Telegraph photo by DEAN SHALHOUP Lanny Smeltzer, the widely recognized flower and plant salesman who set up a stand on Broad Street near the Parkway entrance this weekend for Mothers Day shoppers, chats with a customer during a busy Sunday morning.

By DEAN SHALHOUP

Senior Staff Writer

Telegraph photo by DEAN SHALHOUP
Lanny Smeltzer shares a laugh with a customer Sunday morning at the flower stand he set up on Broad Street near the Parkway entrance for Mothers Day shoppers. Smeltzer resumed selling flowers this spring as he recovers from recent health issues.

NASHUA – Once referred to in a Telegraph story as a “living landmark,” Lanny Smeltzer can still wear that badge with pride, having returned roadside this weekend in his familiar role of flower and plant salesman.

As he continues to recover from recent medical issues, Smeltzer, at one time a Nashua High School English teacher, retains most of his shock of whitish blonde hair that makes him instantly recognizable to passersby-turned-customers.

“I still love being out here,” Smeltzer said Sunday morning, watching customers peruse the floral offerings displayed on long tables in a currently unused lot on Broad Street near the intersection of the Parkway.

“A little chilly for Mothers Day, but that’s OK, he added.

Smeltzer’s popularity and the reliability for which he and the Blushing Rose are known also comes with a side-effect: The stand was so busy that he was sold out well before noon Sunday.

As two potential customers eyed the last two bunches of roses, Smeltzer was still undecided whether he’d go back to the shop and restock for a possible afternoon rush.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.