HOLLYWOOD REPORTER: Best in Bloom: 9 L.A.-Based Florists to Brighten Anyone’s Day

HOLLYWOOD REPORTER: Best in Bloom: 9 L.A.-Based Florists to Brighten Anyone’s Day

These reopened florists, a mix of entertainment-industry favorites and new names who have done weddings for the likes of Cameron Diaz, George Lucas and Ellen DeGeneres, all offer contactless delivery

 

1. Bloom & Plume

 

“If you’re looking for something magical, I’m your guy,” says Historic Filipinotown-based owner/artist Maurice Harris, star of the Quibi series Centerpiece and a judge on HBO Max’s upcoming Full Bloom. “The work we do really forces you to be present. It’s a big reminder how nothing is forever.” Harris’ creations, which he describes as “naturally opulent” are as exuberant, inspiring and free-spirited as his personality, with goals that reach far beyond decoration. “I’m hoping that by paving a path to the kind of creative life I didn’t have the privilege to see growing up, I will enable other Black kids to dream big dreams and see what they are capable of becoming.” He also runs an attached café, which features turmeric lattes, chagaccinos and Clark Street bread, which is open for pickup. From $200, 1640 W. Temple St.; bloomandplume.com

 

2. Eric Buterbaugh

 

The designer is beloved by such clients as Courteney Cox and Demi Moore — not only for his breathtaking, exuberant arrangements but also for his signature candles and perfumes. Buterbaugh, whose company’s offerings include a weekly floral subscription, offers flower arranging tips on his Instagram, @ericbuterbaughla. From $125, 7001 Melrose Ave.; ericbuterbaugh.com

 

3. Gilly Flowers & Events

 

Proprietor Neal Guthrie stumbled into floristry. “I set up a tent on the Spaceland parking lot thinking I’d sell a few flowers and get through a lot of books,” he says. Twenty-three years later, with a flourishing shop at Sunset Junction, he’s still trying to find the time to read. His textural arrangements feature unusual flowers and odd greenery. “Anyone can get roses or hydrangeas,” he says. “We like the stuff that looks like it comes from outer space!” His aesthetic has brightened the sets of Grace & Frankie and The Gilmore Girls reboot and adorned the weddings of Lisa Edelstein and Anna Paquin. “Gilly’s a Victorian word for bonds of affection,” he notes, “I’ve always considered myself a neighborhood florist, so I don’t mind doing the little weddings and events that bring people together.” From $100, 3936 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake; gillyflowers.com

 

4. Madleen V.

 

France native Madleen Volk, who works out of her home, mixes unusual blooms into inventive designs she likens  to “floral Rembrandts. I love movement, adrenaline and strange-looking flowers with romance and poetry.” From $150; madleenv.com

 

5. Mark’s Garden

 

Sherman-Oaks based Mark’s Garden is a studio favorite whose work has been a fixture at award shows from the Oscars to the Golden Globes. Owner Michael Uncapher mixes fresh-from-the-garden elegance with a soupçon of wit and whimsy. Clients have included Katy Perry and Oprah Winfrey and their arrangements graced the wedding of Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi. From $85, 13838 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks; marksgarden.com

 

6. Nicolai Bergmann

 

The Danish-born, Japanese-trained florist — a fashion-world favorite who opened an L.A. store in 2019, which ships nationwide — is known for his modern Original Flower boxes (starting at $40) whose tightly packed blooms seem poised to explode from their container. He’s also realized the seemingly impossible, such as when he printed the Louis Vuitton monogram on flower petals. Bergmann has also launched a YouTube channel with weekly flower videos. Diane Keaton is a fan. 8745 W. Third St.; nicolaibergmannus.com

 

7. The Empty Vase

 

This West Hollywood shop has been an entertainment-industry mainstay since 1988, when Iran-born owner Saeed Babaeean, who has a degree in architectural engineering, leased the corner space on a whim after spotting it from a taxi. The Empty Vase is famous for its imposing floral sculptures, including the topiaries in Edward Scissorhands and the backdrop to Beyonce’s pregnancy announcement. An attached gift shop offers high-end chocolates, candles, décor items and bath and body products From $89, 9033 Santa Monica Blvd.; theemptyvase.com

 

