For decades, April’s Garden has been an integral part of the Durango community, offering flowers and plants for everything from everyday moments to life’s most meaningful milestones. Now owned by Fort Lewis College alumna Julia Foran (Business Administration, '18), the shop continues its legacy with a blend of tradition, creativity, and modern flair.
April’s Garden provides daily flower deliveries throughout Durango and the surrounding region for weddings, events, and funeral services. The team works closely with local partners such as Hood Mortuary to support families during times of remembrance, while also bringing beauty to celebrations across the community. Inside the shop, customers will also find a curated selection of gifts and unique items alongside fresh floral arrangements.
The business is powered by a small, dedicated staff, including Fort Lewis College alumni, who help create a welcoming and collaborative environment. Flowers are sourced from around the world during the off-season, with shipments arriving from places such as Ecuador and Holland. In the summer months, April’s Garden partners with five local women flower farmers, strengthening connections to the regional agricultural community.
Each shipment of flowers is carefully processed by hand. Stems are trimmed, leaves removed, and blooms are rehydrated using a floral solution before being stored in the shop’s walk-in cooler. From there, the design process begins. The team takes time to talk with customers, understand their needs, and create arrangements that reflect both the occasion and the individual. Before delivery, clients receive photos of their arrangements to ensure they feel confident and excited about their purchase.
Foran’s journey to owning April’s Garden began at Fort Lewis College. After discovering FLC in 2012, she graduated in 2018 with a BA in Business Administration and a concentration in Hospitality and Tourism. During her time at Fort Lewis, she participated in the Peak Experience her first year and built friendships that remain strong to this day. Encouraged by faculty member Dr. Lorraine Taylor, Foran pursued internships and landed her top choice at On the Creek Bed & Breakfast, where she worked as a wedding and events planner. That role introduced her to floral design and eventually connected her with the previous owner of April’s Garden, shaping the path to where she is today.
With roots in Durango dating back to the 1990s, April’s Garden continues to honor long-standing traditions, from proms and homecomings to weddings and community events, while embracing a fresh, modern approach. As a locally owned business led by an FLC alumna, April’s Garden reflects the lasting impact of a Fort Lewis College education, mentorship, and community connection, all coming together in full bloom.