Meet the Behnkes Florist, Evelyn Kinville
It may surprise our Beltsville customers to know we have a full floral department at our Potomac location (in the photo above), and it’s headed up by a world-class florist. She’s Evelyn Kinville and she grew up in dry, West Texas, where she learned at an early age the soothing effects of plants and how fresh flowers can brighten a room. At college she combined her love of flowers and artistic abilities, earning a BS in horticulture from Texas Tech.
Following a stint in the Peace Corps in Bolivia, she moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where she began her floral career and managed the largest floral shop in Wisconsin for 22 years. Over that time she estimates that she designed the flowers for over 1,500 weddings! (Not to mention having the chance to discover and hire Behnkes’ own Larry Hurley long before he came to Maryland.)
Looking for a change, Evelyn next joined Hallmark, where she was tasked with figuring out how to add fresh flowers offerings to their gift stores. Her next move was to 1-800-Flowers, where she opened new retail stores in several states, served as product manager for fresh flowers, and did floral styling for many professional photography sessions. She also served as director of marketing for USA Floral Products, during which time she worked with Martha Stewart’s team to develop packaging for MarthaStewart.com floral products.
When she came to Maryland and visited Behnke Nurseries, she fell in love with our little flower shop at the Potomac site, and she’s been Potomac’s “florist of choice” for 10 years now. She specializes in custom work for homes and commercial venues, as well as for parties, weddings and other events.
Evelyn’s style? Definitely cozy, charming, and naturalistic or garden-like. None of the stiff FTD-style arrangements with their dated ’50s look.
So because it’s February and Valentine’s Day isn’t far off, we’ve asked Evelyn for a sample of her work for the occasion, and we think the vision above fits the bill exactly. She calls it “Here’s My Heart” and here’s how she describes it:
Nested in a glass cube are white hydrangeas and contrasting roses in Valentine’s color, accented with a keepsake faux-jewel heart stick-pin. A tasteful and elegant way to say “I Love You”. $47.50, Available for pickup at the Behnke Florist, on River Road just south of Potomac, or for delivery to a limited area for a delivery fee of $10.
Here are a few more designs by Evelyn, because it’s late winter and we need to see blooms!
MORE ABOUT BEHNKES VALENTINE’S DAY SERVICES
We offer classic long-stemmed roses, custom arrangements, and beautiful blooming plants that say “I Love You” in the loveliest possible way. For pick-up or delivery in the Potomac, MD area, or delivery worldwide through our network of cooperating florists. Or just stop by! We’re located on River Road just south of Potomac, next to Behnke Nurseries’ Garden Center. You can also call 301-983-4400 or visit our Florist Site Online to order from “The Florist at Behnkes”.






The garden center sits on 5.9 acres, part of which Behnke’s shares with ”Behnkes Landscape and Design Division”. This allows customers to get quality plants and installation at the same time.





