One of the perks to summer in the city—and the offset to unbearably hot weather—is an oustanding abundance of flowers. It seems like everywhere we look, our friends are getting their hands dirty in horticulture and creating breathtaking masterpieces. Taylor Tomasi Hill recently launched her business TTH Blooms; Denise Porcaro of Flower Girl NYC’s LES shop holds instructional arrangement classes; and here at OC, we're fresh off our collection launch with master florist Thierry Boutemy. So, to create your own floral paradisio, here are pro tips on where and when to shop for fresh blooms, supplies, and even faux florals in NYC's Flower District.
WHERE TO SHOP FOR FLOWERS & PLANTS:
1. We love Superior Florist, with its old-New York aesthetic, aluminum countertops, fluorescent signage, and a wall of gourmet candy for gift baskets. Currently operated by third-generation florist Sam Rosenberg, whose family opened shop in 1930, Superior Florist has been in business for 84 years.The store’s buyer, Steve, places a priority on offering American grown products; however, the shop also directly imports rarities from Holland, Ecuador, Colombia, and Thailand.
Insider Tip: Shop after 9:30am for the best selection.
2. Orchids have always been popular, so we suggest turning to Holiday Flower & Plant Inc, a 20-year-old shop with white-brick walls and linoleum floors. The no-frills space focuses on orchids in a multitude of colors and species), as well as potted plants (such as ferns, bonsai, palm). A single stem orchid starts at $12 and generally ranges up to $25. The shop also offers a wide selection of potted Topiary trees (typically ranging from $35 to $125).
Insider Tip: This store gets busy, so visit after 12pm to receive individual attention. The staff will also help you find the most appropriate flower for any vase you bring in.
3. International Garden, Inc. is a haven for the walk-in retail customer, open seven days a week and offering quick and affordable arrangements produced on-site. Peonies are currently in high demand (starting at $5 a stem), but there are also plenty of outdoor plants to decorate that trellis (or, er, a fire escape).
4. A Rose by Harvest offers all roses, all the time. Roses are examined under strict quality control to extend shelf life, and kept at a controlled “chain of temperature.” The store works in partnership with Dutch associates FSQ (Four Seasons Quality) bringing in worldwide imports from Holland, Kenya, Ecuador, resulting in 300 of the world's finest roses. Expect to spend about $37 for a bundle of 25.
5. Bill’s Flower Market, a fourth-generation, family-owned business, is known mostly by word-of-mouth. You might stumble upon kitschy arrangement accents such as hot-pink flamingos. The shop receives deliveries daily at 3am, and owner Michael prioritizes personalized service and value.
Insider Tip: This is a great place to order chic single-note arrangments, i.e. all daisies, all orchids, all calla lilies—you get it.
6. If
WHERE TO SHOP FOR FLOWERS & PLANTS:
1. We love Superior Florist, with its old-New York aesthetic, aluminum countertops, fluorescent signage, and a wall of gourmet candy for gift baskets. Currently operated by third-generation florist Sam Rosenberg, whose family opened shop in 1930, Superior Florist has been in business for 84 years.The store’s buyer, Steve, places a priority on offering American grown products; however, the shop also directly imports rarities from Holland, Ecuador, Colombia, and Thailand.
Insider Tip: Shop after 9:30am for the best selection.
2. Orchids have always been popular, so we suggest turning to Holiday Flower & Plant Inc, a 20-year-old shop with white-brick walls and linoleum floors. The no-frills space focuses on orchids in a multitude of colors and species), as well as potted plants (such as ferns, bonsai, palm). A single stem orchid starts at $12 and generally ranges up to $25. The shop also offers a wide selection of potted Topiary trees (typically ranging from $35 to $125).
Insider Tip: This store gets busy, so visit after 12pm to receive individual attention. The staff will also help you find the most appropriate flower for any vase you bring in.
3. International Garden, Inc. is a haven for the walk-in retail customer, open seven days a week and offering quick and affordable arrangements produced on-site. Peonies are currently in high demand (starting at $5 a stem), but there are also plenty of outdoor plants to decorate that trellis (or, er, a fire escape).
4. A Rose by Harvest offers all roses, all the time. Roses are examined under strict quality control to extend shelf life, and kept at a controlled “chain of temperature.” The store works in partnership with Dutch associates FSQ (Four Seasons Quality) bringing in worldwide imports from Holland, Kenya, Ecuador, resulting in 300 of the world's finest roses. Expect to spend about $37 for a bundle of 25.
5. Bill’s Flower Market, a fourth-generation, family-owned business, is known mostly by word-of-mouth. You might stumble upon kitschy arrangement accents such as hot-pink flamingos. The shop receives deliveries daily at 3am, and owner Michael prioritizes personalized service and value.
Insider Tip: This is a great place to order chic single-note arrangments, i.e. all daisies, all orchids, all calla lilies—you get it.
6. If