The French Potager

Flowers, Gifts, Books, and Accessories for the Home and Garden

HOURS:

  • Monday: CLOSED
  • Tuesday: 10am – 5pm
  • Wednesday: 10am – 5pm
  • Thursday: 10am – 5pm
  • Friday: 10am – 5pm
  • Saturday: 10am – 5pm
  • Sunday: CLOSED

​The French Potager, voted Best Florist/Floral Designer in Mississippi by Mississippi Magazine, and named the best antique mall and best antique jewelry by the M-List, is owned by Martha Whitney Butler. 

​Butler, who is also the lead floral designer, opened The French Potager in November of 2012 “after taking a leap of faith.” This leap, as well as some classes provided by the Chamber of Commerce, allowed her to be able to “develop a sturdy five-year business plan.” 

She began as a small antique mall. Soon, the shop evolved to offer full-time floral services. “This business would allow me to travel to procure goods, have vendors with a diverse selection of antiques and gifts, and also create floral arrangements.” 

Since then, the shop has evolved even more. They now deliver all across the coast, and create floral designs for weddings and any other type of event. “The flowers come from all over the world, and we also sell as many local flowers as we can get our hands on.” 

Martha is an artist, and her floral arrangements exude creativity and beauty. “My floral designs are largely inspired by the nature around me,” she says. Her inspiration for the shop comes from 17 years in the antique business and her travels, but she always makes sure to stop and appreciate the splendor of the world around her in order to stay inspired. 

“My current designs embody a backyard garden feel, but according to what I’m inspired by, they could be completely different the next week. I try my best to accommodate the visions of my clients, but in reality, people get my best when they give me creative freedom, and I’m always hoping that they are choosing me as their designer based on my talents and style like they would choose any other artist.” 

She is incredibly “honored and grateful to have appeared in several major and local publications.” The awards speak for themselves, that this floral shop is the best around, and the community embraces it, just as Butler embraces the community. 

“My favorite part about owning my shop is being a part of this beautiful community, its art scene, and being appreciated for my artistic talents. I’ve never lived in a place where I felt so celebrated, and everyday that I wake up in Bay St. Louis is a gift. The people here are some of the most resilient, loving, and talented people I have ever come across, and I feel like I’m a part of this community’s fabric.” 

Butler’s favorite events to design for include large-scale events for corporate accounts, weddings, and elopements. Being a floral designer is very personal, as they are really there for their customers from birth til the end, and Butler is honored to be a part of these events everyday. 

“A florist is for life, and we are here to enhance all of your major life events, and share with you the joy of flowers. This is our calling and our privilege.” 

In the realm of antiques, you will find so many unique treasures inside the shop. “We have several different antique dealers from all walks of life giving us great variety of goods to sell.” She makes sure to do everything she can to send each special piece home with the right owner.

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Whatever event you may have coming up, make sure to call Martha to create some floral art for you and visit her shop, located on Main Street, for some unique items that will bring a smile to anyone’s face.

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