When Bill Zenda opened Flowers by Zenda in 1946, he sold “Poor Man’s Bouquets” to local loverboys with thin wallets and big hearts. He donated flowers to local organizations and community events and sold fresh flowers that would last.

Today, the shop on Broadway and West 225th Street could be called Flowers by Orlando, but it’s not.

It’s newest owner, Orlando Kross, 39, kept the name because Mr. Zenda was more than just a flower shop owner, he was part of the neighborhood.

“We try to give to the community. They’re the ones that come in and support the business,” said Mr. Kross, who regularly donates flowers to local churches, including St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, just a few blocks away. Flowers by Zenda also donates to Marble Hill community events like the annual summer barbecue and Marble Hill Weekend.

This year, when Mr. Kross showed up at the party at the American Legion Hall on Corlear Avenue on Aug. 21, the Marble Hill Reunion and Development Committee surprised him with a lifetime achievement award for his contributions.

“He’s the best in the neighborhood, that’s for sure,” said Joan Kaplan, a regular who recently travelled from Van Cortlandt Village to purchase boutonieres (decorative flowers worn on suit jackets) for a night out.

Mr. Kross’ career in Marble Hill began in 1992, two years after immigrating to New York from the Netherlands. He was born in Aruba, but moved to the Netherlands as a child. When he came to the United States he spoke Dutch, Papiamento and the little Spanish he learned in high school.

He learned English and as Marble Hill’s demographics changed over the years, he started to speak Spanish fluently. Sometimes, he said, he is even mistaken for being Latino. The previous owner was not bilingual; something Mr. Kross said hurt the business.

“Most people think I’m Spanish, which I’m happy about because they feel comfortable,” he said.

On a recent afternoon, the bell at his shop wouldn’t stop ringing. He helped two customers at once — the first ordering flowers in Spanish, the second, an English speaker, browsing giant refrigerators full of flowers. Mr. Kross is the only full-time employee of the shop.