The Ultimate Guide to London Flower Shopping
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Spring can be a confusing time of year when it comes to weather, clothes or outdoor activities. The temperature is unpredictable, the mood is changeable, and the fashion choices may simply cause panic. A potentially romantic and high-spirited date can quickly turn you into a mess of uncertainty. That is, if you don’t have a solid plan or know the best spots for spring shopping.
What can be better than a walk, followed by brunch and some flower shopping? Hardly anything. To top that, you’d probably need plane tickets and a villa in the Caribbean. I can’t personally guarantee the latter, but I can offer you a guide to the most inspiring Sunday activity. So here are the best London flower markets and more:
Chiswick Flower Market
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This West London destination is a must-visit for picking up bouquets for friends and family, acquiring new house plants or admiring seasonal blooms. For the maximal dose of bliss, I would recommend following up with iced matcha or smoothies to celebrate successful shopping.
The spot opened in 2020 and was the city’s first new flower market in 150 years. Located on the high street, you can find more than 40 stalls of colourful seasonal flowers. In addition, Chiswick is known for cute brunch spots and book stores that are definitely worth taking a look at.
An important note: it is open on the first Sunday of every month, so the visit may take some planning. Even though we’re now two months into the spring season, you still have May and three warm months of summer to visit.
New Covent Garden Market
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Now this market may need a little bit more dedication from you, but won’t disappoint if you give it a chance. This option is ideal for early birds and someone preparing for a special occasion. Vendors mostly do wholesale here, but who said you can’t grab a bunch for your friends and family?
Open from 4am to 10am Monday through Saturday in Nine Elms, the market offers a vast variety of flowers and plants. If you think of throwing a grand dinner party or perhaps even a ball, that’s the place for all the decorations you can imagine.
Now I know that early morning may seem like a crazy idea. But after picking up the goods, you could walk to Battersea and sit down in one of many riverside cafes for a coffee with a french toast. A little adventure followed by an amazing breakfast never hurt anyone before.
Columbia Road Flower Market
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If your ideal choice of location on the London map is in East London, then this market may be a great option for you. Columbia Road Flower Market is the sweet spot between shopping with intent and a casual stroll.
It is open every Sunday from 8 am. However if you’re looking for a sweet deal on a bouquet or two, try visiting after 3 pm for end-of-the-day prices. My personal favourites are sunflowers as they are known to bring positive energy into any home.
During your time there you’ll be able to find all kinds of seasonal flowers, house plants and herbs. And after the shopping, you could turn this afternoon activity into a full blown dinner in one of the city’s hottest restaurants.
Broadway Market
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As we approach summer and famous London heat, flower shopping may not be enough to survive an intense day out. Broadway Market not only offers great flower shops, but also a selection of food vendors and unique stores.
Located in the heart of Hackney, it is open every weekend from 8 am to 4 pm. And while you’re on a hunt for peonies, vintage designer jewellery might be the thing to steal your heart after all.
Additionally, you can pick up your daily dose of vitamins in the form of farmer fruits and veggies.
Spring Flower Guide
In many cultures flowers aren’t only a beautiful addition to the home decor, but they are believed to bring different energies and carry messages. So if you’re thinking of presenting someone with a bouquet, why not fill it with intent?
And for those of you who seek out seasonal flowers, here’s a little overview of what you can look for during April and May:
Tulips an ultimate symbol of spring. Available in every colour and shape you can imagine. Every colour bears a different meaning, but the flower itself symbolises rebirth and charity.
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Daffodils bloom early in the spring, primarily March and beginning of April. They symbolise hope and resilience, which gives us a much needed reminder of our inner strength.
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Peonies are the true icons of bridal bouquets and romantic gestures. No wonder they are believed to bring romance and prosperity to our homes.
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Hyacinths may not be the most popular choice in the spring flower scene, but they carry a much needed message of forgiveness and sincerity.
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Lilacs are the easiest to find in the wild from this list. The flower is often associated with first love and nostalgia, which are one of the most human experiences in life.
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Calla lilies are strictly seasonal in the London markets, and may not be the easiest to find. But if you do have your eye on them, they are able to bring you the feeling of moving towards a fresh start.
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