By Hayleigh Gowans
Staff Writer
When Nino Gagliano, owner of Backyard Garden Florist, first saw the area of Lyndon Corners, he knew that was the spot where he wanted to open his business. Twenty-five years later, Backyard Garden Florist is still going strong and continuing to serve the floral arrangement and home décor needs of the greater Syracuse area.
Backyard Garden Florist is a full-service florist and offers floral arrangements for ceremonies and receptions, everyday flower deliveries, decorating for clients, as well as a retail shop for home décor.
Gagliano is originally from Rochester, but attended SUNY Morrisville, and his wife was from the Syracuse area, which is what attracted him to opening a business in the Syracuse area. He said he has always been interested in the horticulture industry because he enjoyed being in the garden or greenhouse and watching the plants grow into products that could be used for a variety of design elements.
“In 25 years, I’ve never not wanted to come to work,” said Gagliano. “There is not much downtime and it can be stressful, but it is a labor of love for me.”
Backyard Garden Florists was first opened in a retail space in the Lyndon Plaza on April 1, 1992, but, after six years, moved across the street to 6895 E. Genesee St. and the shop has been there ever since.
Though the floral industry has not changed drastically in the past few decades, Gagliano has made an effort to keep himself and his staff up to date on the latest trends by attending horticulture and floral design conferences. Gagliano has, however, seen a change in the way customers seek their services and has made an effort to focus on having a strong online presence.
“Brides these days are using Facebook, Instagram and other social media sites almost exclusively to plan their weddings. It’s important that we stay up-to-date on the latest technology in order to keep in touch with our customer base,” said Gagliano.
Being a small business that has stayed open for 25 years is something Gagliano believes is a huge accomplishment, and said he has his employees and supportive clients to thank for that.
“To start a business from scratch is a challenge — especially since flowers are not a necessity but rather a luxury,” said Gagliano. “I’m thrilled and have been overwhelmed by the support. There’s so many wonderful people that have helped us get to this point … I think we have proven to the community that we have amazing service and quality and that it’s worthwhile to give us a visit.”
Backyard Garden Florist is located at 6895 E. Genesee St. in Fayetteville and the phone number is 315-445-0530. To learn more about the store or to browse their floral delivery selection, go to backyardgardenflorist.com.
