Johnson's History

      Johnson's Florist and Garden Centers had a most humble beginning. In 1932, in the midst of the Depression, Mr. Raymond T. Johnson, Sr. opened a small grocery store at Wisconsin Avenue and Van Ness Street in Washington, D.C. In the spring of 1933 an individual, who lived on Van Ness Street and raised geraniums as a hobby, offered Mr. Johnson a few geranium plants on consignment--- and the plant business was born. After World War II, the grocery part of the business began to suffer from the competition of the new, larger supermarkets, but the floral end of the business was flourishing. In 1952, Mr. Johnson eliminated the groceries from his store and became a full-fledged florist. On July 13, 1959, Mr. Johnson incorporated his business under the name of Raymond T. Johnson, Inc.

      As time went by, the business continued to prosper and Mr. Johnson's sons became involved. A second store was opened in 1961 at the corner of Quince Orchard Road and Route 28 in Gaithersburg, Maryland. By the time Mr. Johnson died in 1971, the business had grown so much that the two (2) stores comprised the largest retail florist business in the Washington, D.C. area.

      After Mr. Johnson died, Johnson’s Flower and Garden Centers was run by three of Raymond Sr.’s sons -- Ray Jr., Marshall, and Mike. All three have recently retired. Now the next generation Katie Harris, Russell, Jimmy, and Alan Johnson, along with Gordon Sheridan, Dave Sollway, and Sherrye Schenk comprise the Executive Advisory Committee (EAC). The EAC supports and assists in the running of Johnson’s by bringing concerns, suggestions and new ideas to the Board of Directors. The EAC members depend on all employees to actively support our principles and growth.

      Between 1982 and 1997 we enjoyed a location in Rockville, Maryland and in 1984 we opened our Kensington, Maryland store. Most recently, we opened our Olney, Maryland retail store and growing facility in August 1998. We are proud of our 4 stores that reflect the communities within which we are located.

Over the years Johnson's has been recognized as an outstanding business in the community and has received several awards including:

• We are among the top 100 Teleflora florists in the United States
• Chosen "Number One" for flowers and plants by "Washington Office Magazine" readers
• Awarded a plaque by HEROES, INC. for 25 years of support
• Awarded an environmental; improvement trophy by the District of Columbia
• Repeatedly voted Number One Florist in the Washington Metro area by "Washingtonian Magazine"
• Our Gaithersburg store won First Place in Montgomery Count's Community Beautification Project in 2000 and 2002
• Recognition for supporting our community with donations to numerous charitable organizations

We believe the growth and honors achieved by Johnson's are due to our efforts to always provide our customers with quality merchandise at a fair price, expert advice, and helpful attention. 
 

Raymond T. Johnson, Inc. © 2003 Copyright.  All Rights Reserved.