Shops / Shop of the Week
Shop of the week: Floriography
Spilling vibrant colours onto the Wells Road in Totterdown, Floriography sits among an array of independent shops. The exterior walls are hidden by a climbing-plant, blurring the brickwork into the windows, which are filled with big hand-painted signs and leafy potted plants.
Owner Vera Fallacy had always known that she would end up using flowers to bring people together. “When I was little I wanted to learn as many different systems as I could to help people,” she starts, taking a sip from her mug. “I aim to focus my work on helping people, by creating a safe space where they can connect with each other and with nature.”
Inside you can find a carefully selected display of art and gifts, as well as flowers. Mirrors and paintings cover the walls, with any space left in between hidden behind plants. Succulents and cacti cover any empty surface space, a jewellery-filled cabinet stands shining next to the till and there are two blessing bowls: wide glass bowls filled with water and flower heads.
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A blessing bowl, a glass dish filled with water and flower heads, sits amongst the more traditional floral displays
“At the start, it was just a flower shop,” Vera says. “Now it’s more, because I have created this little pocket of space that can change and grow, but flowers will always be a part of the journey.” Floriography have changed location a couple of times since opening in 2014, but always remained loyal to the local community.
“It doesn’t matter where the shop is, the concept and values will always continue, and we can just shape another space,” Vera says.
Some of the seasonal flowers and pre-made bunches prepared by Vera
Floriography means ‘the language of flowers’ and Vera believes that this is the most beautiful form of communication. Through her understanding of people’s stories and feelings, she uses flowers to help customers create connections with others. Vera is determined to create memories for her customers by portraying real feelings through floristry.
A key characteristic of Floriography is its continuously evolving stock and displays, with Vera knowing every plant that comes into the shop. This includes where each stem was picked, what it represents and any medicinal properties. “Today we’ve got some amaranthus, also known as ‘love lies bleeding’,” she says, showing the deep, purple-red flowers that droop over the brown paper holding the bouquet together. “It’s so beautifully dramatic. The way it looks, it kind of weeps with a melancholy desire.”
Some of the variety of brightly coloured available in Floriography, including amaranthus
The amaranthus is one of the many bold bunches bursting off a round wooden table that showcases Vera’s pre-made bunches. “I love the astrantia flowers, little white flowers with pink flecks. Its name means star in Greek and it’s very beautiful. When I use it in a bunch, I think of it as a shining star for those who need some light,” Vera continues.
As well as everyday flower bunches, Vera and her team at Floriography take bookings for ‘love days’. People celebrating an event such as a partnership, wedding or other ceremony can meet with the team and plan the perfect flowers for their day. For Vera, it is the experience of nature for customers that is important: “To contemplate on even just one flower can be a gift beyond what a lot of people even realise.”
Floriography
154 Wells Road, Totterdown, Bristol, BS4 2AG
www.floriographybyvera.co.uk
0117 329 2720
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