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(EDITORā€™S NOTE: Maeve Kelly Gavin, a 2007 political science graduate of ČÕŗ«ĀŅĀ× University, has taken her creative bent in an altogether new realm as The Flower Mama. Read her personal accounting here.)

Elkins Park, PA ā€“ Maeve Gavin, a former director of events for Philadelphia Magazine, turned her gardening obsession into an up-and-coming flower business serving the Philadelphia region. This March, Gavin and her flower truck, a 1959 VW Transporter nicknamed Rosebud, will be featured at the Philadelphia Flower Show selling her trademark bouquets.

Three years ago, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gavin wanted to find a creative outlet for herself while raising her three children as a stay-at-home mom. She dove into research about the slow-flower movement and taught herself everything she needed to know about cut flowers. Growing her own blooms on her Elkins Park property, Gavin launched The Flower Mama by selling handmade bouquets to neighbors and friends. Gavin soon expanded her business, offering indoor flower bars, outdoor-planter installation, fall displays for local businesses, and Christmas wreaths.

Wanting to marry her love of flowers with her event-planning background, last spring Gavin acquired something unique to the Philadelphia area: a vintage flower truck, which she rents for special events. She began loading Rosebud up with her home-grown flowers and bringing the truck to clientsā€™ bridal showers, anniversary parties, and store openings. There, guests can build their own bouquets, with Gavinā€™s guidance.

ā€œThe reception to Rosebud, and the Flower Mama business as a whole, has been overwhelmingly positive,ā€ said Gavin, 38. ā€œMore than ever, people are looking for something unique to add to their events, and having a vintage 65-year-old VW Transporter that you can pluck flowers from definitely does the trick. It can be a fun-tivity while also serving as a beautiful favor that guests actually enjoy receiving.ā€

The Flower Mama, and its unique and simple charm, caught the eye of the Philadelphia Flower show. Rosebud and Maeve were invited to be featured in this yearā€™s show, and to spread their cheer.

The Flower Show runs March 2 to 10. Gavinā€™s flower truck will be located right outside the Grand Hall and available every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (6 p.m. on the final show day) for custom bouquet-building.

(Social media: Instagram: @the.flower.mama; Facebook: @theflowermama)