It's about that time, lovebirds, when the air will fill with the sweet smell of roses and your partners will gaze lovingly into your eyes after receiving the perfect bouquet. That is, of course, if you're organized enough to get those flowers ordered in time for the Valentine's Day rush that happens, oh, about Feb. 13 every year.
In Toronto, there's no dearth of options for flower buying — practically every corner has a shop selling at least a few carnations. But if you're really looking to wow the love of your love with something in bloom, we're going to suggest a few flower shops that are known for doing exceptional work, whether it's handling confusing deliveries or just creating something magical with flora.
And of course, we'd be remiss if we didn't note that roses aren't always the way to go. There are plenty of other, potentially more pleasing, options available.
Check out the top 20 flower shops in Toronto. And best of all, they all deliver across the GTA (we've noted fees where possible), so you'll be able to demonstrate your affection at your sweetie's home, office or gym, if that's your thing:
Shop: Sweetpea's
Where: 163 Roncesvalles Ave.
Specialty: Eco-friendly practices; clean and elegant designs
Delivery area: Throughout Toronto and the GTA
Shop: Coriander Girl
Where: 1604 Queen St. W.
Specialty: Bouquets that feel fresh from the garden with a touch of antique
Delivery area: Toronto — though any delivery not within walking distance must be placed before 5 p.m. the previous day
Shop: Foglie The Flower Shop
Where: 775 St. Clair Ave. W.
Specialty: Bouquets with surprising elements, as well as gift baskets
Delivery area: Free delivery across Metro Toronto
Shop: Ginger Flower Studio
Where: 50 St. Clair Ave. E.
Specialty: Solid, standard floral arrangements with a promise of prompt delivery
Delivery area: Toronto (for a $10 fee); across Canada (for additional fees)
Shop: Kate Hardy Flowers
Where: 401 Logan Ave.
Specialty: Hand-tied bouquets with a rustic feel
Delivery area: Toronto
Shop: Ecostems
Where: 364A King St. E.
Specialty: Eco- and fair-trade flowers; inventive uses of local blooms
Delivery area: Across Toronto (by foot, bike or TTC), GTA and southern Ontario for $12 and up
Where: 2194 Bloor St. W.
Specialty: Beloved local florist; flowers of all kinds
Delivery area: Toronto and area for no additional cost
Shop: Ladybug Florist
Where: 513 Church St.
Specialty: Funky, creative arrangements
Delivery area: 416 area for $12.95; 905 area for $19.95
Shop: Poppies
Where: 1094 Queen St. W.
Specialty: Tasteful vase arrangements
Delivery area: Same-day deliveries in Toronto; from Hamilton to Oshawa, north to Newmarket placed one day ahead
Shop: WilBe Bloomin
Where: 160 Baldwin St.
Specialty: Simple but innovative flower designs
Delivery area: All of Metro Toronto for $11.50; additional areas (full list here) for further costs
Shop: Botany Flowers
Where: 626 College St.
Specialty: Handmade bouquets with artisanal quality
Delivery area: Toronto and GTA
Shop: Cool Green And Shady
Where: 601 Kingston Rd.
Specialty: Stunning centrepieces
Delivery area: Anywhere in Toronto, as well as international
Shop: Flower Creations
Where: 121 King St. W.; 77 King St. W.; 3100 Ridgeway Dr.
Specialty: Reliable, beautiful bouquets, and fun gift baskets
Delivery area: Same day delivery to GTA, west to Hamilton, north to Aurorra and Newmarket, east to Oshawa
Shop: Helen Blakey Flowers
Where: 3463 Sheppard Ave. E.
Specialty: Classic bouquets with flowers you know and love
Delivery area: Greater Toronto areas, North York, Markham and Scarborough flower delivery
Where: 3107 Dundas St. W.
Specialty: Tasteful and elegant designs
Delivery area: Same day in Toronto and west Toronto
Shop: Mondu Floral Design
Where: 314A Queen St. E.
Specialty: Contemporary flower arrangements with a modern feel
Delivery area: Local, the GTA and international
Shop: Posies Fine Flowers
Where: 270 Wellington St. W.
Specialty: Tightly pulled-together, garden-inspired arrangements
Delivery area: Across the GTA
Shop: Quince Flowers
Where: 660 Queen St. E.
Specialty: Hand-tied or vase bouquets with inventive greens and stunning blooms
Delivery area: Toronto and surrounding area
Shop: Terrain Flowers
Where: 2847 Dufferin St.
Specialty: Seasonal flowers put together in a simple, beautiful way
Delivery area: Same day in Toronto and GTA
Shop: Pusateri's Floral Design
Where: 1537 Avenue Rd.
Specialty: Luxurious arrangements that can easily be used as centrepieces
Delivery area: Throughout Canada