Valentine’s Day could not come at a better time. Roads are slushy, nights remain too long, the fresh breath of spring still elusive.
In fact, all of us should think of flowers, all winter long.
Michele Sinacore does.
Michele Sinacore
A year ago — under the grand name Bloom + Stem Floral Design — she was creating Valentine’s florals in her Greens Farms basement. Masked (and socially distanced) volunteers helped her prune, water tube and wrap roses; they added messages of support from donors to each,
Michele delivered them to frontline employees at Connecticut and New York hospitals, and The Residence in Westport. All were among the first healthcare workers to receive vaccines.
Blossom + Stem, in Sconset Square.
Michele just opened her second Blossom + Stem store in Sconset Square. Beyond supplying custom bouquets, seasonally fresh arrangements and floral tablescapes of all kinds. for all occasions, she surprises blooms for both “buddies” and businesses.
Those are bouquets, delivered randomly, on Fridays to unexpected recipients. A mom with 4 kids — all home with COVID — received flowers, and cried.
Blossom + Stem also donates to the Norma Pfriem Breast Center, and partners with local businesses like Allium Eatery and Winged Monkey to boost their own customers’ moods.
Michele has done it all despite a very uncertain global supply chain. (Look outside: See any fresh flowers there?!)
Most people don’t think about flower farmers around the globe who are short of staff, or dealing with weather extremes, canceled freight flights, wildfires or vases stuck on cargo ships.
Michele does. The joy that fresh bouquets can provide keeps her going.
So, she warns Westporters: Order early for Valentine’s Day. Red rose shortages are possible.
Don’t be left out in the cold.
Michele’s roses.
