History In Bloom

Flowers are often associated with the most important moments of our lives – weddings, funerals, anniversaries, achievements. That’s why for floral designer Juan Carlo Bermudez, flowers are everything.

“Flowers can change your day,” he says. “They can make you cry, make you smile.”

Floral designer Juan Carlo Bermudez inside his shop, Floresta

Flowers did more than that for Bermudez, though. They literally changed his life. In the middle of a recession, the former marketing student did what few others could have done – he opened a flower shop.

Floresta, now a staple of Long Island City’s Vernon Boulevard, offers unique and modern floral arrangements that rival those from Manhattan’s flower district. The language of flowers comes naturally to Bermudez; he’s a third-generation flower man. His grandfather grew orchids in Colombia, and Bermudez still gets some of his flowers from the prized region today.

This month, with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, Bermudez is preparing for one of the biggest holidays of the year. Red roses are the traditional Valentine’s gift, their red color emanating passion, which, combined with thorns, symbolizes enduring love.

You’ll be able find a perfectly formed red rose for your special someone at Floresta this year, but if you’re looking for a romantic twist on tradition, here are his exclusive recommendations.

~Anemone~

Anemone comes from the Greek word meaning “daughter of the wind.” “The texture and deep color is just amazing,” Bermudez says.

White anemones mixed with white roses

~Ranunculus~

The ranunculus is a brightly colored flower with many layers of soft petals, which Bermudez describes as both sophisticated and romantic. 

Pink Ranunculus

~Amnesia Rose~

This flower has the same elegant form as any other rose, but its pale lavender color sets it from the traditional red. The purple blossoms have outer petals of a soft, muted green, indicative of a love that’s still growing.

Amnesia roses in a mixed bouquet

Regardless of what you choose, remember: the true meaning of the flower comes simply from the act of giving it away. 

Story Lillian Shaw
Photo Jesse Winter

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fLorEsta
51-02 Vernon Blvd, LIC
347-642-8108
www.florestanyc.com
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