A rock star turned avid horticulturist (yes, you read that right), Bob Mutschler dreamed of working in the horticulture field since the age of 4. Before achieving that childhood dream though, his life was filled with a plethora of experiences that ultimately led him to where he is now: rooted for more than 20 years as owner of Mutschlers’ Florist & Rare Plants in Birdsboro. Before the doors of Mutschlers’ opened, Bob spent his younger years playing lead guitar in a rock band and opening for well-known musicians like The Beach Boys and Fabian. While it was an amazing chapter of life that allowed him to save money and put himself through 10 years of college to earn his bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees, the seeds of horticulture were ever-blossoming in Bob’s heart and he continued to pursue his dream.
A Business Well Harvested
Before Mutschlers’ became the thriving business it is today, it originally opened as Bob’s wife’s flower shop 38 years ago. At the time, Bob was teaching horticulture at Penn State as well as co-writing a book on how to run a flower shop. After retiring from his teaching career, he joined his wife in running the business, working side-by-side for many years and watching the shop grow and thrive.
Today, Mutschlers’ is rarely advertised, yet extremely popular. With a clientele that extends from the local community to customers from around the world, this plant paradise has a two-story greenhouse attached to a home that boasts room after room of beautiful, rare plants. Bob shares, “Everything that we have in the greenhouse can go in the average home. Just because it’s rare doesn’t mean it’s harder to grow, just harder to find.” Bob will welcome you the moment you set foot inside and will excitedly offer a small tour with a side of stories and abundant knowledge. Not only will you surround yourself with the many vibrant colorful orchids and soothing shades of greens, but the plants you gaze upon are some of the rarest that you will discover. Some have aged 100 years and can reach prices as high as $60,000. Also rare are the fish ponds that are home to gorgeous koi fish, some appearing black in color but dazzling a cobalt blue when the sunshine hits them just right. Or perhaps you’d like to peek at the rare shark in the greenhouse. Whatever you desire, your eyes will be amazed at all the sights. As Bob declares, “It gives us something that people wouldn’t see otherwise. It’s like a destination shop.”
Spreading Roots
Bob loves to share his knowledge with others. One way he achieves this is by offering classes during the year. Participants learn hands-on the correct way to plant and care for orchids or acquire skills in the beautiful art of bonsai.
Staffing mostly college students to help them gain experience and donating the vast majority of their profits to charity, giving back and spreading the love of horticulture is at the heart of Mutschlers’.
Did You Know?
Prison time. In his earlier years, Bob set up a program at a Florida state prison teaching those who were sentenced for life how to grow orchids.
Surprise Inside. Mutschlers’ is settled in a 250-year-old house that was part of the Underground Railroad. Take a peek at the secret door in the floor when you visit.
