by Chelle Koster Walton

Pine Island has always been known for its fertile soil and insulated climes, which make perfect conditions for growing tropical fruit trees, palms, and other tree and farm crops. A couple of recent retail developments have made the island even more appealing to those who love plants and flowers.

The designers at Say It with Flowers plant a surprise in every one of their arrangements. Each gets a feather-trimmed net bag filled with potpourri and decorated with a butterfly. Then, just when you thought you’d gotten all the joy you can out of your flowers and you go to toss them out, you find a tiny, red glass heart at the bottom of the vase.

These kinds of small touches and grand flourishes have made the floral shop such a success that it has opened a satellite store on Pine Island, which joins its original Cape Coral location. “We were delivering constantly out here,” says manager Susan Updyke, who counts more than thirty years of experience arranging flowers. “People want to shop right here on the island. They don’t want to go off-island.”

So without crossing a single bridge, Pine Islanders can shop for live plant arrangements, fresh flowers, silk arrangements, Fentonware, and other gifts. In season, Updyke offers arranging and crafts classes. For more information, call 239-283-0938 or visit www.sayitwithflowerscapecoral.com.

When Koucky Gallery moved to Bokeelia from Naples seven years ago, it inherited the nursery on the property the owners purchased. Recently, potter Chuck Koucky found himself too taken up with his art and retail business to continue running the nursery, so he hired Joel and Leslie Arias to take over that aspect and grow it to the next level.

They’ve utilized their landscaping and marketing expertise to add everything from orchids and ornamental plants to homemade cheesecake and pony rides for the kids. “The gardens were all green,” says Leslie. “We’re adding color, and we’ve brought in these fabulous pots from the Dominican Republic to sell.” Live plants arranged in Chuck’s pots draw Koucky Gallery & Gardens’ two identities together.

“Everyone on Pine Island who has a nursery sells plants,” says Joel. “Here [people] can come, have a cup of tea or Cuban coffee, relax, and enjoy the day.” For more information, call 239-283-4414 or visit www.kouckygallery.com.

Chelle Koster Walton is the cuisine and travel editor for Times of the Islands and RSW Living.