We won’t bore you with poems about roses being red and violets being blue. Any florist worth their weight in salt will tell you that roses and violets come in a much wider range of colors than the clever rhyme gives them credit for.
The North Fork is home to more than a few of these florists. Sure, you can find the standard dozen roses at a local gas station. But North Fork florists have established roots and made names for themselves for their versatility in putting together anything from a simple just-because bouquet to wow-worthy centerpieces that steal the show at summer soirees. Whether you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day arrangement (the clock is ticking!), thinking ahead for Mother’s Day, have a party to plan or need a pretty way to say “I’m sorry,” consider making a trip to one of these North Fork florists.
North Fork Flower Farm, 48455 Middle Rd #48, Southold, 631-323-6690
North Fork Flower Farm puts a truly distinct spin on the floral experience. As the name implies, flowers are grown on-site at the Southold, where North Fork Flower Form moved to in 2022 after outgrowing its original spot in Orient. The growing season is May through October, so you won’t find a Valentine’s Day bouquet here, but gift cards, private bouquet-making workshops and monthly or weekly CSA subscriptions make for a swoon-worthy unique present. From spring through fall, strawflowers, sweet peas and anemones are among the fresh-picked blooms available for arrangements, which include ones for weddings and events.
Mattituck Florist, 95 Love Ln, Mattituck, 631-298-5840
The pale green sign is immediately recognizable at Mattituck Florist. The business first opened along Main Road in 1971 and now sits nestled along the bustling but narrow Love Lane. It’s changed ownership a few times, but Danielle LaScalla, who purchased Mattituck Florist in 2005, has often been credited for upholding the indie shop’s reputation for putting special care into each arrangement. Her rescue pets who roam the shop — likely sniffing fresh blooms like the orchids LaScalla adores working with — add a bright touch.
Flowers’ Edge, 28145 Main Rd, Cutchogue, 631-734-8849
Noa Rotem’s amiable personality and outside-the-box thinking appeal to traditionalists and creatives alike. She opened her shop located minutes from Raphael about a decade ago and became known for the contemporary spins she puts on arrangements. Think hydrangeas in multiple shades with ranunculus and smoke bush mixed with delicate daisies.
Blooms by Design, 320 Depot Ln, Cutchogue, 631-734-9400
Perhaps best known for its picture-perfect wedding arrangements, Blooms by Design offers florals for all occasions. Valentine’s Day offerings include a whimsical hand-tied dozen roses and a “First Crush” arrangement with green hydrangea, greenery and a lily grass heart. Other collections include all-white florals and ones inspired by the North Fork’s nautical surroundings, though precise looks depend on what’s in season.
Backyard Blooms Northfork, 310 Flanders Rd, Riverhead, 631-953-1103
Kim Barnes started selling flowers outside of her home Mother’s Day in 2020, quickly branched out to weddings and now has a blooming business to show for it. The roadside flower farm makes bouquets each morning, epitomizing freshness. The Valentine’s Day shop includes traditional arrangements that are all red and white and pink all over. For instance, a “Love Letter” bouquet is a white hobnail vase full of red and beige roses, ranunculus and gerbera daisies. A Peach Dream mixes peach garden roses and ranunculus with lush greenery, putting a warm twist on a quintessential Valentine’s Day gift.
Shelter Island Florist, 57 A N Ferry Rd, Shelter Island, 800-226-7392
Traditional, unique and everything in between — Becky Smith has long established herself as a versatile florist on Shelter Island. She’s not one to hand-wave carnations away, but she’ll also stick to the rubiest red roses — perhaps with some lush greenery mixed in — if that’s what a customer wants. Her Valentine’s Day shop makes picking an arrangement out a breeze. The “Dance With Me” combines red roses and pink carnations for one of the most festive bouquets you’ll find.
Country Petals and Greenport Florist, 43385 Main Rd, Peconic, 631-765-4005
This all-occasion flower shop is loved for putting together everything from birthday bouquets to Patriotic arrangements, ideal for summertime celebrations. Bright bouquets include ones with gorgeous pink carnations, white hydrangeas and hot pink roses. The shop also does whimsy well, with charmingly simple and seemingly eclectic arrangements with sword fern, Xanadu and cream-colored roses.
Ivy League Flowers & Gifts, 56475 Main Rd, Southold, 631-765-6500
Ivy League Flowers & Gifts’ arrangements run the gamut. The team expertly designs anything from whimsical yet classic white roses with a mix of greenery tied with a ribbon or more traditional ruby-red bouquets. or buttoned-up. The shop also offers subscription packages — an extra-special gift for a person who adores just-because blooms.
