Elisa and her mother Lorenza welcome me with the brightness they show to all their customers.
Sincere smiles, spontaneous kindness, and an attentiveness that is truly rare these days.
The store deserves to be told about, because it is not the classic shop you would expect.
Every corner is a surprise, and the feeling I had as soon as I walked in was one of pleasant astonishment.
Everything is arranged with incredible care, where the love and attention for that workplace is clearly evident… which for them is a second home.
Beyond the entrance with the display of plants and flowers, there is the corner dedicated to the packaging of compositions, where the passion and creativity of those who work here can be felt.
Then there is the item area, original and delightful, and finally, the section with the plants: a true green oasis, where every pot seems to have found its perfect spot.
Everything is organized to perfection, without losing that familiar and welcoming touch that makes this place unique.
The story of Vivai Giumelli begins when grandfather Luigi starts focusing on grafting vines for the vineyards.
Together with his son Attilio, the business expands: first with the addition of fruit plants, then with garden plants, marking the first steps towards what has now become a point of reference for all of Valtellina.
In 1984, Attilio retires and passes the baton to his sons Giorgio and Luigi, who give new momentum to the business by dedicating themselves to gardening and continuing a family tradition.
Then, in 1994, Lorenza (Giorgio's wife) arrives and transforms the small nursery into something larger.
After attending a course from Federfiori, Lorenza brings to life a shop for cut flowers, floral compositions, and decorations for weddings.
Her enthusiasm grows with the work, infecting the entire family.
Today, the business is a true family enterprise: there are Lorenza and Elisa, mother and daughter, Giorgio (Lorenza's husband), and Andrea (Elisa's brother), who take care of the gardening part.
Elisa, a landscape architect, works with passion and creativity, creating stunning and original compositions.
Lorenza, on the other hand, has a refined and meticulous touch that emerges in the most delicate details.
Andrea, Elisa's boyfriend, Simona, and Giorgio are also part of the team.
Giorgio and Andrea, father and son, focus on designing gardens from A to Z, irrigation systems, and maintenance.
They are ready to intervene anywhere, even outside the province, bringing their experience and professionalism.
Entering Vivai Giumelli is like being welcomed into the home of the Giumelli family.
Every detail is taken care of, the items are chosen with attention, among high-quality flowers and plants, seasonal novelties, and custom bouquets that make a difference.
Their clientele comes from everywhere, not because they are in a transit location, but because those who know them always return.
And the reasons are various: the quality of their work, that sense of trust that only a family-run business can convey, and the empathy they create with their clientele.
But Vivai Giumelli does not stop at flowers.
Among their products stand out the Nebbiolo vines (the famous Chiavennasca) grafted by the Rauscedo nurseries but with the necessary material taken from the Valtellinese vineyards in collaboration with Fondazione Fojanini di Sondrio .
Some of the wine growers in the province rely on them, a tradition that dates back to the grandfather and then to Giorgio's father when the business was still focused on grafting.
From weddings to home deliveries, the team at Vivai Giumelli never gets bored.
Their creations adapt to every occasion, from the simplest to the most extraordinary, bringing a touch of beauty and freshness wherever they go.
Many are the setups they create for important events (Mostra del Bitto) that always leave those who watch pleasantly astonished.
When I entered Vivai Giumelli during the Christmas season, I felt like I had jumped into an enchanted world.
The old stable, transformed into a Christmas Village, left me speechless.
There were lights everywhere, decorations carefully crafted down to the smallest detail, and decorative objects chosen one by one with love.
The atmosphere was so magical that I immediately felt transported into the spirit of Christmas.
In the background, there was Christmas music, the kind that warms the heart and makes you want to stay there without hurry.
Every corner was a little surprise: Santa Claus's motorbike, his cozy inn, elves and gnomes popping up here and there like in a fairy tale.
And then, the station for writing letters to Santa, ready to make children's eyes shine.
What struck me was the care with which everything had been set up; you could really feel the passion this family puts into everything they do.
And I believe I will often visit them because it doesn't feel like being in a shop, but in a place of harmony and relaxation.
