Shopping Around: The Secret Life of Flowers

Unfurled in February, Willow & Bloom’s tiny space belies its capabilities. The Fremont floral boutique, painted clean green with accents of white, provides everything from gifts-on-the-go to sophisticated flower arrangements. Owner and floral designer Miya Ferguson loves layering organic components like stone, fruit, sticks, leaves and branches with exotic blooms, especially long-lasting cimbidium orchids. Prices range from $2 for a beautifully wrapped gerbera daisy to $500 for a Willow & Bloom signature arrangement of tropical blossoms, such as South American roses, antique hydrangea, protea or succulents nestled in a one-of-a-kind vessel. Beyond flowers, Willow & Bloom is full of other fresh finds: hippie chic Gypsy Bella Akoya pearl necklaces strung on leather ($50–$250), Elum letter-pressed card sets ($12) and Jennifer Keene cute-as-a-cupcake knit caps for kids ($28).