By Caroline Lanni
Patty Erickson, owner of White Cottage Flowers has opened a new local business in the Sterling
community.
White Cottage Flowers opened on November 11, 2022 and is located at 227 Leominster Rd in
Sterling.
After 33 years Erickson, resident in Berlin, Massachusetts, left her sales job and wanted to follow
her other passion – owning her own gift shop.
Erickson said her dream came true when her in-laws, DeeDee and Gary Erickson, gave her their
building that was vacant and supported her in redoing the building to open her own business.
“They helped make this all happen and fixed up the building for me so it’s a big deal on their
[DeeDee and Gary] behalf,” said Erickson.
Erickson said her shop specializes and sells: handmade silk flowers, fresh flowers, special order
arrangements, gift items, wreaths, and front door pieces.
She added that they carry over 100 varieties of flowers and silks.
“We have a lot of arrangements that are very unique and nothing is duplicated – nothing is the same,
nothing is cookie cutter, everything is original, and we will accept special orders,” said Erickson.
All the silks come from California and the fresh flowers come from several sources, one being
Boston at the flower market.
Erickson said she always had a passion for gardening, and enjoys hand making things and crafting.
“My favorite flower is a peony,”and she said that she gets her crafty side from her mom.
She added that her Aunt Sandy works in the shop as well due to her experience in flowers.
“She [Aunt Sandy] has helped me in many ways,” said Erickson.
One item that customers seem to love is – the popular mason jar arrangement, she said.
She added, they do a lot of special orders.
Erickson said that she carries other products as well in the store such as soaps, other gift items,
chocolates, dog items, and candles.
She said that she loves the location of her shop in Sterling and the people are ‘phenomenal.’
“Sterling has been incredibly supportive and the community has been incredible,” said Erickson.
“I don’t want to ever leave,” she added.
According to the White Cottage Flowers website, Erickson’s mission at her shop is to: “have curated
products for any occasion. Your new go-to for all of your gifting needs.”
In the future, Erickson hopes to maybe hold classes in the future at the shop and start selling fresh
Christmas trees and wreaths.
“We just got our big Spring order in,” and are ready for Mother’s Day and Easter, she added.
Erickson said that she wants to thank the local customers and communities for supporting her small
family business.
The shop is open everyday but Monday and is open all year long. They also accept walk-ins.
To order flowers or any arrangements call, 978-563-3339, and you can check out their
Facebook, and Instagram pages at: whitecottageflowers.