8. The Velvet Garden

 

Founder Kimm Birkicht, a visual merchandiser for Neiman Marcus who transitioned to floral design three decades ago, loves “big, voluptuous blooms that are sumptuous to the eye” and combining flowering branches, exotic vines and unusual greenery in unique containers, from silver teapots to conch shells. “One of my favorite memories is the time I sat down with Tom Ford in his home to look through flower books together so he could share his flower loves and hates,” says the florist, who has done weddings for George Lucas and Cameron Diaz. From $75, 622 S. Anderson St.; thevelvetgarden.com

 

9. Tic-Tock



“Flowers are such a personal gesture. Arrangements are intentionally designed after taking the time to better understand who is receiving them — how they live, what they love,” says founder Eddie Zaratsian of Eddie Zaratsian Lifestyle + Design of an approach he calls “thoughtful luxury.” His client list has included everyone from the Lakers and the Clippers to SoHo House and Hermes. From $150, 1603 N. La Brea Ave.; tictock.com

 

Read the original article on Hollywood Reporter | Written by Abigail Stone

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A Florist in Santa Monica That Redefines Beauty and Intent

Santa Monica has always been a place where light, movement, and ease blend together. The waves. The breeze. The unmistakable sense of California luxury. At The Empty Vase, we see flowers through the same lens. We believe arrangements should feel effortless but intentional—like they belong exactly where they are, even if only for a moment.

For over 35 years, The Empty Vase has become a destination for those who appreciate more than just petals and stems. Our clients come to us because they want something beautiful and lasting, even if the bloom itself is fleeting. And while our West Hollywood flagship serves as our creative home, our reach—and reputation—extends strongly into Santa Monica.

Floral Design That Moves with the City

Santa Monica is full of contrasts: seaside calm meets high-end style, earthy tones meet polished lines. That balance is something we reflect in our floral work. Whether it’s a small arrangement heading to a Pacific Palisades apartment, or a full installation for a wedding at Shutters on the Beach, we approach each piece with precision, creativity, and emotional depth.

Every arrangement starts with the question: What feeling are we trying to create? Then comes the selection. A blend of seasonal florals, imported rarities, and sculptural greens form the palette. The final product? A piece of living art, unique to the person receiving it.

Serving Santa Monica with More than Just Flowers

Being a florist in Santa Monica means understanding how the space will hold the flowers. A beachside home flooded with light calls for something airy and architectural. A private dinner party in the hills may need something low, romantic, and rich in color. A corporate event downtown could require a striking piece with movement and structure.

Our designers don’t just create arrangements. They create moods. And they do it with the same attention to detail whether it’s one bouquet or a room full of florals.

Rooted in the Westside’s Creative Culture

Though our flagship boutique is in West Hollywood, The Empty Vase is deeply connected to the spirit of Santa Monica. We’ve been trusted by coastal clients for everything from intimate floral gestures to large-scale design moments. Our presence in the area is shaped by years of collaboration with local planners, stylists, and homeowners who know that details matter.

Whether it’s a garden arrangement headed to a beachside loft or floral styling for a Brentwood estate, each piece is delivered by hand with the utmost care—ensuring it arrives as beautiful as intended.

Weddings and Events Near the Coast

Santa Monica’s event venues offer some of the most breathtaking backdrops in California. And The Empty Vase has worked with nearly all of them. Whether it’s a luxury wedding overlooking the cliffs or a corporate celebration steps from the sand, our team provides full floral styling—from concept to installation to final touch.

What sets us apart? We treat each event like a creative collaboration. You bring the vision. We bring the florals that speak it into being.

Florals That Live Beyond the Moment

We know flowers don’t last forever. But the impression they make can. That’s why every arrangement from The Empty Vase is designed to do more than decorate. It’s meant to shift the room. To say something specific. To celebrate, soothe, honor, or surprise.

In Santa Monica, where every corner carries a certain elegance, we believe flowers should rise to meet that standard—and push it even further.

Why Santa Monica Continues to Inspire Our Floral Design

If you’re looking for a florist in Santa Monica that values beauty, balance, and meaning in every arrangement, The Empty Vase is ready to bring something unforgettable to your space. From the first stem to the final placement, we treat every creation like a signature. Because that’s what it is.