By Staff
Warren/Frederick County Report
Stepping into “Donahoe’s Whimsical Flowers” is like entering a colorful garden of flowers and plants, with gifts and decor fitting for every season. Dawn Marshall, owner, invites everyone to come in to create their own floral experience. Donahoe’s is located at 235 Chester Street, Front Royal.
Donahoe’s specializes in on-site special events such as weddings, parties, and floral arrangements for churches, schools, community functions and personal orders. They also rent suits and tuxedos all year round.
Dawn cheerfully explains that she hopes to create the floral arrangement that her customer has in mind.
The best advice she gives is to “Call directly and speak to one of our staff.”
“Everything is truly one of a kind and people are getting a work of art. I take pride in every flower that goes into them,” she said. “Flowers have power, and I want to use every power in each flower.”
Dawn takes this energy behind the act of giving flowers for important and emotional times in people’s lives seriously.
“I want people to know you send flowers because you care,” she added, “It’s the flowers that say you care.”
“I want to take the most wonderful day of your life and make it better or make the worst day of your life a little bit more bearable, and every day in between a little bit more whimsical,” she said.
“Flowers are special, and people can’t receive anything that’s more special than a bouquet of flowers,” she said. “Flowers are like ourselves, our hearts. God did a wonderful job and made us to love each other, so he gave us flowers.”
Flowers are a special way to honor the passing of a loved one or friend. It’s never too late to send a flower arrangement, even after the service to show how much you care.
She talked about their move to Chester Street from North Royal.
“We moved to 235 Chester Street in 2021 because we had outgrown our previous space,” she said. “We never lost a day.”
She gives a lot of credit for the smooth transition to her staff. “Thank God for my staff. They help maintain the high level of quality in all we do.”
Donahoe’s prides itself in purchasing premium roses which is evident in the final product.
Dawn says she “uses premium quality silk flowers for outdoor arrangements such as cemeteries. The silk flowers are often mistaken for real flowers.”
Dawn was born and raised in Front Royal, graduated from Warren County High School, and worked in dentistry for 30-plus years. She also loved working in her flower garden. Flowers have always been important in her life.
After leaving dentistry, the opportunity came along for her to buy Donahoe’s from Jean Rudacille. This makes Dawn the fourth owner since the mid 1930’s. The first change she made was to rename the shop Donahoe’s Whimsical Flowers as Dawn is known for her whimsical designs.
People may feel flowers are a luxury, but Dawn believes flowers bring joy to our everyday lives, helping us feel happiness. Call us today at (540) 635-2815 and Donahoe’s can make you happy, too. Or visit www.donahoesflorist.com and join our text list to receive updates, special offers and deals. Text PETALS to (540) 301-8101.
