Freaked out about breathing in public right now? Treat your lungs in the homestead instead with some fresh plant-filtered air!
Not only do plants emit oxygen, they also permit beauty in your home, creating a lush environment to relish when that mask comes off.
Here’s just a few of our faves when it comes to potted plants and fresh-cut flowers to brighten your spirits during this new red phase of the pandemic.
And please note: All these spots are currently offering curbside pickup or delivery, unless otherwise noted, while current COVID business restrictions apply.
Pot it like it’s hot
Sage Garden Greenhouses – This place is both profoundly wise and herbaceous, so great name for starters. Wise because they already know what you are looking for, with a slider that immediately directs you to air plants, species that are “rare, specialty and rookie-approved” and directions for curbside pickup. Herbaceous because they always have options that will pump up your plates, plus this place smells great. And wise again (if we may), because its blog is often bestowing useful wisdom, like, "Why am I always killing my rosemary when I bring it indoors (it was those damn damp roots!)?" Also, it is a mighty fine place to buy seeds if you are a real green thumb.
Plant Momma – This place is so hot right now that we are worried the plants will wilt. By this we mean the store is often busy, and due to social distance restrictions, you may have to wait in line…but it will be worth it. Inside, you’ll find all manner of merriment, including Mona Lisa Lipstick, Swiss Cheese, Hoya Hindu Rope and everyone’s favourite – Dwarf Banana. Great prices too and the team who runs it are so nice. (Note as of November 12: Due to current business closures to the public, Plant Momma can only offer curbside pickup and delivery, so be sure to browse their huge inventory in the link provided above).
Lacoste Garden Centre – This huge horticultural centre has it all – all buttressed by over 75 years in the plant biz. On top of a huge range of potted plants, the have gorgeous feeders that will hopefully fill your winter yard with waxwings and blue jays, pottery, and all your soil and fertilizer needs covered.
Verde Plant Design – Just going to say it - this place unapologetically flaunts its foliage. Verde’s cute new shop in the Village (the former location was on Graham) has everything you need to instantly transform your home, home office, office or sanctuary shed. SKUs include hanging plants, large potted plants, cacti and our new jam -- green walls (which both look gorgeous and supply you with the anecdote, “Our walls now talk and the language they speak is light,” which is terribly highbrow and perhaps not altogether true.) But speaking of highbrow, Verde also provides a $50 service where they will come to your space and figure out a great green configuration of plants using light metres and botany skills.
Shelmerdine Garden Centre – Year round this place is great, but starting now it really shines as they welcome the holiday season with a Mariah Carey-like enthusiasm. During this time, you can expect all the poinsettias, an atmosphere permeating with the smells of mulled cider mingling with tropical flowers, and a huge decorative wall begging to be added to your Instagram account. It’s also the spot to get yourself a handsome, sturdy, long-lasting Fraser Fir should you be looking to have that tree up just in time for December.
Tropikal-Leaf Wonders – This place does a great job with "know-before-you-go" info on both Facebook and Instagram when you are looking for new flora. They often have great deals on for plants and cacti, with real cool species like Juniper Bonsai too. Plus, get this mandate: “Our goal is not only to provide air purification to every household but also to bring joy, happiness and inspiration by supplying the best quality tropical plants at a reasonable price.” We’re sold!
Ron Paul Garden Centre – Another huge space that makes social distance shopping easy, Ron Paul has seen it all [grow] since 1965. Looking for a specific species before hitting the store? Check out its extensive inventory online that is searchable via plant names. Outside of thousands of plants, they now also have a seasonal page called Department 56 that has some fabulously hokey items that your gran will love (because every Santa’s Village display needs a Bavarian Concert Hall – heck, we need a mini Bavarian Concert Hall on our shelves all year long!)
A fresh cut above
Beyond Flowers – Our go-to for large whimsical arrangements, which they can often put together in a few hours’ notice (for delivery be sure to order the day before). This place has been kicking out elaborate European-influenced bouquets since 1996, while currently $2 from every delivery goes on to support Winnipeg Harvest.
Academy Florist – Actually located on Corydon Avenue, this place has been making houses pretty for 40 years! They offer same-day delivery if you get your order in by noon, while curbside pickup is always an option too. They have ready-to-be-made options for all the major milestones, while their mighty fine selection of dried boutiques is always at the ready for a quick, “I wish I could see you were it not for the pandemic, so here’s a gorgeous dried arrangement” sort of thing, which we wish someone would send our way because this kitchen we’re typing in is seriously begging for some dried lavender bunches.
Oak and Lily – A bit of the cool new kid on the bouquet block, this store helmed by owner Tatiana Penner and her creative staff was an early expert in the terrarium game. As they state, “Our aesthetic focuses on using natural and garden-style blooms in loose and organically arranged designs. Each arrangement includes a keepsake vase and every hand-tied bouquet is made using our favourite flowers such as English garden roses, wildflowers, forest ferns and lush foliage,” which is way better than we could put it. We’ve been known to call them up and ask for something whimsical and fun, and they nail it every time.