It’s almost Valentine’s Day, a day when lovers all over the world celebrate, declare, or maybe even broadcast their love for each other. This can be said in many ways—a mushy Instagram post seems to be very popular—but you can’t go wrong with a classic bouquet of flowers.
So that you don’t get left out in the cold this Valentine’s Day, we’ve made a list of our favourite florists in and around Auckland. Also, no partner? No worries. If you want a lot for yourself, just buy a lot.
1. Scarecrow
If you want a local florist with an edge for Valentine’s Day, Scarecrow is likely your style. The florist, kitchen, and grocery store has beautiful flowers for that special someone, as well as gifts and hampers, and a cafe so you can get some caffeine while you wait for your bunch. The “Rambling Rose” bouquet is our favourite, but you can choose from posies, bunches, or bouquets, depending on your budget.
2. Floral Centric
You’ve probably seen Floral Centric’s talented team’s dried flowers around the city. They are known all over town for their huge dried installations, which you can often see in department stores or at big events. Still, they know how to make a small bunch that is just right for that special someone. Grab one of their dried bouquets for a beautiful gift that won’t need to be thrown away after a few days.
3. Flowers Of St Johns
Flowers of St. Johns is tucked away in the trendy neighbourhood of Remuera. The owner, Kerry McCullough, has a lot of experience. For a number of years, she worked in New York as a florist for corporate events, meetings, and occasions. The shop is known for its wedding bouquets, get-well, and sympathy flowers, as well as its traditional hand-tied arrangements. For Valentine’s Day, however, there are many options. If you go to the shop, Kerry’s little West Highland white terrier, Daphne, will probably be there.
4. The Flower Project
The Flower Project has started out as a small wedding supplier in a “garage studio.” Now, they sell flowers at stands all over Auckland and in three Farro stores. The company’s founder, Kathryn Fleming, runs a service called “Blooms by Subscription,” which delivers fresh flowers to your door once, weekly, twice a month, or monthly. All of the flowers are bought at the market on the day of delivery, so they are all fresh.
5. Eastridge Flowers
As New Zealand’s biggest retail florist, these guys take flowers very seriously. Eastridge Flowers has been in business for just under 15 years. They buy only the freshest flowers and bring in new blooms four days a week. For Valentine’s Day, the team has put together a tempting collection of flowers, from red rose bouquets to beautiful bunches with bright colours. Find them in the Eastridge shopping mall if you need flowers at the last minute.