JonathanB was asking for advice on flowers and looking for a helpful place in his neighborhood.
Flower shops in the LES are hard to come by, but up by Union Square and heading west there are some. Ariston Florist on 5th Avenue and 14th Street is a large florist with a great selection of fresh flowers.
The staff is approachable – just ask for Thomas or Theodore, the owners – and they can walk you through selecting and choosing how to make a simple arrangement for your apartment.
The staff at Ariston is always helpful and willing to offer advice. When I visited, a large bunch of lilacs were being divided and put into flower arrangements with peonies by one of the staff, Angelina. It was a bold and simple combination that takes little effort to look great in a vase.
A flower boutique I go to often is called Adore Floral, on Lafayette between Houston and Bleecker. It's a small shop, and some of their designs can get a bit pricey, but their arrangements are just gorgeous! I get comments on them all the time from friends.
angelina looks like she might be hot. (note to self: go flower shopping)
Actually that is my wife. Theodore also thought she was worthy of a flower so gave her a beautiful long-stem rose. The stem was at least 24" - gorgeous. But not great for carrying around the city. So later on we clipped it down and attached it to her handbag.
Ariston's arrangements run the range - but they do many arrangements that are straighforward (and very beautiul), which is why I listed them. I think that for someone wanting to understand arranging and not be overwhelmed, they would be much more helpful than a place like Ovando.
I went in there a few weeks ago and couldn't even get acknowledged. One guy was just talking to some old lady about the real estate prices in the area. She was cashed out and everything. I really wanted some pink gingerflower, but how long is a girl to wait?
mattplantguy,
well done.
me
really, i feel like i receive too much help each time i go in here, almost like my every move or "sniff" is being watched. but they do have beautiful flowers and really great plants. i bought a cactus plant there about two years ago and it is healthy and beautiful.
matt, i've said it before and i'll say it again- it is always so refreshing and uplifting to view your photos. have you ever considered selling prints. i had to laugh at the previous comment about the woman who turned out to be your wife. i was really drawn to that shot and your relationship with the subject explains it. it is so tender and lovely.
obi--
I second that. That shot of the orange roses is really, really gorgeous, as are many of the shots.