Prairie Home Floral makes deliveries despite pandemic

"I love my job because everyone is happy to see me at the door," says the owner of one of the widest smiles in Blooming Prairie.
Owner of that effervescent smile is none other than Jackie Vorlicek, owner in her own right, of Prairie Home Floral, Decor & Gifts of Blooming Prairie.
Vorlicek has been ringing lots of door bells the past few weeks when Blooming Prairie residents were abiding by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's executive order to "Shelter in Place." Walz extended that order another three weeks until May 4.
Prairie Home has been a very busy place with Vorlicek processing orders that have been increasing daily.
Floral shops were able to continue their business of doing non-contact delivery and curbside pickup. "I just had 18 deliveries the other day," said Vorlicek, who is getting to be a familiar sight, driving her green-colored smaller automobile.
Vorlicek said she has been working with the floral industry of Minnesota in monitoring restrictions to her floral business.
Has her business changed since the beginning of the COVID-10 outbreak? Yes, it has, admits Vorlicek. "It's become a bit more tedious because we are following a few more steps than usual," she says.
"It's a fun job to deliver a floral bouquet, and see the huge smile on the recipient's face," Vorlicek shares. "We are following social distancing and cannot even accept a hug," she frowns.
Customers of Prairie Home need to be cheered up and that's where Vorlicek enters the picture.
She says it has been proven that flowers and plants lift people's moods. "Gosh, we need happiness in our life," Vorlicek believes.
Feedback has been very positive about Prairie Home's deliveries. " The other day, a family member of a Heather Haus resident thanked us while holding back tears. "She made me cry," Vorlicek said.
She said the mood of people on the street has vacillated. "My floral community and family community support has been overwhelming," Vorlicek says.
"We will get through this," she says with confidence.
Prairie Home has a website and can take orders through it and by using Facebook, or by calling the store at 507-583-7637.
Vorlicek thanks her customers for their support. "We, in turn, support our local restaurants and businesses," she said. "We are all in this together," she added.
She and her husband Jason continue to eat out by patronizing food places that offer curb service. "That means I don't have to cook," she laughs.
 
Vorlicek is still planning to start up a garden center. She is hopeful that her father-in-law, Frank Vorlicek, may be able to help with his expertise from running Frank & Tom's Garden Center in the past.
"We are so thankful for the support we have received from the community, especially during these trying times for everyone," concluded Vorlicek.