Hamonds take over Nettie's

Nettie Phipp's, left, greets new owners Ralph and Linda Hamond. Photo by Jaki Roberson

Linda and Ralph Hamond are still scratching their heads. Sheer serendipity has made them the new owners of Nettie's Gifts and Flowers. Next to their wedding four years ago, it is the biggest meant-to-be in their life together.

It was not that long ago when Ralph, a year from retirement after 30 years at I.B.M. in San Jose, California, and Linda, deep in her career in sales and marketing, began to consider what's next. There were a few ideas on the table but nothing on the drawing board.

While driving into Sisters last August, they stopped at Mountain Man Trading Post, spied Coldwell Banker Reed Brothers Realty, and meandered over. Associate Broker Katie Cavanaugh introduced herself and the Hamonds mentioned that they were in the market for a business, post-retirement.

They had already fallen in love with Sisters and felt they had found a piece of paradise, but it would be at least a year before they would be in the position to put it in writing. Fate had another idea.

Cavanaugh called to tell them she had something perfect...a flower shop in the heart of Sisters and too charming for them not to consider. The Hamonds felt it, too. They flew up on Valentine's Day and made an offer. They would also need a place to live but that was contingent upon their selling their San Jose property. Another long shot.

Shortly afterwards, Ralph was outside playing Frisbee with their dog, Laguna, and a car pulled up. The driver inquired if this was his home and if so would he be interested in selling. The house sold and the Hamonds purchased four and a half acres on Gist Road. The doors had slammed open once again.

Nettie Phipps, the shop's former owner, could not be more pleased.

"I knew the moment Linda and Ralph came in the door that they were the ones," she said. "They have this exuberance and energy. They love the place and Sisters. I am very happy."

Nettie and her staff of designers, Jae Yost and Lindsay Boyce, Cavanaugh's daughter, will stay on as part of the new team.

Nettie's has been in Sisters for 12 successful years and the florists see it as only the beginning.

They are located in the historic Hardy Allen House (corner of Main Avenue and Larch Street) which has been placed on the Historic Register. It was built in 1908, a kit house from Sears. Its original owner, Hardy Allen, was the first mayor of Sisters, as well as its postmaster and blacksmith.

The Hamonds are eager to become an integral part of the family of Sisters.

"We want everyone to know we are dog-friendly and our Australian shepherd, Laguna, is waiting for her new friends to stop by with their humans for doggy treats and fresh water," Ralph said.

"We cater to every event and would love to assist in accessorizing your new or existing homes," said Linda. "Wedding consultations, graduations, and specialty celebrations, are all part of the services we offer."

Call 549-8198.