Now Hear This — Dreamy Dallas Flowers and the Top Florists Who Create Them

For some reason, even though the weather has been frightfully cold the past week my mind wanders to spring and its accompanying blossoms. In fact, I am wearing a floral Laura Ashley shirt today (scored in Glasgow this past summer, for more on that trip check out my PaperCity story) with a Michael Bastian blue double-breasted blazer, Easter grass green corduroy tie, frayed Levi jeans and white with green accents Adidas Stan Smith sneakers.

Obviously, I need to ramp up my office style for 2019 since editor in chief Christina Geyer remarked: “You look nice. Do you have some sort of business lunch?” It’s not good if my teammates aren’t used to seeing me in a jacket and tie.

Back to blooming bouquets. All of your friends here at PaperCity love them and are over-the-moon when our office doorbell rings and we realize someone received flowers. Everyone gathers and we excitedly ask for the card to be read out loud. Then there is a group appraisal of the arrangement after noting who created them.

For this week’s Now Hear This PaperCity Dallas office question, we reveal our favorite flowers and the teams that create them here in Dallas. Perhaps file this away for the next time you need to send someone a token of congratulations or pay penance for being a little naughty. Also, forward to any boys in your life that need a quick tutorial on chic arrangements.

Christina Geyer, Dallas Editor in Chief

Regarding flowers, I love them all. (Yes, even the oft-snubbed carnation.) I plant them (tulips, paperwhites, and daffodil bulbs are ready to pop out of the soil in a few weeks), I raise them (my office currently has nine orchids, an amaryllis, and a succulent), and rejoice upon receiving them (interior designer Amy Berry sent me the most gorgeous arrangement via Avant Garden last week).

Yet, the type of floral arrangements I love to receive aren’t over-the-top nor are they particularly expensive. No, the flowers I love to receive actually come from Trader Joe’s. 

You heard me right, dear reader. Trader Joe’s.

The backstory: I have a habit of arranging flowers whenever I am stressed and overwhelmed. Call it nature’s Xanax. One year for Valentine’s day, I even made 10 arrangements on a last-minute whim as a surprise delivery for everyone in our PaperCity office — because everyone deserves flowers on Valentine’s Day, coupled up, single, or otherwise. 

Now, my significant other, whenever he senses the slightest bit of stress or anxiety in me, makes a quick stop to Trader Joe’s to pick up a bunch of flowers. I set to work immediately arranging them — and — poof! — I’m calm as can be. A sweet gesture from a loved one, no? These could be any type of flower, mind you. But I do love Gerber Daisies (my grandfather loved them, too), ranunculus, cabbage roses, the list goes on. And, because duh, I love peonies.

Heads up: If you ask nicely, the kind gents at Trader Joe’s will give you a buzz when fresh blooms arrive during peony season — so you can buy them by the bunch-full before they sell out.

As for favorite florists? Bows & Arrows. I remember when the darling Rico fam opened up shop on Greenville Avenue years ago (that store has since shuttered) and their business has blossomed (pun intended) ever since, with everything from floral arrangements to full-on event design. They are absolutely genius. I also adore GRO — another husband-wife owned biz. I took a floral arranging class at their Fair Park-area studio a couple years ago. Cathartic doesn’t begin to describe that two-hour session of life.

Bows and Arrows, 4908 Bryan Street, 214.828.2697

GRO Floral and Event Design, 3500 Commerce Street, 214.370.9846

Lisa Collins Shaddock, Senior Editor

I love receiving any floral arrangement! It’s amazing what fresh flowers do to brighten your space and mood. At home, I typically go for simple arrangements of a single type of flower, but it is hard to land on a favorite. I worked with the ultra-talented Junior Villanueva with Garden Gate on the florals for my spring wedding and he helped me incorporate two of my most beloved blooms into the day: the parrot tulip, which I love for its classic shape and cool, frayed edges; and the lily of the valley, which I carried for my bouquet and also used as a motif on everything from the save the dates to our wedding cake.

