Floral Excess

Prop styling by Susan GeorgePhoto: Travis Rathbone

For a few days last week, it felt like spring—summer, even—which turns the mind toward things that bloom. Flowers are decoration, of course, but some varieties are also quite tasty (and would look a lot better on the USDA food pyramid than the starch group). Whole Foods Market (4 Union Sq. E., at 14th St.; 212-673-5388) sells a posy of different blooms for $4.99 that vary depending on availability but might include orchids, pansies, bachelor’s buttons, or the carnations and chrysanthemums pictured here.

Photo: Davies + Starr

The Wearable Garden
Anthropologie’s canvas shoulder bag has a cheerful primitive print and three inner pockets ($98; 50 Rockefeller Plaza, at 50th St.; 212-246-0386).

Photo: Davies + Starr

Fine Plastics for Any Occasion
For the kids’ lunches, for picnics, or for stocking up before big parties (plate, $12, cutlery, $26 for four place settings, at Property Furniture, 14 Wooster St., nr. Canal St.; 917-237-0123).

Photo: Davies + Starr

Long-Lasting Blooms
Right now, Secondhand Rose has a stash of vintage sixties French wallpaper ($300 for a double roll; 138 Duane St., nr. Church St.; 212-393-9002).

Photo: Davies + Starr

Affordable Orchids
Garden City Floral Arts has cut flowers, orange trees, and camellia plants at reasonable prices, but the orchids are a deal: A lady’s slipper (pictured) can range from $30 to $50 (222 Centre St., nr. Grand St.; 212-219-0235).

Photo: Davies + Starr

Flowers for the Deadbolt
Why should keys have to be so grimly industrial? ($2 at Barneys Hardware, 467 Sixth Ave., nr. 11th St.; 212-675-3846).

Photo: Davies + Starr

Instead of a Water Glass
Make the vase more than an afterthought. Treillage’s basics have the heft and lines of pricier styles and come in five different colors and shapes ($21; 418 E. 75th St., nr. First Ave.; 212-535-2288).

Photo: Davies + Starr

Plan Ahead
Valentine’s Day is a month away. Aedes de Venustas uses fresh flowers for its gift wrap and carries the city’s most interesting range of small-production fragrances, like Montale’s Velvet Flowers ($135 for 3.4 ounces; 9 Christopher St., nr. Gay St.; 212-206-8674).

NEXT: Flower Picks for Every Room

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Flower Picks for Every Room

Floral Excess