Heather Colby, owner of Colby’s Florist

Colby’s Florist has been a cherished part of the community since 1969, starting as a small family business. Today, under the leadership of Heather Colby, it continues its legacy of bringing beauty and joy to life’s special moments. Learn more about Colby’s Florist and how the team prepares to deliver hundreds of Valentine’s bouquets on February 14.

A Family Tradition Rooted in Small-Town Values

Heather’s journey with Colby’s began when she married into the Colby family and learned the intricacies of the floral industry. After her mother-in-law retired, Heather took over the business while her husband, Gary, frequently traveled for work. This role gave her the flexibility to balance family and work—a perfect fit for their lifestyle.

Growing up on a dairy farm and excavating business in Foster instilled in Heather the values of hard work and community. These principles guide everything done at Colby’s Florist. The Colby family, including their two children, Grant and Halle, remains deeply connected to these roots.

Where are Valentine’s Bouquets Sourced?

The Colby family consider themselves very blessed to know their customers personally. Since they grew up and live in this community, they have participated in many of the events in their lives – weddings, anniversaries, births, birthdays, prom, retirement and funerals.

Flowers are sourced from trusted suppliers like Krueger’s Wholesale, Sparta Floral & Greenhouse in Wisconsin, and Len Busch Roses in Minnesota. These partnerships ensure a wide variety of high-quality, fresh flowers year-round, sustainably sourced from around the globe.

How Do Floral Shops Prepare for Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest seasons at Colby’s. Planning begins in December as flowers, vases, ribbons and embellishments are pre-ordered. The staff is tripled to meet the increased demand for orders and deliveries. Red roses, the quintessential symbol of love, remain a favorite, alongside mixed arrangements personalized with stuffed animals and candy.

The team crafts over 500 bows and designs unique arrangements to make Valentine’s gifts extraordinary. For those seeking something different, “Candy Bokays” offer a creative twist. Inspired by Agnes Colby’s playful spelling of “bouquet,” this sweet tradition continues to delight customers. She would place ads with this selective spelling to see who would notice the error.

Tips to Keep Valentine’s Bouquets Fresh

To extend the life of your flowers:

  • Change the water every couple of days.
  • Add flower food and recut the stems with floral snips (household scissors can damage stems).
  • Keep flowers out of direct sunlight and display them in a cool area.

More Than Just Valentine’s Bouquets

Colby’s Florist offers more than floral arrangements. The boutique features women’s apparel, accessories, Bemis Bluff Wine, Logterman Honey and other local products. A Kodak photo kiosk is also available for printing cherished memories, making it a one-stop shop for thoughtful gifts.

Why Shopping Local Matters

Supporting local businesses strengthens the community by circulating money within the local economy. Shopping at Colby’s Florist means not just buying a gift—it means supporting a family and a tradition of heartfelt service.

Show Your Love This Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day, celebrate love and community by choosing Colby’s Florist. Let the team design a unique gift that speaks to your heart and supports your neighbors. Show your local love and make this holiday unforgettable!


Heather Colby is featured as a part of Gather Wisconsin’s Leaders of the Land® segment, which features Wisconsin farmers moving agriculture forward through their commitment to sustainability.