06/30/2026
There are moments in life when your heart knows the right decision long before you're ready to say it out loud.
This is one of those moments.
At the end of August 2026, I will not be renewing the lease on our storefront.
Even typing those words brings tears to my eyes.
Our family opened this business in 1973, in Downtown Midland. For more than five decades, we've had the privilege of serving generations of families during some of the most meaningful moments of their lives. Weddings. Memorials. Celebrations. Milestones. Every bouquet has represented someone's story, someone’s life, and it has been an incredible honor to be trusted with those memories.
Because of that, I want to be very clear about something...
I am not closing my business. I am not retiring. I am not going anywhere.
I am simply turning the page to a new chapter.
Floral preservation has changed over the years, and so has the way I can best serve my clients. Moving to an e-commerce model will allow clients to continue dropping off flowers locally, picking up their finished keepsakes locally, or having them shipped directly to their homes.
This decision wasn't made because I love this business any less. It was made because I love what I do enough to ensure I can continue doing it for many years to come.
Many of you also know that my heart has another calling. Through Midland County Pit Stop, our volunteer-run rescue has become more than I ever imagined. God has truly blessed me and the rescue family! Every day, we work to save animals that have nowhere else to turn, support families in need, and give dogs and cats a second chance at the lives they deserve.
There are only so many hours in a day, and for a long time I have divided myself between running a storefront and leading a rescue that continues to grow. By separating these two parts of my life, I'll be able to give each of them the attention they deserve.
This new chapter also gives me the opportunity to expand what we offer. Along with continuing my floral preservation services, you'll now find:
🌸 Freeze-Dried Candy
🍓 Freeze-Dried Fruit
🥕 Freeze-Dried Vegetables
🕊️ Mini Urns
💐 Bloom Beads
🌼 And one of our newest and most exciting creations—Edible Freeze-Dried Flowers!
I'm excited to continue growing and sharing these unique products with you while maintaining the quality and personal service you've come to expect.
I'll have more time to create beautiful keepsakes for my floral preservation clients.
I'll have more time to help families, volunteers, fosters, and the animals who depend on Midland County Pit Stop.
Most importantly, I'll be able to continue doing both with my whole heart.
To every customer who has supported our family business since 1973—whether you've known us for decades or just recently entrusted me with your flowers—thank you. You have allowed me to be part of some of your most treasured memories, and I will never take that for granted.
This isn't goodbye.
It's simply a new way of serving the people and community I love.
The storefront may be changing, but my commitment to preserving your memories—and making a difference in the lives of animals—will remain exactly the same.
For over 50 years, this business has been given an amazing opportunity and I don’t take that lightly. That hasn't changed. Whether I'm preserving the flowers from one of life's most precious moments, creating something new for you to enjoy, or helping an animal find the loving home they deserve, my purpose has always been the same—caring for the things that matter most.
❤️ The next chapter begins here...
www.lilpeartree.store
Thank you for walking beside me through every chapter. I can't wait to share this next one with you.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Gwen
Freeze Dried Flowers, vegtables, fruit, candies, and Freeze Dried Edible Flowers
