It’s February and I want flowers sitting on my dining room table.
I’m a fan of soft, blousy arrangements. Ones that have personality and joy, that make you feel woozy, that are a little opulent. You can give them away for Valentine’s Day, or not. You can just buy them for yourself.
Norwalk
Arugula Tango
123 Water Street
Norwalk, CT 06854
(203) 273-8993
At Arugula Tango owner Elena Shishulina and her team create lush and creative arrangements, over-the-top romantic in the best of ways.
“As a flower shop owner, I can tell you that flowers are like little bundles of magic—they can turn an ordinary day into something extraordinary!” said Shishulina. “They’ve got this amazing superpower to speak directly to the heart, whether it’s love, joy, or even sympathy. Flowers don’t just look beautiful; they make memories that last long after the petals fall!”
She described her signature style as “all about turning heads and melting hearts. Mixing luxurious blooms and vibrant textures—think elegance with a little drama. Whether you’re celebrating big or just because, our arrangements bring bold beauty and unforgettable vibes to every moment.”
Old Lyme
Elements
Old Lyme, CT
(860) 434-0077
Carla Steele, Elements’ master designer, has a gift for understanding the people she is creating for.
She doesn’t ascribe to a signature style but says she thinks of herself as “a gardener that loves to present gifts with a natural feel but not without a modicum of elegance.”
Asked, “Why flowers?” She replied,
“True love stories never have endings”…”The only solution to Love is to Love MORE”. Define a sweetheart? It could be the school bus driver, the cashier at the market or a four-legger. For me, this is a celebration of all those people/beings that we love and want to hug but never seem to get the opportunity to do that.”
Old Saybrook
Mar. Floral
875 Boston Post Road
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
(860) 388-4670
There is youthful freshness in Marlee Spector’s style, the kind of flowers that you’d like in your house every day. Natural and effortless, emphasizing texture and unexpected color combinations.
Spector said that flowers have been a part of her life since she was born.
“Quite literally. I grew up working in the flower shop of my parents’ business-Madison Flower Shop and Garden Center,” she told CT Examiner. When she was 5 years old, Spector said, she spent Valentine’s Day filling boxes of roses in the back room of her mom’s shop.
Now, after 12 years out on her own, she said she’s seeing a trend toward creative freedom, stepping out of the box and away from the standard “dozen red roses.” It keeps things interesting!
“You won’t find your typical grocery store bouquet in my shop!”
Washington Depot
Floral’s By Stephanie
4 Green Hill Rd
Washington Depot, CT 06794
(860) 355-1324
Last October Stephanie Osborne opened shop in Washington Depot. She describes her style as whimsical, garden and romantic. They are happy, bouncy bunches of flowers and this beautiful handful of hellebores and wax are certainly that.
“I get to bring joy to people at many stages of their lives! You can’t beat that feeling!!”
And, if you live in town, you’ll have hand delivery with Corgi!
Glastonbury
The Flower District
2377 Main Street
Glastonbury, CT 06033
(860) 633-1965
The Flower District in Glastonbury is an eclectic shop filled with vibrant, almost musical arrangements–romantic, inspired by nature. Flowers have always been a big part of Ramona Courtman‘s life.
“I am a strong believer that flowers are the language of love,” said Courtman. “It’s growing up in Switzerland that inspired me to continue working with flowers and stay connected to my European roots.“
Working together with local flower vendors, she creates patchworks of texture and color.
Bedford
Bedford Village Flower Shoppe
634 Old Post Road
Bedford, NY 10506
(914) 860-0579
Master European Floral Designer Lauren Chillemi and her husband Anthony run a shop in Bedford, a floral apothecary of color and fragrance and all things good for the senses.
They describe themselves as “Lush, Thoughtful, and Locally Inspired Floral Design.”
“Our floral design style embodies luxury and thoughtfulness,” said Anthony. “Each arrangement is flower-heavy, filled with premium blooms carefully curated to create lush, abundant displays. We weave together sophisticated and harmonious colors, skillfully bridging hues to ensure every piece feels perfectly balanced and intentional.”
“Flowers are the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift,” he told CT Examiner. “they beautifully express love and appreciation for your partner. For those who experience life through emotion, flowers can profoundly uplift moods and brighten someone’s day. Imagine walking past a stunning bouquet throughout the week, feeling a little burst of joy every time you see it. A gift that delivers happiness long after the day itself is truly something everyone can treasure!”