I started arranging the flowers myself. It started as a pandemic hobby and then bloomed (sorry!) into something more. I won’t lie: It’s frustrating, time-consuming work. I learned that to make flower arrangements that looked the way I wanted them to, I’d need to be patient. I’d need to accept mistakes and learn from them. I’d need to treat arranging flowers the same way I treat cooking food: reject perfectionism, and embrace improvisation and adaptability. Cut a stem too short? Okay, time to reappropriate that piece. Need some extra filler in a vase but run out of flowers? Let’s get some fresh herbs in there — why not! Pierce myself with a rose’s thorn? Bandage the blood and keep going. I also flooded my Instagram feed with queer florists. I don’t pretend I do what they do; they’re professionals. They’re artists. My arrangements have their place. In my home. They’re imperfect, and they’re very me, and I like it that way. But I like to look at other arrangements for inspiration, observe how they play with textures and lengths and take notes. I would never try to mimic them exactly — again, I’m more of a dabbler/amateur! But it’s nice to see how the pros do it. And if nothing else, it means I get to see lovely floral photos every time I open the app. Here are some queer florists/queer-owned floral shops worth a follow! I’ve included where they’re located, so if they’re in your city, consider hitting them up for your floral needs! Some are still accepting orders for Valentine’s Day. Planning a gay wedding? Check out potential vendors on this list!

Coy & Co (Portland, OR)

https://www.instagram.com/p/CY-ZFGSrN_v/

Whit McClure (Los Angeles, CA)

Note: This is the incredible queer florist behind the florals in The L Word: Generation Q season two’s eighth episode!!!!

Best Friends Flowers (New Haven, CT)

stempowered_ (Portland, OR)

Golden Wild Florals (Lakeland, FL)

Daisyhead Florals (Sacramento, CA)

Moon Jar Design (Los Angeles, CA)

J. Lea Florals (Jacksonville, FL)

@roseparchment (Laguna Beach, CA)

Something’s Blooming (Los Angeles, CA)

Behold Floral Design (Dallas, TX)

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYMeaUnFh1j/

Elizabeth Cronin / Asrai Garden (Chicago, IL)

LULO+LY Floral Studio (Brooklyn but also Australia)

Sable Blooms (Arcata, CA)

Miriam Bloom Designs (Brooklyn)

@flower_shop_phl (Philadelphia, PA)

Floreography (Arlington, MA)

Jewel Sales (Los Angeles, CA)