By: Liz Bruckner
 Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, anniversary, birthday or just a special occasion -calling all Floristas!
Check out our picks for the city's top 10 flower haunts.
Bloom the Flower Company
1009 Yonge Street
(at Crescent Road)
(416) 324-9900
"Stunning window displays, and arrangements that are guaranteed to please" - so the chorus goes among in-the-know floral devotees when talking about Bloom. Whether you're looking for a simple centerpiece, decorating for a lavish event, or want something special for dear old Ma, your options are vast and impeccable. Just come prepared to pay for them.
East of Eliza
1960 Gerrard Street East
(at Woodbine Avenue)
(416) 691-8038
A little off the beaten track, here's a shop that's worth the trip to Acton (or in this case, the Upper Beach). Blooms range from everyday roses to succulent South African proteas, and the prices are reasonable, too. If you're waffling on what to buy, ask for help from the super friendly staff - they're full of tips without entering Pushy Terrain.
Fiori
633 St. Clair West
(at Wychwood Avenue)
(416) 658-0715
http://www.fiorifloral.com
Yes, there are other places to shop for flowers, but what customers rave about time and time again is this longtime favourite's depth of design, service, and ability to inject new life into a space (yes, flowers can do that). In addition to "simple" arrangements, they are masters of incorporating props and lights into their designs - a skill held by many but mastered by few.
Kay & Young's Florist
136 Avenue Road
(at Davenport)
(416) 922-5651
In these belt-tightening times, spending a lot on a beautiful arrangement of flowers just doesn't make cents (sorry, we had to). That's where Kay & Young's stands out. The walls of this store are jammed with bucket after bucket of gorgeous rose, lily, and hydrangea stems (to name but a few), and the cramming continues on the sidewalk, which is plastered with flowers, flowers, and more flowers. Consider it your go-to shop for affordable bouquets.
Linden Grove Flowers
356 King Street East
(416) 530-2427
http://www.lindengrove.ca
Whether you want a stunning bridal bouquet, a slew of decadent table toppers, or are simply in the market for a good all-occasions florist, you're in the best possible hands with Linden Grove. And while not exactly a hidden gem, the store's track record of client-pleasing designs makes it ideal for those hunting for any of the above. Also noteworthy: They're affordable. Small bouquets start in the $40 range.
Midge
651 Mt. Pleasant Road
(at Hillsdale Avenue East)
(416) 488-0875
In this small Mt. Pleasant Road boutique, hydrangeas, gerbera daisies, and orchids abound, but the main draws are the stunning and edgy floral designs on display throughout, along with her one-of-a-kind hostess gifts. Known to please even the pickiest of floristas, owner Pam Kosoy's use of greens, berries, and flowers are second to none, guaranteed.
Poppies
1094 Queen Street West
(at Dovercourt Road)
(416) 538-2497
http://www.poppiesplantofjoy.com
By their own mouth, Poppies has a "unique style that blends the mystique of Japan with the cosmopolitan flare of New York", but it was a visit to the store that sold us. The space itself is welcoming and stylish, and if the locale doesn't win you over, the fact that they're a bit hit with local galleries will.
Roses Only
8 Market Street
(at The Esplanade)
(416) 594-6678
http://rosesonly.sites.toronto.com
When an occasion calls for roses - and what one doesn't, really? - it seems unnaturally expensive to have to fork out upwards of $50 for a dozen. Enter the markedly inexpensive Roses Only. With their seemingly endless supply of short-, medium-, and long-stemmed beauties imported from Ecuador, it is possible to haul 12 stems home without severely denting your bank account.
Wilbe Blooming
160 Baldwin Street
(at Spadina)
(416) 597-6222
http://www.wilbebloomin.ca
There's nothing like agonizing over the perfect housewarming bouquet, discussing said bouquet with a florist, and then picking up a final product that looks nothing like the agreed upon arrangement. That's what makes shopping at Wilbe Blooming such a relief. The owner and staff are all about you, which is where the "If you can dream it, we can do it" mantra comes into play. The best part? Guaranteed satisfaction comes with a reasonable price tag.
Wild Thyme
112 Queen Street East
(at Carlaw Avenue)
(416) 440-2614
http://www.wildthyme.ca
If you're a flower fanatic residing in or around the east end, we've found your Mecca, cozied up between Leslieville's trendy cafes and cute designer shops. Known for their modern take on floral design, you'll find anything but old-school arrangements here. We loved the minimalistic take on table centerpieces, and the completely affordably priced bouquets.
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