The Faces of Gillespie Florists: Meet Clara Dye! 💐

At Gillespie Florists, our team is what makes our flower shop such a special place. Behind every beautiful arrangement and thoughtful delivery is a wonderful group of people who bring their own personalities, talents, and creativity to our family business.

Today, we're shining the spotlight on Clara Dye, one of our magnificent Customer Service Representatives!

Growing Up Gillespie 🌷

If Clara looks familiar, there's a good reason! Her mom, Sarah Gillespie, is one of our owners, which means Clara has practically grown up at Gillespie Florists!

Over the years, she's become a familiar face around the shop, bringing her creativity, sweet spirit, and artistic talents to everything she does. We love having her as part of our team!

Getting to Know Clara 🌸

We asked Clara to share a few of her favorite things about flowers, working at Gillespie, and life outside the shop.

💐 Favorite Flowers: Stock, cosmos, gerbera daisies, and lisianthus. Clara has an eye for beautiful blooms!

💕 Favorite Orders to Sell: Anniversary flowers! Clara especially loves hearing couples' stories, learning how long they've been together, and helping them celebrate their special milestones.

🎄 Favorite Gillespie Memory: Celebrating the changing seasons and holidays with the team. One of her favorite traditions is the annual Christmas white elephant gift exchange!

❤️ Favorite Holiday at Gillespie: Valentine's Day! While it's our busiest day of the year, Clara loves being right in the middle of all the excitement. There's never a dull moment when love (and flowers!) is in the air.

🌺 Favorite Arrangement on Our Website: Poetic!

It's All About the People (and a Little Creativity!) 🎨

One of Clara's favorite parts of working at Gillespie Florists is the opportunity to meet so many different and interesting people. She enjoys hearing their stories, connecting with customers, and helping them find the perfect flowers for life's special moments.

She also appreciates the opportunity to express her artistic side. From the beautiful blooms surrounding her to the creativity that goes into floral design, Clara loves being part of a workplace where art and flowers come together.

Life Outside the Flower Shop 📚

When she's not helping customers at Gillespie, Clara spends much of the year at Purdue University, where she's studying Pharmacy!

Outside of school and work, she enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and her cat, Fred. 🐱 She's also an avid reader and loves drawing and painting, so it's no surprise that creativity is such a big part of her personality!

A Special Part of the Gillespie Family 💗

As a family-owned business, it's especially meaningful to see the next generation grow up around the flower shop and become part of its story.

Clara brings a wonderful combination of kindness, creativity, enthusiasm, and fun to Gillespie Florists. Whether she's helping someone select anniversary flowers, getting caught up in the excitement of Valentine's Day, or sharing a laugh with the team, we're always happy to have her around.

We're so glad you're part of the Gillespie family, Clara!

The next time you stop by or give us a call, you just might have the pleasure of chatting with Clara. Be sure to say hello! 👋

Stay tuned for more of The Faces of Gillespie Florists as we introduce you to the wonderful people who make our flower shop bloom! 🌸



 

Click the Names below to learn more about our staff!

Sarah

Tyler

Della

Duane

Sheila

Autumn

Jackalyn 

Becky

Rachel

Taylor

This month, we’re excited to introduce Taylor Smith, one of the friendly faces on our Customer Service team.

Taylor joined Gillespie Florists six months ago as a Customer Service Representative, and she has already become a wonderful part of our floral family. She enjoys the warm, welcoming atmosphere at the shop and loves helping our customers create something beautiful for life’s special moments.

One of Taylor’s favorite parts of her job is helping customers select prom corsages. She enjoys seeing all the unique dresses, colors and styles that come through our doors—and helping each customer bring their prom vision to life with the perfect flowers and finishing touches.

When it comes to her own favorite flowers, Taylor has a beautiful trio: peonies, ranunculus and gerbera daisies. 💐 Her favorite holiday to work at the shop is Mother’s Day, and her favorite arrangement from our website is Peaches and Cream.

Outside of Gillespie Florists, Taylor enjoys hiking, reading and fishing. 🎣 She is also beginning an exciting new chapter in her life. Taylor recently graduated from high school and is starting college this month at IU Indianapolis, where she will study Environmental Science. 🎓

Although Taylor hasn’t been with us long, her warm smile and calming demeanor have already made a meaningful impression. She has a natural way of helping everyone who walks through our doors feel comfortable and welcome, and we truly appreciate the kindness and care she brings to our customers and team each day.

