Neighborhood Spotlight: Mille Fiori
Mille Fiori
Ah yes, the neighborhood flower stand, a source of physical and emotional fulfillment, not to mention sensory delight.
Mille Fiori is Piedmont Avenue’s long-standing flower stand.
Buying arrangements here is more of a meditation on beauty rather than a transaction. Your first impression is that you’ve actually stumbled upon a romantic pedestrian alley in Europe filled with small shops. You’re not that far off! There is a little pocket of Piedmont Avenue that is lined with old bricks, climbing vines, and eclectic shops, and it all begins at Mille Fiori.
If the setting wasn’t incredible enough, the actual substance is. Not only is their selection wide, well-kept, and vibrant, but they have refined instincts as to what assortment of plants and flowers will best suit you or the occasion. I’m convinced this talent goes down to the cellular level.
Almost every time I’ve been here, I’ve gotten strawflowers.
Strawflowers are my absolute favorite flowers. Xerochrysum bracteatum, commonly known as the “golden everlasting” or strawflower, are a little different from your typical flower. They don’t have petals. Although they slightly resemble daisies, their “petals” are very paper-y, stiff, and give off no aroma. While these characteristics may steal all the seduction for the flower-lovers out there, it’s great for us utilitarians who prefer a forever-flower but hate the plastic, fake flower industry. I’ve had some strawflowers for years. Yes, years.
I’ve communicated my desire for a no-fuss, no-water, yet still full-of-vibrancy arrangement to other florists, and they can’t help but to express their horror. Not so at Mille Fiori! They know I’m a twenty-something who doesn’t want a new, short-term arrangement every week, and they accept it. They brilliantly point out accents to my tried-and-true strawflowers that add dimension, texture, and balance. Instead of sending me home with a simple handful of strawflowers, they thoughtfully mix in some eucalyptus (seeded and leaves), billy buttons, and lavender. And an extra branch of eucalyptus. And a tall, thick vase for only an extra five dollars.
The result of careful curation.
Show-stopping sunflowers.
Seductive view from the sidewalk. You can try to not stop by, but you can’t help but to look.
I love it here.
in summation, bliss:
