Natural Beauty

A soldier stationed in Iraq recently asked Robbin Price, the designer behind Nest Floral’s luscious arrangements, to send one red rose to his girlfriend each Friday for 36 weeks. “I like being part of those stories,” she says. Price also likes being a part of Seattle’s sustainable landscape; the organically and locally grown floribunda garden roses she’s recommending to cupids come four on a stem—so a standard dozen becomes almost 50. Nest Floral, 3256 NE 85th St, Wedgwood, 206-525-5658; www.nestfloral.com

Construction Sight

The architectural arrangements of ginger flowers, birds of paradise, and calla lilies that crowd Mark Young’s small slice of a shop suggest smart design as much as beauty. Ditto the shop’s handsomely potted succulents, palms, and hanging plants. You almost want to ask for the blueprints. Think of Young Flowers as Mother Nature’s structural engineering portfolio—and think of it when wooing brainy types and stylish green thumbs. Young Flowers, 1111 Third Ave, Downtown, 206-628-3077

Beau Ideal

Your sweetheart won’t swoon for anything other than red roses, but you’ve got your heart set on making a new statement. At City Flowers, John Hilscher will gather chartreuse orchids, hot pink Ecuadorian peonies, and three dozen roses in various shades of ruby and arrange them in a pavé style—just like precious stones. “I love working with sumptuous texturing,” says Hilscher, who will also attach an engagement ring, if that’s your thing. City Flowers, 10500 NE Eighth St, Bellevue, 425-454-0882; www.cityflowers.com

Our Fair Lady

Classic beauty meets sophistication at Martha E. Harris Flowers and Gifts; the vivid, textural compositions are floral equivalents of Audrey Hepburn. Harris is something of a classic herself; she’s been highlighting Northwest greenery and backyard buds with world-sourced flora for nearly 30 years and has seen the trends come and go. This year’s hot blossoms: amaryllis, spring bulbs, and blooming plum branches. Martha E. Harris Flowers and Gifts, 4218 E Madison St, Madison Park, 206-568-0347

Wild at Heart

Ordinary stems spring to life at Megan Mary Olander Flowers. Delicate tuberoses here, fragrant hyacinths there, branches and grasses for texture, and orchids for sensuality. “I like to juxtapose flowers that may not grow together in gardens,” says Olander. Her organic European style is in high demand, and the charm is in the details. Look for whimsical touches—silk butterflies, tiny birds’ nests—tucked gently among the branches. _Megan Mary Olander Flowers, 222 First Ave S, Pioneer Square, 206-623-6660