We’re so happy to have Taylor as part of the Gillespie Florists family, and we look forward to watching her continue to grow—both here at the shop and as she begins her college journey. 💕
Come Say Hello!

Visit our store to meet Taylor and the rest of our Gillespie Florists family. We’d love to welcome you, help you find the perfect flowers and create something beautiful together!

It can be difficult to know what to say when someone is grieving. If you’re anything like me—and your natural instinct is to make people smile or laugh—you may feel especially unsure of yourself. You want to offer comfort, but no joke or perfect phrase can make the loss disappear.

Fortunately, showing someone you care doesn’t require perfect words. A simple message, a thoughtful gesture or a beautiful arrangement can remind them that they are loved and remembered.



Last year, grief touched our immediate Gillespie family when my siblings and I lost our mom, and our dad lost his wife. We each experienced that loss in our own way. For me, it helped when people reached out. They didn’t have to say anything profound. Sometimes a simple “I’m thinking of you” was enough to remind me I wasn’t alone.

What Can You Say?

“I’m sorry for your loss” is a traditional expression of sympathy, but it isn’t the only option. If those words don’t feel natural—or you didn’t know the person who passed away—focus on letting the grieving person know you care.

You might say or write:

• “I’m thinking of you and your family.”
• “Sending you love during this difficult time.”
• “Holding you close in my thoughts.”
• “I know how much they meant to you.”
• “Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.”
• “I’m here if you need anything.”
• “Thinking of you—there is no need to reply.”
• “Wishing you comfort in the days ahead.”

If you knew the person who passed away, using their name or sharing a brief memory can make your message especially meaningful:

• “I will always remember how she made everyone feel welcome.”
• “He always knew how to make me laugh.”
• “I feel fortunate to have known her.”
• “One of my favorite memories of him is…”

You don’t need to explain the loss, find a silver lining or write something elaborate. A few sincere words are often enough.

Let Flowers Help Express What Is in Your Heart

Flowers have long been a traditional way to express sympathy. When words are difficult to find, blooms can communicate love, remembrance and support in a beautiful and gentle way.

Sympathy flowers may be sent to a visitation, funeral or memorial service. They can also be delivered directly to the family’s home. An arrangement sent in the days or weeks after the service can be especially thoughtful, bringing a little warmth and beauty when the first rush of activity has quieted.

Flowers can also be personalized. A favorite bloom, meaningful color or special style can reflect the personality of the person being remembered. Keepsake containers, garden stones, figurines and wind chimes offer the family something they can hold onto after the flowers have faded.

If you aren’t sure what type of arrangement is appropriate, that is where we can help. Tell us a little about the person, your relationship with the family and where the flowers will be delivered. Our Gillespie Florists team can guide you toward something thoughtful and fitting.

Consider a Living Tribute

A green or blooming plant can be another meaningful option for someone who enjoys caring for plants. It may bring comfort to a home or office while serving as a lasting reminder of the person who sent it.

I received a plant when my first baby was born and kept it until we moved—more than a decade later. Over the years, it became more than a plant. It reminded me of an important chapter in my life and of the people who cared enough to mark it with something living.

Plants may not last forever, but the memories connected to them can remain long after the gift itself is gone.

Other Ways to Show Your Support

Flowers are a beautiful way to express sympathy, but they aren’t the only way to show someone you care. Support can also look like:

• Delivering a meal or sending a restaurant gift card
• Picking up groceries or household necessities
• Helping with children or pets
• Taking care of the lawn or trash bins
• Sending a handwritten letter or card
• Inviting someone for a quiet walk
• Sitting with them and listening
• Checking in without expecting an immediate reply

If you offer practical help, try to be specific. “I can leave dinner on your porch Thursday” may be easier to answer than “Let me know if you need anything.”

Keep Showing Up

Grief doesn’t end after the funeral. Immediately following a loss, families may be surrounded by calls, cards, flowers, meals and visitors. As the weeks pass, that support often becomes quieter—but knowing someone still cares can mean just as much later.

Consider checking in again after a few weeks or months. Send a text, mail a card, bring dinner on an ordinary Tuesday or deliver flowers simply to say, “We’re still thinking of you.”

