The Two Buds Behind McDonald’s Floral Arts: A Family Blooming with Passion

Mrs. McDonald and Her Two Buds: The Heartfelt Legacy of McDonald’s Floral Arts

Long before flower arrangements could be ordered with a click, West Valley City families relied on the personal touch and artistic care of McDonald’s Floral Arts — a locally grown business rooted in family, faith, and the desire to bring beauty into everyday life.

The beloved shop was started by Mrs. McDonald and her two Buds — her husband O.J. “Bud” McDonald Sr., and their son Bud Jr. Their journey into the floral world began unexpectedly in 1949, when Bud Sr., then working for the Garfield Water Company, was asked by friends to act as a local agent for their Salt Lake flower business. Orders were taken from their home and fulfilled through the historic Salt Lake Floral shop in the Newhouse Hotel. It was meant to be temporary — but it blossomed into something permanent.

While his parents built this early foundation, Bud Jr. was pursuing an accounting degree at the University of Utah. He paused his studies to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, first in the East Central States and later in the Central Atlantic States after the mission split. After returning home, Bud Jr. joined the floral industry directly, working at Salt Lake Floral before traveling to Los Angeles to attend a prestigious floral design school.

With his training complete and a passion ignited, Bud Jr. returned home to help launch what would become McDonald’s Floral Arts, first operating from a spare bedroom in their family home. It didn’t stay small for long. The business quickly expanded, prompting moves to increasingly larger spaces in Magna — from a small shop on 12700 South, to a location next to the Magna Post Office, and finally across the street to 8993 W. 2700 South.

But their dreams — and their talent — extended further. The family opened a second location at 3510 Market Street in Granger (now West Valley City), which soon became a community favorite. Customers from across the valley fondly recall buying corsages for prom, boutonnieres for church dances, and bright bouquets for every birthday, funeral, and anniversary. It wasn’t just a flower shop — it was part of the rhythm of life in Granger.

In 1985, Bud Jr.’s excellence was recognized on a national scale when he was named a Master Florist Manager by Florists' Transworld Delivery (FTD), placing him among the top 2% of florists worldwide. He had also gained a respected reputation as a guest floral designer, presenting new design techniques at conventions like the Arizona State Florists Association in Tucson. His creativity, skill, and deep sense of care earned him admiration throughout the industry.

Yet, what truly defined McDonald’s Floral Arts wasn’t the accolades or international delivery capabilities — it was the family. The McDonalds worked side by side for years: Mrs. McDonald handling operations, Bud Sr. supporting behind the scenes, and Bud Jr. pouring his artistic soul into every arrangement. Their dedication was summed up best by Bud Jr. himself:

“If you’re afraid of getting your hands dirty or don’t like to work long hours occasionally, then the floral business is no place for you. But the challenge of creating a thing of beauty to bring happiness to someone is most satisfying — and it happens to us every day.”

For the McDonalds, flowers weren’t just products — they were symbols of love, loss, joy, hope, and community. Their shop was a labor of love that left a lasting imprint on generations of West Valley families.

Today, McDonald’s Floral Arts lives on in memory as one of the city’s most heartfelt businesses — built not only with flowers but with family, devotion, and service.