Terri's Florist (Macon Rd) Horrible treatment by owner/managers Columbus Georgia

In these hard economic times, I sometimes go to florist shop's trash recepticals to find left overs..for example... petals to use for potporri (for my home use only, not resale). I love flowers so much and really can't afford them in this economy, so I do what I can to brighten and make my home cheerful. It's a hobby of mine and I enjoy it. It's not easy work and can be just plain gross at times, but my love for the flowers out ways that.

I have dealt with Albright's Florists (VERY kind people, even giving me the few fresh ones they could spare. As well as, Ann's Porch. They are truly kind people setting leftovers just outside the backdoor for me, so I wouldn't get so hot and dirty looking for petals).

Well, I had never been to Terri's Florist. When I looked inside the bin there where no flowers in tack, but plenty of petals. I was about to climb on my chair in the blazing sun when a woman approached me. I am not sure if it was Natalie Foster or Terri Olsen..both are co-owners and managers.

I was told I could not look in the trash bin. I was kind of confused, so I asked her why, no one has ever had a problem with me looking for a few petals..mind you, in the TRASH!. She stated and I quote "because I don't want you to". That was it! No more. No reason other than to just to be hateful.

WELL, she had no idea I am a police officer's wife and I rattled off the city ordinance that states "once an article is place in a trash receptical or for that matter placed on the side of the road it becomes abandoned property".

She said she "didn't care. If one person looked in the bin others might too"(and who would that hurt, some people can't even feed their families and are losing their homes). All I could do was just stare at her.
Then when I could finally speak, I said "I honestly didn't know people like you really exsisted". I was shocked and disgusted. ARE YOU FOR REAL? Are you so heartless, selfish and just down right cold that you would rather see those petals (your TRASH) be hauled off to a landfill rather than share your throw- aways to someone that might get a smile from a few flower petals.

I asked you for nothing, I didn't bother you in any way. I find you and your establishment shameful! You thought you were dealing with a homeless person. I'm sure I looked a sight, after all it was 100 degrees out there and I was hot, tired and dirty. But, you can't judge a book by it's cover. Your obvious snobbery just happend to be towards a Corporal Police Officer's wife that is well respected and loved in this community. I told you I know A LOT of people and I vowed to inform them not to use your business. Word of mouth can make or break you. You cruel nature showed it's ugly face. Between my friends, family, MY customers(yes, I am a business owner too), my spouse's co-workers, their friends and family....concider my promise kept!

kim
columbus, Georgia
U.S.A.