Part 12 of Apt613’s holiday gift guide is for all those green thumbs in your life.
December is here and so is the cold. As we buckle in for the next few months of hibernation (especially so this year), this holiday season may be the perfect opportunity for you to gift something that will help create a relaxed or cheery climate indoors: plants! Whether you’re shopping for a plant guru or novice, here are some local plant shops that will brighten any face and space!
Plant & Curio
173 Preston Street
This delightful shop has house plants of various sizes and species. For those who have pets, don’t fret! Plant & Curio carries quite a few pet-friendly options. And to give your green gift some extra oomph, you can find ceramic pots and other decorative pieces that are handmade locally. The shop is currently open for walk-in browsing, but you can also order online and opt for in-store pickup or delivery.
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Flower to the People
246 Dalhousie Street
Not only does Flower to the People have a lovely selection of house plants and hand-tied flower bouquets, but fresh winter greens are also available. If you want to gift something especially festive, the shop custom-makes stunning wreaths. You can even choose from a range of quirky, adorable ornaments to spruce up any plant or tree you’re gifting! For same day pick-up or delivery, make sure to put your order in by 11am.
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Wild Willy’s Plants & Flowers
1252 Wellington St. West
For a great selection of flowers and plants, check out Wild Willy’s in Wellington Village. For those who don’t mind getting their hands a bit dirty, the shop has festive amaryllis planting kits. Buying for someone who’s really new to plants or worried about the care that goes into owning one? The amaryllis bulb wrapped in wax is a low-maintenance plant that just needs sunlight–no watering necessary! You can shop in-person or order online for pickup or delivery.
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Alea de Castro
Looking for a unique planter? Local entrepreneur and urban dance sensation Alea de Castro (you might know her from Moov Ottawa) just launched a side hustle making basketball planters! Check out @thepickandgrow to get yours.
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Maker House
987 Wellington Street West
We are huge fans of Maker House in Ottawa because they have created a one-stop shop of local creators. At their Hintonburg store, you can find a lot of air plants with or without planters, and other baby plants in fun containers like teacups and toy elephants.
Maison Anthea
815 Somerset Street West
Don’t have a green thumb but still love plants? No problem! Thalia Mahar (@maisonanthea) from Maison Anthea in Chinatown stocks dried plants to create your own display or you can order one that she’s designed. Being a florist, Thalia also stocks fresh bouquets and a small selection of potted plants.
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Scrim’s Florist
262 Elgin Street
If you’re new to plants and don’t know where to start, I always go to Scrim’s in the Golden Triangle. They’re one of the longest operating florists in Ottawa, opening in 1874 on Sparks Street. Their wide selection is sure to have something to suit your level of confidence and budget, and their florists are always patient with all of my myriad and wandering questions. I always come out learning a lot of new things about plants, whether or not I come home with one.
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Did we miss any amazing sources for plants in Ottawa? Let us know in the comments below.