Birthdays, holidays, anniversaries and other meaningful dates may also be difficult. Remembering those days lets someone know that their loved one has not been forgotten.

You don’t have to ask questions or expect a reply. A simple message such as, “Thinking of you today—no need to respond,” offers support without placing any pressure on the person receiving it.

Sometimes Comfort Comes Without Words

Even quiet companionship can help. We have several friendly dogs around the Gillespie Florists shop. They aren’t service or therapy animals—they are simply shop dogs who love giving affection. For visitors who are comfortable around dogs, a wagging-tail welcome and a few minutes of puppy love may offer a small moment of comfort during a difficult day.

There Is No Expiration Date on Caring

Flowers, plants, cards, meals, practical help and quiet companionship are all meaningful ways to show someone you care. Your gesture doesn’t have to be grand, and your words don’t have to be perfect. What matters is reaching out—and continuing to remember them after the first difficult days have passed.

The Gillespie Florists team understands how personal these moments can be. Whether you need help choosing sympathy flowers, selecting a living tribute or finding the right words for a card, we are honored to help you send comfort in a thoughtful and beautiful way.

Visit our Sympathy & Funeral Flowers page, call us at 317-273-1100 or stop by the shop at 9255 West 10th Street.

September is here, bringing cooler mornings, early fall color and plenty of birthdays to celebrate!

The traditional birth flowers for September are the aster and morning glory. One blooms brightly as summer winds down, while the other greets each new day with colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers. Together, they represent love, wisdom, patience, hope and fresh beginnings.

Let’s get to know these September favorites!

Asters: Little Stars of the Garden

Asters get their name from the ancient Greek word for “star,” inspired by their star-like, daisy-shaped blooms. They typically flower in late summer and fall, adding a welcome burst of color as many summer flowers begin to fade.

Asters are associated with wisdom, patience, faith and powerful love. Their meaning can also change with their color:

• Purple asters represent wisdom, dignity and royalty.
• White asters symbolize purity, innocence and trust.
• Pink asters express affection and gentle admiration.
• Blue asters are associated with tranquility and reflection.

Quick Facts and Care Tips

• Asters are late-season favorites for bees, butterflies and migrating monarchs.
• Most varieties grow best in full sun, although some are happy with a little afternoon shade.
• Plant them in moist, well-drained soil and water regularly during dry weather.
• Taller varieties may appreciate a little support to keep their stems standing proudly.

With the right location, asters can bring cheerful color to the garden from late summer well into fall.

Morning Glories: A Bright Start to the Day

Morning glories are fast-growing climbing vines with colorful, trumpet-shaped blossoms. True to their name, the flowers open in the morning sun and begin closing later in the day.

Because their blooms are brief, morning glories remind us to slow down and enjoy the beauty right in front of us. They are associated with affection, hope, fresh starts and new beginnings.

Their colors add even more meaning:

• Blue morning glories represent trust, calmness and enduring affection.
• Purple morning glories symbolize grace, hopefulness and peace.
• Pink morning glories express gratitude and joyful energy.
• White morning glories represent purity and new beginnings.

Quick Facts and Care Tips

• Morning glories love sunshine and grow best in moist, well-drained soil.
• Give these twining vines a trellis, fence or another sturdy support to climb.
• Soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting can help them germinate.
• Morning glories can grow quickly and may reseed enthusiastically, so keep an eye on where they wander!

Some varieties can grow 6 to 10 feet in a single season, creating a colorful covering for fences, trellises and garden structures.

Two Flowers Made for September

Asters and morning glories may look very different, but they make a wonderful pair. Asters keep blooming as the seasons change, while morning glories encourage us to welcome each new day.

Together, they offer a cheerful September reminder: appreciate today, look forward to what comes next and always make room for something beautiful!

Celebrate a September Birthday 💐

Birth flowers are a fun way to make a birthday gift feel more personal. Choose the flower itself when available or select an arrangement inspired by its colors and meanings.

Ready to make their day? Browse our Birthday Flowers collection to find something bright and beautiful, or visit us at 9255 W. 10th Street in Indianapolis. Our Gillespie Florists team would love to help you choose the perfect flowers for your favorite September birthday!

Welcome to the Gillespie Florists Family, Izzy Mae! 🐾

There’s a new little face joining the Gillespie Florists family, and we couldn’t be more excited to introduce her!