The Garden Gate, 2303 Farrington Street, Suite 100,  214.220.1272

Billy Fong, Culture and Style Editor

I believe that I have shared before that two of my skill sets are not gift-wrapping or floral arrangements. When I attempt either it looks as though a serial killer has taken creative license. It’s frightening. That said, I do love receiving beautifully wrapped gifts and am always beaming when I get a delivery of flowers for my desk (hint hint). That beaming turns in to outright giddiness when I see that the delivery is from Grange Hall.

When I am in the mood to buy flowers for my home or to bring as a last-minute hostess gift I pop into Avant Garden. A Dallas institution, created by my dear friend, Todd Fiscus, that was open for close to 15 years in Highland Park Village and then in 2017 moved to The Shops of Highland Park. My imagination is always sparked when I walk-in and even though I don’t have consummate taste when it comes to flowers, I know the creative and friendly staff will steer me in the right direction.

Grange Hall, 4445 Travis Street, 214.443.0600

Avant Garden, 4254 Oak Lawn Avenue, 214.559.3432

Hillery Stack, Dallas Publisher

My most favorite thing in the world is a bouquet of sunflowers. They are so happy. Everything about them makes me smile. Their simplicity is endearing yet at the same time their bold beautiful commands your attention. When I close my eyes and envision my happy place, it’s a picnic in a Tuscan sunflower field. I think one of the most beautiful and unique sunflower arrangements I’ve received was here in Dallas from Dr. Delphinium. It’s my go-to place for all things florals.

Dr. Delphinium, 5806 W. Lovers Lane, 214.522.9911

Linda Kenney, Account Manager

My mantra is “Flowers are love’s truest language.”

I adore flowers; I am happiest when I am in an environment of flowers. I felt enchanted and giddy when I walked through the Gardens of Giverny. You see my point.

I love to arrange flowers; I love to paint the flowers that I have arranged.  Favorite flowers include calla lilies and hydrangeas; I worship pastel (spring) or jeweled-tone (fall) bouquets in crystal vases.

I adore sending flowers to loved ones. My local recommendations include Avant Garden and Dr. Delphinium.

Because our daughters live in other states, I search for a florist who will tell me the beautiful flowers that are available and then order the freshest. There are no surprises when you order this way. I know great florists in San Diego and Boca Raton if you need a recommendation.

Samantha Olguin, Dallas Senior Account Manager

My all time favorite flowers are peonies and ranunculus (they look similar to peonies).  I feel like they always look so chic and brighten up any room! One of my favorite places in Dallas to get them is from Park Cities Petals.  I love this place because they give so much attention to detail and I feel like with every order you submit they take the time to make sure it is reflective of what you requested.  Whether it be large scale florals for events or personal at home deliveries I have never been disappointed in an order. 

Maggie Wilson, Events and Partnerships Manager

I love hydrangeas, specifically blue ones but I’m not opposed to the other colors. There is something about this flower that feels so happy to me. Perhaps it’s because they start blooming in the spring when the weather starts warming up and happy summer days are just around the corner. It’s also an added bonus that the vibrant colors look great anywhere, outside or inside.

Since I’m new to the Dallas area I don’t have any favorite florists yet, but I’m up for suggestions.

Caroline Lidl, Marketing Intern

Flowers are honestly one of my favorite gifts to receive, so any arrangement is a treat. Roses have always been my favorite. Not only are they classically beautiful, but Rose is my middle name and I have countless memories receiving roses from family and friends growing up.  

If you ever have something you want our team to address, shoot us your thoughts via social media or email (@papercitydallas on Instagram; facebook.com/papercitymagdallas on Facebook; or yours truly, billy@papercitymag.com). Or, better yet send a message to the office, handwritten on the Smythson stationery of your choice — and feel free to include a bottle of Veuve. Champagne really helps get the ideas flowing.

Look for the next installment of Now Hear This from Billy Fong next week.