Through the welcoming garden doors of Eiji's -– the pair's awardwinning La Cañada Flintridge florist shop on Rinetti Lane -– lays a fragrant Eden of fresh-picked possibilities and Technicolor memory-makers.

The shop was named for Hannah's late husband, a grower who specialized in dahlias and introduced gladiolas and seafoam statis to the flower market. With a current staff of 15, Eiji's delivers throughout the foothills as well as coastal cities, West Los Angeles and San Marino.

"What I love best about being here are the people, all the friends we've made," Hannah said. She references the Thanksgiving Day fire in 1979 that destroyed 80% of their prior shop. "Within three days and with little merchandise, we still had a successful holiday, thanks to the community that all came forward and supported us."

It was also during this time that Lisa came on board. "My mother has taught me so much and has such a sharp business sense. She's a great partner!" Lisa says.

It was from her father that Lisa learned the selection skills necessary to navigate her way through the L.A. flower marts. "He prepped everything so well from start to finish that I've learned to hold our designers -– and prospective designers — to a really high standard of excellence," she said.

So which is the busier holiday for a florist: Valentine's Day or Mother's Day?

Almost in unison the two women reply that Feb. 14 is always harder. "Mother's Day," reflects Lisa, "is more flexible. People can send flowers on a Friday and say that it's so their mother can enjoy them longer." She laughs. "Valentine's Day is a one-shot deal. If you miss it, you're in big trouble!"

Ninety percent of their customers, Hannah quickly chimes in, wait until the last minute. Lisa attributes this to the fact that when both parties work outside the home, time has a way of getting away from them. "You'll hear the panic in their voices when they call Tuesday morning!" she predicts from experience.

To no surprise, roses will comprise half of their upcoming orders; the remaining half is split between planters and mixed bouquets. Nearly 150 dozen roses will cross their threshold next week and will be incorporated into over 300 items. In addition, they will be offering fresh lavender and heather hearts, pillows, teddy bears, and romantic jewelry.

Want to make those beautiful blooms last? "Cut the stems after a few days and keep the water fresh," Hannah advises. "It's like your body — you wouldn't want to be kept in a hot room and made to drink dirty water."

The proliferation and availability of exotic flowers was non-existent when Hannah and her husband first opened for business in 1958. "We basically had mums and carnations," she relates with a sigh. "Nothing very exciting."

It was also an industry dominated in the early days by men, she reveals. "I was fortunate my husband taught me the business."

Hannah's creative side soon became apparent in the orchestration of signature weddings, the design of custom flower baskets, and the invention of a device to keep bridal bouquets moist and intact.

As for their their own favorite flowers? "Gardenias," Hannah replies. "They're simple. They're sentimental. They're pure." Bunch violets, she adds, are sweet, too, although they've become much too labor-intensive to grow because of the number it takes to comprise even a small bouquet. Lisa, who volunteers that she loves pink, is a fan of tulips, pink roses, cheerfulness daffodils and Lily of the Valley.