By PAT NEWMAN

Staff Writer

Business is blooming for Barry and Alisa Kaplan, owners of Heaven's Scent, an innovative new flower shop on Huddleston Road in Peachtree City.

Customers can select and purchase their own blooms by the stem and either arrange them on the spot, or take them home for placement in a favorite vase or bowl. In addition to stocking the standard florals like roses, daisies and carnations, the Kaplans have an eclectic assortment of sunset-colored lilies, bright blue delphiniums, white and pink-tinged rice flowers, and exotic branches of orchids and King Protea.

Their establishment is an open and airy garage-type structure that houses water-filled buckets of flowers in every shape, size, color and scent imaginable. Tables for arranging are set up along one side. A refrigerator chills the more delicate roses.

"Here, you can put together your own bouquet and select exactly the ones (stems) you want," Alisa said. "Earlier today, a woman came in to buy a terminally ill friend some flowers. She picked some bright lilies, some bright sunflowers, some delphiniums and some daisies. She added some greenery and the whole bouquet came to $10. She was so surprised at what she got for the price. That's what happens when you put all your money into the flowers; not the dish or the container. You get more bang for your buck," Alisa explained.

The Kaplans are not newcomers to the flower business. Barry has owned and operated a wholesale business for the past 15 years and continues to sell to metro area florists from his refrigerated trucks. Alisa has almost as much experience to her credit. Together, they hope to expand their market-style floral service to the Internet, filling orders via FedEx.

Heaven's Scent also handles orders for weddings, holidays and special occasions. Joanne Reynolds, a well-known local floral designer is on staff to fill create the perfect arrangement for any occasion.

The Kaplans will offer a six-week course in basic floral design starting June 10. According to Barry, the classes will be conducted by Nellie Queen, who teaches at Clayton State's evening program, and cost $195, which includes all supplies. Budding designers must register by May 31.

For additional information, call 770-632-1144 or visit Tuesday or Wednesday 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. or Thursday, Friday and Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. The shop is located at 120 Huddleston Road between Cafe Pig and Carolinas Mexican Restaurant.