GREENE – Zen. Even the word itself conjures images of the calm and serenity, harmony and enlightenment, nature and inner peace often identified with the Eastern school of thought.

For Chris Busa, they are more than just abstract ideas. They define the new business owner’s personal philosophy on life. And now, with the flower shop she has opened in downtown Greene – called, appropriately, Zen Floral – Busa has incorporated that philosophy into her business life as well.

“(We) both try to stay on a positive path,” said Busa, referring to herself and her business partner, Cathie Bagnall, who owns the former movie theater at 10 South Chenango St. where the shop is located. The space was until recently occupied by The Ivy House.

Busa took over the shop in early January, and set about transforming the shop. What she created is something of an oasis for her customers. Now, those visiting the shop are greated with the gentle gurgle of water fountains, the subtle scent of soy and beeswax candles, an abundance of lush green plants and, of course, the vibrant hues of fresh flowers.

Her display case is filled with a multitude of blooms, including everything from colorful sprays of papery alstroemeria, spikes of purple liatris, stately delphinium stalks dripping with blossoms and subtle waxflower to roses in all colors and sizes. And more are just a day away, ready to be ordered from her suppliers.

It is having the freedom to order any flowers which tickle her fancy and then creating arrangements with the fragrant, colorful blooms, that she says she enjoys most about owning her own shop.

“I have it in my head that no matter what you create someone is going to like it,” she said, explaining that different arrangements appeal to different peoples’ individual tastes. “That’s what’s fun about this.”