Otto’s Oasis: A Brief Story Behind a Charles City Tradition

"Our business is growing for YOU, because we have roots here!"

While 1313 Gilbert Street has been the location of a florist and greenhouse business since 1913, Otto’s Oasis has been serving Charles City and the surrounding communities since 2007. Jeff Otto, a Charles City native, and his wife Lori purchased the business in February of that year.

Jeff started his greenhouse and landscape career in high school, working at the address that would later become Otto’s Oasis. At that time, it was known as Floral Expressions, and then in later years it was known as Echter’s.

Jeff received his degree in Horticulture Science and has been in the landscape profession for over 30 years. Lori, on the other hand, has a background in retail as well as administrative work. Making combined use of their skills, they can offer the finest fresh floral arrangements, gifts, home and garden décor, and the largest and best selection of plants in the area. They also carry an extensive line of nursery products and provide professional landscape services.

While Jeff oversees the store in general, his focus is on the greenhouse and landscaping areas, while Lori’s skills are better suited to ordering gifts and home décor, marketing, financials, and managing the day-to-day operations.

“We have a talented, dedicated, and caring staff to assist with your shopping experience,” says Lori. “Whether it's traditional, modern, or high style, our floral designers make custom arrangements to fit your needs. This is what we’re known for. That, and our greenhouse, but we have a variety of décor and gifts in our newly decorated showroom.”

Let the exceptional customer service team at Otto’s Oasis assist you, whether in person at the address listed above or by phone at 641-228-6193. Their current seasonal hours (as of November 2024) are:

• Monday, Tuesday, and Friday: 9:00 to 5:00
• Wednesday – Thursday: 9:00 to 6:00
• Saturday: 9:00 to 3:00
• Sunday: 11:00 to 3:00 until Christmas

Visit ottosoasis.com or facebook.com/@ottosoasis to learn more.

Get a glimpse of what Otto’s has to offer in the video below.