WE love
We are the growers and friends behind Friendly City Florals! Our bond goes beyond just friendship; it's rooted in our shared love of gardening and the healing power of flowers.
Navigating motherhood, COVID lockdowns and the loss of our fathers, we found solace in creating our own greenspaces. After connecting over the love of dahlias, and wanting to make our passion a meaningful contribution to our community, Friendly City Florals was created.
We’re on a mission to share this healing energy with our community, one bouquet at a time. In every flower, we see a symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring beauty that can emerge from life’s most challenging moments. One simple act of kindness can bring so much joy and comfort to others.
welcome
Hey there! I'm Laura, back in Harrisonburg with my husband, Ben, and our four kiddos. I'm a licensed clinical social worker, dedicated stay-at-home mom and passionate micro flower farmer.
I've always loved flowers, and have been gradually transforming our landscape into cottage gardens and raised beds. Believing in growing what you love and giving abundantly, I found comfort during the pandemic gifting peony bouquets to neighbors. The joy and connection it brought to all of us was profound.
When not in the garden, I'm cheering on my kids at sports games and events, enjoying audiobooks, experimenting with my flower press, and spending quality time with family and friends.
My current garden favorites are waterlilly dahlias!
CO-Founder
Peony Devotee
Meet Laura
Hi, I'm Rebecca! I'm a Shenandoah Valley Native. I currently live in Harrisonburg with my husband, Isaac, daughter Natalie and our two dogs, Pete and Ellie.
Inspired by my Granny's gardens, I knew I wanted to create a garden space with beauty tucked into every corner while having vases of flowers to put in every room.
My eyes were opened to the gravity and immense meaningfulness of flower gifting at my father's funeral in September 2020. The sheer amount of flower arrangements we received and the heartfelt messages buoyed my spirits during my most difficult time.
My current garden favorites are punchy raspberry dahlias and queen series zinnias.
co-founder
zinnia enthusiast
meet rebecca
Hi! My name is Katharine Corgan. Originally from New England, I came to JMU as a freshman over 20 years ago and never left! I met my husband, Vito, here and we've owned and operated restaurants in Harrisonburg since 2007. We have 4 children who keep us on our toes, having fun and running to all the activities!
I love this beautiful, outdoorsy and artsy community in which we work and live. I'm so grateful to be a part of Friendly City Floral's board and for all the sunshine and brightness this organization spreads.
Katharine
(secretary)
My name is Lisa Roeschley and I have lived in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley since 1992. My husband and I fell in love with the beauty each season brings here in the valley. I have been teaching for Rockingham County the past 32 years, most recently teaching Kindergarten the past four years. While teaching nothing brings me greater joy than teaching my students the value of showing kindness through gifting flowers. We plant in the Spring and enjoy gifting flowers in the Fall. My husband and I are also co-owners of Shirley's Gourmet Popcorn Co. located in downtown Harrisonburg. We have two married sons currently living in Crozet and Harrisonburg.
Lisa
Hi I'm Audrey! I am so thrilled to be part of the board for Friendly City Florals. My journey with this special team started back in Charlotte when my event design business helped me connect with Rebecca, the co-founder. We hit it off instantly, sharing love for creating unforgettable moments. When I'm not working events, you can find me snuggled up with my cat or finding the best cup of coffee in town.
Audrey
our board of directors
Rebekah Brubaker is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has been licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia since 2008. She has spent her career working in the public mental health, substance use and developmental services field and is the Executive Director of the Harrisonburg Rockingham Community Services Board. Outside of work, Rebekah enjoys spending time with her husband and two teenage sons. These days she spends the majority of her time attending her sons’ activities and supporting them in their varied interests.
Rebekah
Katie Swartzendruber, a school counselor turned farmer-florist, is the owner of Thyme After Thyme Boutique Flower Farm, a seed-t0-vase micro-farm located outside the town of Bridgewater. Thyme After Thyme is on 3 acres, with under 1/2 an acre in production.
Thyme After Thyme specializes in providing locally grown, seasonal blooms for weddings and other formal events, market bouquet subscriptions, and arrangements of all sizes for special occasions or 'just because!'
Katie
Bio coming Soon
Stacy
