“#rivertonbiz, shares the stories of local movers and shakers of our Fremont County economy.“
Written by Carl Cote
(Riverton, WY) – Sweetwater Garden, a longtime Riverton greenhouse, garden center, and landscaping business that has served the community since 1989, marked a new chapter Monday with the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Sweetwater Floral and Things. Their new venture, owned by Holly and Jim Cassity, builds on decades of serving the local community while filling the void left by the recent closure announcement of Main Street’s Jerry’s Flowers and Things.
Holly Cassity’s connection to Sweetwater Garden stretches back to its earliest days. The business was originally started by her uncle, Kim Wilbert, and Holly has worked there since the beginning.
“I did everything from landscaping to planting… I wore all the hats,” said Cassity.
In 2014, Holly and Jim purchased the greenhouse from Wilbert, continuing his legacy while eventually adding their own vision. The addition of a floral shop had been a part of their business plan for years, they said, but they’d been waiting for the right moment.
That moment came recently when Riverton florist Jerry Kintzler decided to retire at the age of 83, closing the doors of his flower shop after having served the Fremont County community for over 50 years.
“We didn’t want to compete with Jerry,” said Holly. “It only made sense when he chose to retire.”
Kintzler, who has known Holly since she was a child when he worked alongside her father, offered his support.
“I’ve known Holly since she was a kid,” said Kintzler. “Her dad was the superintendent, and I was on the school board… I want to see them succeed because I’m leaving a big void here. I kind of wish they’d just bought the whole shop. It’d have been a lot easier for me,” Kintzler laughed.
Kintzler, who’s got more experience in flowers than most, shared some of the nuances of running a flower shop. “There’s a lot more than just making a bouquet for the person who comes in,” Kintzler said. “You’ve got to be a good listener and try to help ease their pain.”
The new floral shop expands on what Sweetwater already offers, bringing fresh-cut flowers, houseplants, gourmet chocolates, and arrangements for all occasions.
“We’ve got things for every occasion,” said Holly. “Every day is a good day for flowers.”
Sweetwater Floral and Things is open seven days a week with hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.