Some businesses measure success by what they sell. Others measure it by the people they serve. The Petal Patch has always put people first. Every arrangement is an opportunity to comfort someone in grief, celebrate life’s greatest milestones, or simply remind a neighbor they are loved. Josh and Heather Jackson are eager to help carry the business into its next chapter. The mission Tommy and Doris Colvin-North established continues to flourish through faith, compassion, and service.
The journey to The Petal Patch began when Doris was just 16. Raised without television and surrounded by nature’s beauty, she naturally gravitated toward creativity.
“I’ve always loved creating,” Doris said. “God surrounded me with His creation, and I think that’s where my love for flowers really began.”
Growing up in ministry, Doris began designing silk floral arrangements for her church. Though she wasn’t yet working with fresh flowers, those early experiences planted the seeds for a lifelong calling. She has been faithfully serving families in Franklin County since 1974.
For many years, Doris and her husband, Tommy North, owned Watson-North Funeral Home. Walking alongside grieving families each day gave them a unique perspective on the community’s needs. Over time, they noticed that many people who had experienced the loss of a loved one often went without flowers during holidays, a realization that deeply burdened their hearts.
“Our hearts were burdened for those families,” Doris said.
Knowing his wife’s passion for floral design, Tommy made her a promise.
“He told me, ‘When God says go, we’re going to buy a flower shop.'”
That opportunity came at the perfect time. In 2013, the couple purchased Custom Designs Florist and Gifts on the square in Winchester from Randy Crownover. As the business grew, they eventually moved to a larger location on the boulevard and, in 2024, rebranded as The Petal Patch, a name Doris had carried with her for years.
“I dreamed of the name when I was younger,” she said. “I even wrote about it in one of my books. Looking back now, I can see God was preparing me for this ministry.”
Today, The Petal Patch serves the community through every season of life. From birthdays and anniversaries to weddings, funerals, and everything in between, the shop is available around the clock during the holidays, ensuring no family has to walk through difficult moments alone.
“If the only thing we do is sell someone flowers, then we’ve missed the opportunity,” Doris said. “We want to comfort people, love them, listen to them, pray with them, and serve them.”
That heart for ministry has naturally been passed to the next generation.
Josh Jackson discovered his own appreciation for floral design at 16, the same age as Doris when she first began arranging flowers. After years of helping in the shop, he has become an essential part of the family business, continuing the same servant-hearted approach that shaped The Petal Patch from the beginning.
Josh’s wife, Heather, quickly embraced the family business after they married. Today, Heather serves as the shop’s wedding coordinator, helping couples celebrate one of life’s most meaningful occasions while bringing their vision to life through floral design.
Together, Josh and Heather also pastor a church, which Doris believes strengthens how they care for customers.
“They understand this is a ministry,” Doris said. “They love people, and it shows.”
Balancing church ministry with the flower shop allows the couple to serve the community in multiple ways, whether praying with someone experiencing loss or celebrating a joyful milestone with a carefully designed arrangement.
As Doris reflects on the future, she is filled with gratitude, not only for Josh and Heather but also for the support of her son Josiah, daughter-in-law Rebecca, dedicated staff, and the many grandchildren who fill her life with joy.
“I’m thankful for every one of them,” she said. “When it’s time to turn the page, I know it’ll be in good hands.”
She even smiles at the possibility that one day a third generation might continue the family tradition.
“You never know,” she laughed. “With all these grandbabies, it may happen.”
The Petal Patch continues to grow with an expanded online presence that makes ordering easier than ever, but the heart behind the business remains unchanged.
“It’s never been about money or recognition,” Doris said. “It’s about serving people and loving this community. This is home. God has blessed us, and we simply want to be a blessing to others.”
While The Petal Patch continues to grow, including plans for an additional location, the vision that inspired it decades ago continues to guide every step forward. Growth may bring new opportunities, but serving people will always remain at the heart of The Petal Patch. GN
