By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

At first glance, it may seem unusual that a business named the Cherry Hill Flower Barn would have a Pennsauken address. But this particular florist has roots that run very deep in the Township.

Pennsauken native Rick Cuneo’s love of all things green germinated at an early age.

“I knew from day one that this is what I wanted to do,” says Cuneo, a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers and Pennsauken High School’s Class of 1977. “I always wanted to cut the lawn and play in the garden.”

In high school, Rick worked at the old Carlin’s Market, a go-to place for produce, flowers and more along Westfield Ave. The invaluable experience he gained at Carlin’s would be the seed that grew into staring his own business. And for 35 years, the Cherry Hill Flower Barn was located on the same property as Bayard’s Chocolates on West Rt. 70. But several months ago, Cuneo was informed that he would have to uproot his business to make way for the building of a Dunkin Donuts. Fortunately, as one bud closes, another opens: Rick found a much larger space in Pennsauken that would allow his business to continue to blossom.

“A friend of mine owns the building,” explains Cuneo. “We outgrew the old space years ago. Now we have a lot more space to work and can display more of our gift items. The building has the same feel as the old barn but with a bigger space.”

The Cherry Hill Flower Barn is a full service florist, putting together arrangements for weddings, funerals, parties, local deliveries, and wire service deliveries. They also offer landscape design, interior design, and decorating for the holidays. In addition, the store showcases a wide variety of gift items. As customers walk into the 2,800 sq. ft. space, seasonal items are on display in the center of the main room; gifts for a variety of holidays, from Christmas to Independence Day, perennially line the wall to the right.

To celebrate the opening of the flower business’ new location, Pennsauken Mayor Betsy McBride will be on hand for a ceremonial ribbon cutting on April 26 at 11:00 a.m. Rick will also have an evening open house on April 29 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. as a way to cultivate more awareness about his new store front.

“My regular customers will find me. Our signs are very visible from the street,” says Cuneo. “A lot of businesses are moving into the area and more traffic is moving through.”

The Cherry Hill Flower Barn is located at 7850 Airport Hwy. in Pennsauken. Store hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to noon. Wedding consultations are available in the evening by appointment. For more information, visit CherryHillFlowerBarn.com or call (856) 665-7660.