Fernley Floral Boutique and Gifts Boutique Grand Opening, March 11

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

March 18 was a special day for Christine Manning, and not just because it was her 45th birthday.

Manning celebrated her birthday with the grand opening of her new store, Fernley Floral Boutique and Gifts Boutique, located at 891 B St.

Manning has spent 26 years working as a florist, and formerly owned Just B Cuz Flowers and Gifts in Fernley and Fallon Florist.

On Feb. 22, Manning purchased The Red House, a consignment shop, and set about the process, along with her mom Rose Wolcott, daughter Mackenzee and grandmother Mildred, of remodeling the building. Even before officially opening the doors on March 18, Manning said customers were stopping by during the renovations to find out when the store would open.

Fernley Floral Boutique and Gifts Boutique features a full-service flower shop, complete with what Manning called in the only flower shop in the region that has a walk-in cooler that customers may enter.

It also includes a boutique with an eclectic mix of items for sale, including artwork, jewelry, clothes, shoes and an extensive scarf collection.

The shop also includes a Missing Man Table created by Manning’s friend David Osborn, a traditional place of honor, set up in memory of fallen, missing, or imprisoned military service-members.

Manning said that reflects the family’s support of the military, and in that vein, the shop offers a 20 percent discount for active military or veterans, and free delivery for any event at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Manning said she will do custom weddings and other events, including on-site consultations.

“If you can pick it, I can create it,” she said.

Manning charges a $5 delivery fee in the downtown Fernley area, and $8 in the Golf Course, Wadsworth and other outlying areas.

Manning most recently worked at a florist in Carson City, and before that spent time working in psychosocial rehabilitation and basic skills training for kids, before the opportunity to get back in business for herself arose.

“I wanted to go back to something I love and enjoy,” she said.