There is no better feeling than walking into a warm greenhouse filled with the fabulous sights of vibrant orchids, aromatic eucalyptus, and fresh vegetable plants sprouting from May’s Floral Garden. May’s has been family-owned and operated by the Reit family for the past 50 years, with three generations of family heading the business. 

May’s was first built at their location on the corner of Jeffers Road and Truax Blvd. in 1958 by Harold and Fern May. After working with Harold to supply products for his flower shop in Thorp, Larry Reit decided to purchase May’s on July 1, 1974, and move his family to Eau Claire. 

Larry continued to expand May’s over the years adding a Southside location in 1976. Although Larry is still involved in May’s business operations, he shifted his focus to expand into other business opportunities. Larry’s daughters, Brenda and Angie, took over business operations in 1998. May’s was more than a family business to them, as they spent their childhoods in and around the greenhouse since their family lived in the house right next to it. They both have memories of helping out in the flower shop and greenhouse. 

When you're shopping at a garden center, you're shopping for ideas and knowledge as well as plants. –Angie Willier

When the two returned to the business, they slowly began expanding May’s offerings in the early 2000s, which now includes home decor, bereavement items, assorted gifts, pottery, wind chimes, holiday decorations and so much more. This paved the way for them to become a one-stop shop for helping create the homes of people’s dreams.

“It’s most rewarding to see people get excited about their homes,” Brenda said. “We like to decorate our homes inside and out and like to help our customers turn their house into an inviting space.”

In 2013, the Reits decided to close their Southside location and put their whole focus into their large space on the west side of Eau Claire, which included a large-scale renovation. They expanded their retail store space and expanded their greenhouses.

May’s third generation includes Brenda’s daughter, Morgan, who is starting to take over operations. Brenda’s daughter, Madalen is also involved, handling the social media and helping with classes. The May’s Floral family also extends to the staff, with two employees who have worked there for over 40 years and others for over a decade.“We all work well together, as we each have our own design styles and ideas,” Brenda said. 

To celebrate their 50th anniversary, May’s Floral Garden is hosting a huge sale on Tuesday, June 25, offering 35% off the entire store. The sale is their way of thanking the community for continuing to support them for so long. Brenda and Angie agree the reason May’s has been able to find such success in Eau Claire over the last 50 years is because of their commitment to their customers and the community.

"I think when you’re shopping at a garden center, you’re shopping for ideas and knowledge as well as plants,” Angie said. “People come in all the time with a little baggy of leaves and ask, ‘Can you tell me what’s going on with my plants’? You can only earn the trust of people with your knowledge.”

FLORAL THROWBACK. Pictured is May's Floral Garden in 1974.

Their flower and plant offerings – with all of the sweet smells included – also sets them apart. They also have a large walk-in flower cooler with a farmer’s market feel available year-round that allows you to pick stems of flowers for your own bouquet. A vast amount of their plants are grown in greenhouses on-site and on separate growing grounds on Jeffers Road and County Highway T, allowing for the freshest plants to be brought to Eau Claire’s west side.

“We are very invested in the west side (of Eau Claire),” Brenda said. “We’ve grown up here for 50 years, we built our business here for 50 years, and we are proud of the west side and all it has to offer.” 

Stop by May’s Floral & Greenhouse at 3424 Jeffers Road, Eau Claire, and experience all they have to offer for your home. Also, make sure to check out their 50th anniversary sale on June 25. 

May's Floral Garden & Greenhouse

Phone: (715) 836-8220

Address: 3424 Jeffers Road, Eau Claire

Online: MaysFloral.net

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