Our Philosophy
In addition to gifts, home décor and live plants Garden Gate Flowers offers a delightful selection of cut stems. It’s not unusual to find organic locally grown offerings such as Persian Basil and Chocolate Cosmos amongst Australian Brezilla Pods and scarcely known varietals of roses. We always use only the freshest and highest quality flowers by shopping the wholesale markets several times a week.
Our floral arrangements can be described as organically lush and elegant compositions. They have depth and exude luxury and charm.
Over the years we have worked with thousands of wonderful clients from people trying to pull together a simple arrangement to weddings, funerals and corporate events. The most flattering thing we hear on a daily basis is, “I know you do great work so just do your usual!” It is that level of trust that has built Garden Gate’s stellar reputation over the years.
Garden Gate Flowers has been featured in many publications including Minneapolis Star Tribune, Mpls-St. Paul Magazine, Channel 11 KARE, Minnesota Bride, and Spaces magazine.
Customer comments:
“Unusual Gem Of Flower and Gift Store. LOVED this store had a great selection of home decor, cute hostess gifts and an amazing aray of fresh cut flowers. I was also amazed with the plant selections. It was in a cute part of town and had easy to get to parking in the back.” (Citysearch)
“They make a man look like he has taste. The flower arrangements make even a style impaired guy like me look like I have taste. You can’t get flowers like theirs just anywhere. The service was very attentive. The staff is very stylish as well. Highly recommended.” (Insider Pages)
“Great place. This place has beautiful flowers. And even better flower arrangements. I’ve been there twice and the staff are helpful and knowledgeable. You will get exactly what you want.” (Insider Pages)
“Charming Flower Shop. Their flowers are akin to wild strawberries you find at the farmers market. They are not the cheapest but they are high quality and delicious beyond any measure. “ (Yelp)
About the Founder
Melinda Carter-Benham has over 20 years experience in the floral industry. She has worked in a vast number of roles including design, merchandising, buying and event planning. All the while she has cultivated exceptional relationships with growers, manufacturers, distributors and fellow designers.
A wife and mother of two, Melinda opened Garden Gate Flowers in 1997. She acquired the space from one of Stems & Vines original owners. Upon completion of the purchase she had just six weeks to transform the existing shop into her own. A mere three weeks after opening she managed to pull off an extraordinary feat: flowers for five weddings in one weekend! That pace has continued ever since. In 2000 just after her daughter was born, Melinda expanded into the neighboring space (vacated by a travel agency).
Many have affectionately known Garden Gate Flowers as the “shop with the two cats”. Although they have now retired from holding court, Petals and Pansy spent many fine days basking in the sun curled up in their wicker baskets.
Melinda continues to inspire her staff and her clients with her style, passion and knowledge. She is a self-described “Flower Snob.” Not that anyone really minds of course . . .