Izzy Mae Mendenhall, the newest addition to Della’s family, was born on June 5, 2026. We are thrilled to welcome this sweet girl into our hearts, our lives and all the flower-shop fun that awaits her.

Of course, Izzy Mae already has a very important mentor. Minnie is a proud big sister and will be showing her the ropes—from keeping an eye on the shop’s daily activity to posing for plenty of adorable pictures. We have a feeling these two will make quite the team!

Bulldogs have long been a special part of everyday life at Gillespie Florists. They aren’t simply pets who occasionally visit the shop; they are beloved members of our family and unofficial mascots who bring plenty of personality, companionship and joy to our days.

We are excited to see Izzy Mae grow alongside Minnie, learn the ropes, make new memories and add her wonderful personality to the shop. 💕 As she settles into the familiar rhythm of life at Gillespie Florists, we already know there will be plenty of “SO CUTE!” pictures and videos ahead—and we can’t wait to share them with you.

Come Say Hello! 🌸

Keep an eye out for Minnie and Izzy Mae when you visit our store. Our Gillespie girls are an important part of what makes the shop feel like home, and we can’t wait for everyone to get to know the newest member of our floral family!

Hey there, floral fans and loyal neighbors! If you’ve driven past the intersection of 10th Street and Raceway Road recently, you’ve probably noticed a few more orange barrels than usual. Full-scale construction on the brand-new roundabout is officially hitting high gear, and we know that navigating detours can be a bit of a headache.

But here at Gillespie Florists, we refuse to let construction throw us off our stride. In fact, we think braving the traffic maze deserves a serious reward. That’s why we are turning a construction headache into a celebration with our exclusive Roundabout Roulette Game!

🎡 How to Play Roundabout Roulette (August 9th – September 5th, 2026)

Starting Sunday, August 9th through Saturday, September 5th, every single customer who braves the construction zones and makes an in-store purchase gets to step up and spin our official prize wheel!

There are no losing spaces on this wheel. Just spin, win, and take home something beautiful.
Check out the incredible prizes up for grabs:

🚧 Road Construction & Access Updates: How to Find Us!

We want to reassure everyone that Gillespie Florists is fully open and completely accessible throughout the entire construction project! While the main intersection is closed to through traffic, our shop is classified under "Local Traffic," meaning you are 100% legally permitted to drive past the barricades to come see us.

🗺️ Best Route to the Shop:

✨ EFFECTIVE FRIDAY, JULY 10TH: The construction crew will be opening our Raceway Road entrance and closing the 10th Street entrance!

This means the ONLY way to access our lot is by traveling NORTHBOUND on Raceway Road (from Rockville Road). There will be no access to our lot via 10th Street at this time.

We are unsure how long this will last, but as soon as things change, we will give an update! (The plan is for both entrances to be open while they work in the middle of the intersection!) Follow our page to stay in the loop and get the latest "dirt" on construction detours at Raceway and 10th!

📞 Real-Time Navigation & Curbside Pickup

If you ever get stuck, feel confused by the detour signs, or want to verify the best route before you head out, just give our shop floor team a call at 317-273-1100. We will happily guide you through the barrels in real time!

Prefer not to leave your car? We’ve got you covered! We are glad to accommodate Curbside Pickup requests. Just place your order over the phone, call us when you pull up to the shop, and one of our team members will run your gorgeous flowers right out to your vehicle.

💐 Thank You for Supporting Local!

Small businesses thrive on the support of an amazing community, and your determination to keep shopping local despite the road closures means the world to our entire team. We can't wait to see you step up to the wheel and win big.

Set a reminder, plan your route via Northbound Raceway Road, and come play Roundabout Roulette!

When we hear “the dog days of summer,” we usually think of those long, hot afternoons when even the air feels tired! The sun is bright, the humidity is heavy, and everyone is looking for a little relief from the heat.

The phrase brings to mind our favorite four-legged friends stretching out in the shade, taking it slow, and waiting for the cooler evening air to roll in. Honestly, they may be onto something. 🐾 But if the summer heat has you feeling warm, wilted, and ready for a break, we have just the place for you.

Stop by Gillespie Florists and take a refreshing stroll through our 500-square-foot flower cooler. Kept at a crisp 36 degrees, our cooler helps keep fresh flowers from around the world looking their very best. It is also one of the prettiest ways to cool down in Indianapolis. ❄️🌸

As you walk through, you will be surrounded by bright colors, fresh greenery, and the natural fragrance of roses, lilies, daisies, hydrangeas, and so much more. It is a little burst of beauty and cool air all in one place.

