There’s nothing like a good, brick-and-mortar floral shop to get inspired and brighten up any space. For the next summer picnic or outdoor gathering, here’s where to pick up artful bouquets, tabletop and home décor, and maybe even enroll in workshops to grow your own florist skills.
Camino
Founded by owner and curator Christina Yan, of Bellevue Floral Co., the light-filled dried floral studio-gone-home décor boutique in Downtown Napa is lined with a mix of handmade gold earrings by Raleigh, North Carolina–based Bofémme; hand-poured soy candles; woven placemats made in Morocco; Acacia wood serving boards; and a floral design studio equipped with dried wildflower bouquets and one-of-a-kind arrangements with real preserved roses.
Empty Vase
The West Hollywood petal purveyor, originally opened in 1998, has evolved from a simple Parisian-inspired floral shop into a go-to source for high-end designers and celebrities for floral sculptures and topiaries, home wares, and one-of-a-kind arrangements. Gift items span body oil by Lollia; artisan chocolate bars by Valerie Confections; travel tomes by Assouline; and fig-scented candles by Diptyque.
Native Poppy
Co-owned by floral mavens Natalie Gill and Meg Blancato, the company features two locations in Solana Beach and South Park layered with a plethora of flowers and small home goods from rose geranium and citrus bath salts to bud vases, greeting cards, and floral coffee table books. Utilizing their own micro garden in nearby El Cajon, the floral studio grows more than 100 varieties of flowers including Scabiosa, Snapdragon, and Sweet Peas for their arrangements. “Our shops feature a multi-tiered stem bar of fresh blooms six days a week where customers can assemble their own bundles or ask us to make them something custom,” says Blancato. “In addition, we offer artistic floral arrangements for pick up or delivery, florals for weddings and events, as well as workshops and e-courses. Our gift selection is curated to complement reasons people buy flowers. We also make some of our own gifts including candles, body cream, perfume, sweatshirts, and hats.”
3 Quick and Easy Summer Floral Tips from Native Poppy
Watch Water Intake and Sun Exposure
“Flowers need a lot of water, especially when it’s warm,” says Blancato. “Make sure to add and/or replace the water in your arrangements daily. Also, keep blooms out of a sunny window, and avoid putting them directly in the path of air conditioning [if you’re lucky enough to have it.] All of these things will increase the vase life of the flowers.”
Think Tropical
“We like to incorporate touches of tropical blooms in the summer,” explains Blancato. “It instantly makes your home feel like you’re on a Hawaiian vacation. Plus, tropical blooms like the warmer temps so they also tend to last longer.”
Look to The Garden or Produce Section
“Summer is a great time to incorporate fruits and vegetables in your arrangements—like fruiting branches, tomato vines, or large leafy greens,” says Blancato.
