(Photo by Alex Nuñez)
For more than 75 years, Olive Duntley Florist has been a staple in Manhasset. The shop, which opened in 1945 has evolved into a full-fledged florist where customers can get anything from a beautiful floral arrangement in high quality vases to gardening advice from Heidi Martinez, the store’s third owner.
Martinez first began in the business at Numa’s Florist in Wantagh, more than 18 years ago, after arriving in the United States.
“When I came to this country, I had a dream,” Martinez said. “I knew that I would own my own business one day and it finally came true.”
She arrived from Honduras nearly 20 years ago.
“The owner always took the time to teach,” Martinez said.
Numa’s owner, Miguel Hernandez, mentored and taught not only the floral aspect, but about being a business owner as well.
“I still cannot believe that I am here,” she said excitedly.
Martinez bought Olive Duntley from Lillian Lindergren three years ago, in Nov. 2008.
“Lillian still comes in and checks me out and supports me,” Martinez said. “In fact, she came in to help me on Mother’s Day.”
Martinez said every holiday is special and especially busy for Olive Duntley.
“You would not believe it, but Christmas is the biggest floral event here, as well as Mother’s Day,” Martinez said. “Everybody loves flowers for Christmas and you also have to take care of mom for Mother’s Day.”
Olive Duntley sold the business to Lillian Lindergren. In 2008, Lindergren retired after 52 years, selling the business to, now Heidi Martinez.
Lindergren moved Olive Duntley to 103 Plandome Rd. from another location further down the road in 1971. Lindergren, previously told the Manhasset Press that the floral shop has a lot of history and she chose to keep its original name.
“Olive Duntley was a sweet spinster school teacher, and she wanted me to keep her name, so I honored that,” Lindergren said.
Martinez likes making all of her customers happy and making everything she sells and puts together look top-notch.
“Everybody knows Olive Duntley,” Martinez said. “The people in the community are very supportive.”
Decorating the town around the holidays, giving advice, creating focus gardens, potting plants, decorating store windows or doors and creating arrangements for special occasions are only some of the many floral tasks that Martinez does.
“Manhasset is a beautiful place to be,” Martinez said. “The community is great and the people living in it are even greater; they often stop in and ask how we are doing.”
She takes pride in selling healthy plants and flowers and making her customers happy.
For more information about Olive Duntley at 103 Plandome Rd., call 516-627-1451 or visit, www.oliveduntleyflorist.com.