While you are here, you may even find a few stems or a cheerful bouquet to take home for your kitchen table, desk, or favorite sunny spot. Fresh flowers are a lovely reminder that even on the hottest summer days, a little color and fragrance can brighten everything. 💐

And since we are talking about the dog days of summer, we cannot forget the pups! We have adorable treats from Paw Street Bakery available in our store and online. These sweet little goodies make a wonderful add-on to bouquets, plants, and gift orders for the pet lovers in your life. After all, summer treats should not be just for humans.

**A Quick Construction Note**

If you have driven near 10th Street and Raceway Road lately, you know our corner looks a little different right now. Please do not let the construction keep you from visiting! Gillespie Florists is open, fully stocked, and ready to welcome you.

You can read our full construction update and find helpful navigation information here

So when the dog days of summer arrive, come cool off with us at Gillespie Florists. Stroll through the cooler, pick up something bright for your home, add a Paw Street Bakery treat for your favorite pup, or browse our summer bouquets online anytime. 🌞

Celebrando el Día de las Madres: Flores Vibrantes para el Corazón de la Familia

Section 1: The Tradition / La Tradición

English:
At Gillespie Florists, we know that May 10th holds a special place in many hearts. While Mother’s Day is celebrated on different days around the world, for many in our community, this is the day to honor the women who give us everything.

This year, we are proud to present a curated collection of bold, vibrant arrangements—each designed to reflect the joy, strength, and beauty that mothers bring into our lives.

Spanish:
En Gillespie Florists, sabemos que el 10 de mayo ocupa un lugar especial en muchos corazones. Aunque el Día de las Madres se celebra en diferentes fechas alrededor del mundo, para muchos en nuestra comunidad, este es el día para honrar a las mujeres que nos lo dan todo.

Este año, nos enorgullece presentar una colección seleccionada de arreglos audaces y vibrantes, cada uno diseñado para reflejar la alegría, la fuerza y la belleza que las madres aportan a nuestras vidas.

Section 2: Featured Arrangements / Arreglos Destacados

English:

Whether you’re drawn to a timeless symbol of love like our 12 Red Roses, or something as radiant as her personality like the Mom’s Rainbow of Roses, you’ll find the perfect expression of your appreciation.

For something truly unforgettable, our Captivate My Love design is a stunning showpiece—crafted to make her feel like the queen she is.

Spanish:
Ya sea que prefieras un símbolo clásico de amor como nuestras 12 Rosas Rojas, o algo tan radiante como su personalidad como el Arcoíris de Rosas para Mamá, encontrarás la forma perfecta de expresar tu cariño.

Para algo verdaderamente inolvidable, nuestro diseño Captivate My Love es una pieza impresionante, creada para hacerla sentir como la reina que es.

Section 3: Delivery & Savings / Entregas y Ahorros

English:
We’re excited to offer delivery throughout the Indianapolis area on Sunday, May 10th! To help ensure a smooth and successful delivery, please include a phone number for the recipient when placing your order.

Looking to celebrate early and save? Choose our Flex Delivery option. Schedule your delivery between May 5th and May 9th and enjoy an automatic $5 savings. It’s the perfect way to beat the rush—and give Mom a full week of beauty.

Spanish:
¡Nos complace ofrecer entregas en toda el área de Indianapolis el domingo 10 de mayo! Para garantizar una entrega sin contratiempos, por favor incluya un número de teléfono del destinatario al realizar su pedido.

¿Quieres celebrar antes y ahorrar? Elige nuestra opción de Entrega Flexible (Flex Delivery). Programa tu pedido entre el 5 y el 9 de mayo y recibe un ahorro automático de $5. Es la manera perfecta de evitar las prisas y regalarle a mamá una semana completa de belleza.

Section 4: Closing / Cierre

English:
From our family to yours, we wish every mom a beautiful and heartfelt Mother’s Day. Let’s make this May 10th a day she’ll always remember.

Spanish:
De nuestra familia a la suya, les deseamos a todas las mamás un Día de las Madres lleno de amor y belleza. Hagamos de este 10 de mayo un día inolvidable.