Arguably the Best Flower Shop in New England, Winston Flowers Delivers a Spectacular Botanical Experience
For consumers in New England, the name Winston Flowers is synonymous with impeccable service and amazing, hard-to-find fresh flowers and accessories. These two qualities are what have enabled the nearly 75-year-old Winston Flowers to thrive in any economy.
They’re also why customers who visit any of the seven Winston Flowers shops – all in the greater Boston area plus Greenwich, CT – experience a tantalizing array of out-of-the-ordinary goods. The experience, however, differs from location to location because each shop is tailored to the preferences of its neighborhood. There are some common threads, which include exquisite flowers, custom-made designs, unusual plants, hand-poured candles, gourmet gift baskets, and imported vases and vessels.
According to David, who along with his brother Ted co-owns the business, many of these items can’t be found anywhere else. And he’s not just referring to the accessories. It’s possible that a Winston Flowers location may even have a fresh flower or plant that no other florist in New England has. “Winston Flowers has relationships with local and international vendors that are exclusive to us, and our flowers are sourced directly from select growers who grow very small quantities of artisan flowers,” he explains.
In addition to unique treasures, the shops evolve from week to week and season to season. “The overall experience will never be the same twice,” David shares. To achieve an interactive element, the fresh product is always on display in the stores rather than sequestered behind cooler doors. David says this allows “guests to touch, smell, and enjoy, and often,” he adds, “they are taken aback by the sweet aromas of our specialty garden roses and unusual textures in our plants, for example.”
When possible, Winston Flowers carries locally grown blossoms – a hot topic for many of today’s consumers. “Our clients have shown more interest in local flowers in the last decade or so,” David agrees, “and we've listened.” Obviously, New England weather isn’t conducive to year-round flower growing, but David notes that availability is best from late summer to early fall. “That’s when 50 percent to 70 percent of our fresh product is native to New England,” he adds. Selections generally include callas, Dahlias, Peonies, garden roses, lilacs, and feverfew as well as fragrant herbs and green textures like mint, rosemary, and geranium leaves.
As the seasons transition, Winston Flowers’ design team develops a new array of selections for sale on the shop’s website and in the stores. “Every season means a new blank canvas,” assures David. “In our autumn collection, we love to embrace rich textures like berries, warm foliages, and harvest grasses paired with unexpected treasures like pomegranates, exquisite orchids, and unique garden roses.”
In the midst of autumn, the shops are also looking toward the holiday season, which is busy for every florist but especially so for Winston Flowers. Last year, for example, teams decorated more than 100 businesses and provided spectacular florals for more than 120 holiday events. They also delivered 4,500 gourmet crates all across the nation.
Whatever the season, the fresh selections, as well as the unique finds, are definitely part of the appeal for this award-winning business. However, as David points out, customers keep coming back for other reasons as well. “We're committed to providing each of our clients with five-star hospitality and service and the finest and freshest product available. Ultimately, we want our clients to feel welcomed, inspired, and cared for—like they are members of the Winston family too.”
