The Callahan family has been in the flower business for over 5 decades! In 1970, Sharon & John Callahan “Sr” opened a flower shop on Falls Road, named The Potting Shed. Their children, Kelly & John “Jr” were often seen in the shop, making potted arrangements, watering plants, & selling seasonal produce. Rebuilding after hurricanes Agnes & David sent their plants down the Jones Falls, Sharon closed the Potting Shed to sell real estate full-time in 1986. However, a teenaged John Jr, was ready to reimagine his parents’ business as The Potting Shed Service. With cold calls, knocking on doors & many business cards, John began offering planting services to former clientele from The Potting Shed out of his Mustang convertible. In 1991, John “Sr”passed away, leaving such a legacy with his children that John “Jr” was determined to open a retail store. Little did John know he would soon meet his future wife & business partner, Christina Falcone Chamberlain. They opened a roadside stand at Windy Valley selling produce & plants for two years. Then, they moved their business to Fells Point. In 1995 they moved The Potting Shed to behind Ridge Country Store & took over the front gas station/deli.

In 1999, they renamed their landscaping division Callahan & Associates, & in 2004 they opened Callahan’s Coffee & Confections, in Upperco. They fanned the entrepreneurial flames for their teenaged son, Courtney, by giving him space to open a skateboard shop. Unfortunately, the economics of 2006-2008 caused them to close the coffee shop. In 2010, John began his next retail venture at 2210 Old Court Rd, Pikesville Md 21208. For years he had driven by the quaint red barn, just five minutes away from where the original Potting Shed once stood, but finally the time was right.

Rebranding as Callahan Gardens, always unique, this special red barn would boost landscaping demand & establish a permanent footprint in the Green Spring community. They created lasting impressions with eye-catching displays such as a 5’ fiberglass hand with painted fingernails, brightly colored metal roosters, crates of pumpkins & hay bales topped with mums, & Christmas tree lots offering hot chocolate. John and Christina’s youngest daughter, Riley Ann Callahan, was excited to learn the business of flowers. After walking many landscaping projects with her Dad, Riley Ann officially joined the family business in 2018. Starting in retail, progressing to Commercial Maintenance, and eventually gaining landscaping expertise, she formed relationships with clients, and re-imagined the barn’s retail operation. From her first wreath swag made at age ten, to creating holiday displays with John, Riley knew she had the entrepreneurial spark. In 2021, Riley, 19, decided she wanted to pursue the artistry of cut florals. From then on, her whimsical designs flowed throughout the barn. A willow archway adorned the building, welcoming the next round of inspiration. Riley Ann built Callahan Gardens’ online presence and facilitated pop-up events. Over the years, Riley has honed the importance of curated aesthetics, functional work spaces and client relations.

With 3 generations of history, the Callahan Family is ready to embark on their next retail adventure! They are excited to travel full circle, back to Green Spring Station, with their boutique featuring fresh florals, garden fountains & pottery, Riley Ann’s greeting cards, & select collector’s plants. They will also offer their landscaping expertise in container plantings and consulting.

This new venture is known as

H E I R L O O M

Modern Blooms Written in Story

We can’t wait to see you there!

John J Callahan