Rutland Beard Florist was established in 1923 by Mr. and Mrs. Rutland Beard in Catonsville, Maryland. The original business was a farm-style greenhouse and floral shop which occupied several acres along Route 40 in what was, at the time, the country.

The business continued to grow throughout the years and was eventually taken over by Rutland’s daughter and son-in-law, Helen and Michael Paal. The Paal’s closed the greenhouses in the 1970’s, but continued to keep the flower shop open and running. Rutland’s grandson, Rut, came into the family business in the late 1970’s, and took over operations at the Catonsville location following Helen and Michael’s retirement.

In 1988, Rut opened a second location in Ruxton, Maryland. The shop in Ruxton, which has developed into a floral boutique, has received numerous awards, including that of “Baltimore’s Best” from Baltimore Magazine.

In 2002, Rut’s oldest son, Skip, joined the business and in 2007, Skip expanded the business with the addition of Frederick Florist in Frederick, Maryland. Rut’s second son, Ryan, has joined the business in 2007 and oversees internet operations.