

Lang hopes to have a grand opening sometime in the near future. She plans to keep the name the same because that’s what it has always been, and she wants to continue the legacy and add new, fresh ideas for the future.

Customers can check out her Facebook page at Hillside Florist, visit the website at hillsideflowershop.com, or call the shop at 309-853-3331.