I’d rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck. ~Emma Goldman
I love flowers – the more colourful and fragrant, the better. From the blooms in the garden to the fresh-cut beauties that sometimes grace my home. I really would choose them over jewelry any day of the week. Flowers brighten up our spaces, our attitudes and our lives. For all their uses, from ceremonial to medicinal, they are one of the few things we purchase for pure enjoyment. They are joy to give AND to receive – how many other things can you say that about? Other than chocolate, nothing brings a smile to my face quite like flowers. My only complaint is that I don’t have near enough of them in my life – I find most flower shops expensive and grocery stores lacking so even though I enjoy browsing the blooms while out-and-about, I more often than not come home empty-handed.
That is until I discovered The Flower Merchant. Located slightly north of the four corners in Bradford, this artfully arranged flower shop is the brainchild of Hank and Linda Alsemgeest and business here is, well, blooming! Spend a few minutes with Hank and Linda and you will come to understand how important it is to have a terrific florist on speed dial. As third generation flower merchants, flower power is practically encoded in their DNA. They are so knowledgeable and eager to share tips on flower/plant care, from nourishing your blooms to prolonging and maintaining your arrangement for maximum enjoyment. They really know their stuff.
If you don’t find what you want among the assembled works-of-art in their cooler, you can dream up your own bouquet which they will enhance with their exquisite wrapping job. They have a wonderful cross-section of blooms and plants for all occasions, or in my case, no occasion. They are also so reasonably priced that there won’t be any need to plant a money tree in the back yard to pay for my newfound flower habit! Inexpensive and beautiful — a fleur after my own heart.
The Flower Merchant
22 Barrie Street
Bradford, ON
905-778-8818
