Rivas planting deep roots in new business with Thurston Flowers

EMMA ROUTLEY/THE CHRONICLE From left, Tricia Hewitt, Emily Rivas and Shelle Holmes of Thurston Flowers.

THURSTON – Emily Rivas’ love of flowers started growing when she was 8 years old, playing in her family’s backyard garden in Hayward, Calif. 

“My mom had a vegetable garden and I just wanted some flowers,” said Rivas, 34. “I remember growing sweet peas and forget-me-nots. I had a Victorian flower book with the meanings. It’s something that I’ve always…