Flowery Finds

Since crocuses are the only wild blooms breaking bud this time of year on grasslands and foothills, we like to pop out to the nearest flower shop for a seasonal pick-me-up. There’s no better time than Mother’s Day weekend to do so. 

Here are some hot spots around town where we like to plant ourselves when choosing blooms.

Funky Petals is the first importer of exotic blooms in Calgary. Located in the SE community of Midnapore, they deliver citywide for $15 and are known for their modern masterpieces. You’ll find all your faves including gerbera daisies, dendrobium orchids, hydrangeas and roses. 

If you know your mom likes pink tulips and white calla lilies (for example) and you would prefer to custom create a bouquet to her taste, head to the recently reopened Farmers’ Market.

Marketing themselves as a New York-style flower shop, the majority of blooms at Kabloom Flowers (located in the market) start their day unencumbered. Many blossoms are Alberta grown with others travelling short distances from hothouses in BC and California. Their flowers are à la carte and arrangements fluctuate in price. Kabloom’s staff are knowledgeable, friendly and take a colour-blocking approach by grouping several of the same type of flower in their arrangements. As Kabloom is a hands-on store, there is no online shopping.

Finally, we love the idea of hand-making your own sweet bouquet. Bake flower-shaped sugar cookies and embed lollipop sticks (found in crafts stores) in between the petals before baking. Ice your cookie flowers in your choice of colour and plant in floral foam mashed inside a sturdy (yet pretty) container. Avoid lightweight pots unable to bear the weight of your edible blossoms when upright (they will tip, we promise). Finally, cover the foam with shredded paper or plastic rescued from last month’s Easter baskets. Or simply wrap one up with a ribbon for individual presentation.

We may have skipped the April showers (unless you count snow, hail and sleet), but we still think it’s time for some May flowers. Even if we have to take matters into our own green-thumbed hands.

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