Euclid Farms
Euclid Farms actually farms flowers from local gardens on Euclid Avenue right here in Toronto, and this is their physical storefront.
Everything here is as local and environmentally friendly as possible and, unlike most florists, everything here is sold per stem.
That means you can get anything from a single rose to a custom bouquet.
Prioritizing local blooms means the same flowers aren't always available in the shop, but you might happen upon, for example, dahlias that were just cut fresh this morning.
It's easy to tell exactly what's local because it's always helpfully written on jars and cards.
As many flowers as possible are sourced locally, but imported bleached, preserved, dried varieties are also on offer.
While staff at the shop can give you all the instructions you need to keep fresh flowers looking perky for as long as possible, the advantage to a dried arrangement is that they last indefinitely with proper care.
They also dry some flowers themselves in the store, like roses ($4).
There are also some non-flower items like feathers for creating less conventional arrangements.
You can also find Ontario-grown succulents and potted plants here, including a pilea plant ($10) that's not only affordable but also a little bit different.
It grows little puffs on its sides that you can cut off and plant, earning it the nickname "the pass it on plant."
Euclid Farms sources lots of vintage vases and jars from local antique shops not only for their looks, but also their sustainability.
Some even fancier, more expensive vintage vases are kept behind glass under the cash.
3D printed skull planters from Nerdgasm ($40) are locally made and anatomically correct, in case classic terra cotta isn't your thing.
Chocolate from award-winning local chocolatier Centre & Main makes for an alternative to a box of chocolates that's as funky as everything else in here, with flavours like affogato and saffron strawberry rhubarb.
Anto Yukon is a Whitehorse company that designs natural soaps themed around areas in Canada, and custom designed a special Bellwoods soap with lavender and mint just for Euclid Farms.
Shy Wolf candles ($24) that are hand-poured in Ontario have super whimsical names and smell great, perfect for a small gift to add on to a bouquet.
Cards sourced from Offensive+Delightful, Girl With Knife and Headspace Illustrations are the cherry on top of a bundle of gifts from here.
Some of the few gifts you'll find here that aren't local are Feret products, though their hand balm is made with organic honey and dandelion.
Strathcona 1890 plant tonic ($13.50) is made from BC kelp so it contains lots of nutrients, and works just as well as those less sustainable little plant food packets you get at most places.
Euclid Farms is also available for weddings and other events.
Fareen Karim