Um, I’m going to go ahead and call floriography “media” because we don’t seem to have a subject category for “flowers” or—I sense an unfortunate omission here—”witchcraft.” Floriography is of course the language of flowers, born out of the Victorian era of repression, when people were too shy to express things like “I share your sentiment” (daisy), “regards” (daffodil), and “I hate you” (orange lily) in speech.
Most people don’t speak it these days, but Spellbound Flowers‘ Nico Bella does. You may have seen her and her crew at Pioneer Square, where they have held it down as what they claim is the country’s only bicycle based florist. They’re still there, but they’ve also taken over the former Jane’s Vanity shop space at 521 SW Broadway. They also are the only florist in town that will deliver within the metro area until 2 am, seven days a week.
I could mention Valentine’s Day is blah blah, but feel free to think outside of the red roses box. There are apparently flowers that mean “death threat,” which may be a little extreme, but I don’t know your business. Also consider “let’s elope” (spider flower), “I finally got you” (venus flytrap, totally creepy), or “my regrets follow you to the grave” (asphodel).
- Spellbound
My mom had Spellbound do flowers at a private party last week. They brought an obviously damaged vase that scratched the shit of her wooden table. I wouldn’t care but I’m getting that table later this year as a hand-me-down. So that was a bit of a let-down, personally.
Anyway, nice enough people. The arrangements were better than average. I don’t know what the price was paid. But considering the flower market in Portland, you can easily get cut flowers from New Seasons and put them together yourself and save some money. Or even ask New Seasons staff to arrange for you. Their floristry skills are hit-and-miss, but I’ve had good luck at the Hawthorne and Seven Corners locations (in terms of skilled florists).
i have had excellent service from Spellbound each and every time… whether was a delivery, go to the cart at Pioneer Courthouse Square, or the shop on Broadway. Always an amazing array, and Nico’s sense of style i making arrangements is impeccable, even when due to my own cluelessness I can’t really express what I’m looking for… she always comes through.
Spellbound flowers have brought so many smiles into my life and the lives of those that i love.
I bought a lovely rose and thistle concoction from her last year for a friend. It lasted weeks. She certainly has a unique sense with flowers, and so fits in with Portland’s quirky entrepreneur movement. I would love to see a bouquet and Voodoo pairing for V Day.
I and my partner both had to work New Years eve. Spellbound saved the day with their willingness to deliver some roses at midnight to make up for the missed kiss. Rockstar florist!
Spellbound has a unique and skilled florist at the helm. Their vision extends beyond exceptional arrangements and lovely personable customer service. I am a local performer and spellbound has made custom pieces, floral crowns, and large powerful bouqets for my productions. Personally I am glad they bring a level of mystery and craft to PDX.
Spellbound did the flowers for my clients (bride) wedding, they were timely and efficient. The arrangements and bouquet were floods of midnite purple and sea foam, the bride was awe struck and a little teared up. The mother in law that paid for the floral peices said the prices were fair and liked that it was from a local private business. Cheers all around. As we all know Brides are not the easiest and this was a very pleased one. I referred Spellbound flowers after having them do a bouquet for my sisters birthday. Not superised their business has expanded to a second location, I will use their delevery service again and continue to refer them.
I have had several bouquets from Nico, from condolences for a co-worker to simple bouquets delivered to my office from my beau. Her design skills are lovely, her sense of color, scale and proportion well-done…and her grasp of “speaking” with flowers is magical. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for some floral beauty to add to any occasion!