Happiness has a scent and it’s blooming at David Benefield’s Highland Hall. The floral presentation may not be for that Queen, but the Queen in your life.
We are very close to springing into the next season. David and his team are already gearing up for those visits and deliveries with bouquets of roses, hydrangeas, bromeliads, orchids, and many more beautiful bouquets.
The Christmas Open House at Highland Hall is magical and draws more than 200 guests in late October to kick off holiday decorating and gift buying, but flowers are for more than one season. Valentine’s Day is coming up this weekend. It’s another busy time for Benefield.
Delivering happiness
David Benefield was born in Clayton, Alabama. His family was dirt poor. He walked miles to get a job at 16 years old. That position as a delivery boy at Darryl’s Florist in Eufaula was his happy place.
“After graduating from high school, I attended Wallace Community College. I thought about becoming a social worker but ended up loving my work with the florist because it made everyone so happy.”
In some respects, Benefield did become a social worker albeit in a different way. In a study by psychology professors at Rutgers University, “The presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed.”
From St. Elmo to Highland Hall
You might have first encountered his floral ability at Ann’s Porch in the St. Elmo Shopping Center across from Lakebottom Park. He worked for Ann Johnston from 1985 until he bought the business in 2000.
Eighteen years later, Benefield purchased Highland Hall from local artist Gloria Mani. The 1857 Greek Revival home is on the National Register of Historic Places. The beauty and architecture of Highland Hall are the perfect backdrop for his floral creations.
It is also the perfect setting for any holiday or special occasion shopping when flowers say it best. As you can imagine, weddings keep him busy.
“We like to have brides and their mothers come in to look at the flowers for the wedding right after the bridesmaid’s luncheon to ensure they are happy for their big day.”
Apparently, it works. David Benefield at Highland Hall is booked for weddings in March and for some weddings in 2027.
Sharing expertise
Other groups that love coming together at Highland Hall include area Garden Clubs.
“We host between seven and nine of those each year, with around 30 guests at a time. I show the members how to do floral arrangements, and we offer door prizes.”
David Benefield at Highland Hall doesn’t advertise because after 40 years of business, he has made thousands of lifelong friends.
“If you treat people right and make them happy, they will come back. Word of mouth has helped make us successful. We are blessed.”
No David, perhaps we are the ones blessed that you are serving up beauty and happiness.
You can call David Benefield at Highland Hall at 706-324-4881 or follow on Facebook.
