Mother's Day Flowers: Florists in Harlem

It is no coincidence that Mother's Day is celebrated in spring. Spring is a season of renewal and rebirth. What better symbol of these attributes than flowers? The tradition of giving flowers on Mother's Day dates back to 1908 when the first official Mother's Day was celebrated in the United States. Ana Jarvis chose the white carnation as the symbol of love for one's mother because ""The white carnation is preferred because it may be thought to typify some of the virtues of motherhood; ... whiteness stands for purity; its lasting qualities, faithfulness; its fragrance, love; its wide field of growth, charity; its form, beauty..." Today many churches have carried on Jarvis' tradition of giving carnations on Mother's Day Sunday: a red carnation if your mother is still living and white carnation if she gone on to be with the other angels in heaven. Mother's Day has gone on to become the second biggest day for florists, right behind Valentine's Day.

Finding the best selection of flowers for Mother's Day doesn't have to be hassle. Over the past few years Harlem has become home to a number of highly regarded florists. Here is a list of the top five places to find a lovely bouquet to celebrate mother on her special day.

Barbara's Flowersis the product of a second generation florist Tara Simone who is now working side by side with her mother to create breathtaking bouquets for special events to gallery openings. The creative skills of this mother-daughter team are precise and customizable. Barbara's Flowers offers an attractive selection of flora to choose from ranging from Dutch hydrangeas ($175) to fuchsia Dendrobium orchids ($25).

Barbara's Flowers
2522 Frederick Douglass Blvd (between 134th and 135th Sts)
Harlem, New York
212-234-3211
www.harlemflowers.com

Katrina Parris Flowers has consecutively been named the "Best florist in New York" by City Search and "Best Bet" by New York Magazine. Founded by husband and wife team of Katrina Parris and Mark Pinn, this family affair has blossomed from a neighborhood floral shop to being featured in O Magazine. Celebrity quality comes at a price so be prepared to pay around $150 for a bouquet, but isn't Mom worth it?

Katrina Parris Flowers
1844 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10026 (nr. 112th St.)
212-222-7030
www.katrinaparrisflowers.com

Harlem Flo floral atelier is exactly what they claim to be, a studio of floral design. You will find some of the most unique floral arrangements in Harlem at this curious little shop that caters to your whimsical side. Though they offer a wide variety of unique and unusual plants they also offer a playful assortment of custom floral arrangements to suit your needs.

Harlem Flo
2292 Frederick Douglass Blvd. (at 123rd St.)
New York, NY 10027
212 316 3031
www.info@harlemflo.com
www.harlemflo.com

Pollen Nation is not your average florist. Specializing in special events, Pollen Nation has decorated events for some of the top corporations in New York. While they may not be able to pull together a 'budget' arrangement for mother they are probably the place to go if you are planning to have a special Mother's Day bash that requires that extra special touch.

Pollen Nation Events
11 East 125 Street
New York, NY 10035
Tel: 212.860.2022
Fax: 212.860.0078
www.pollenationation.net

Edible Arrangements is the place to get a bouquet for the Mom that suffers from a flower allergy. Edible Arrangements offers beautiful bouquets of fruit and chocolate for every occasion. A healthy and attractive arrangement of tropical fruits, berries, citrus, and bananas in a reusable container is a gift that mom will cherish for the rest of the year. Several locations servicing upper Manhattan.

Edible Arrangements
2035 Fifth Avenue (bwtn 125th and 126th St)
Phone: 212-831-6041 Fax: 212-831-8945
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Sunday: Closed