I’m a firm believer in the Phalaenopsis Orchid plant as the ideal gift in any number of situations; ranging from a thank you for dinner to congratulations over a recent announcement to ringing in the New Year.  Actually, I’m harder-pressed to think of situations where the giving of an orchid plant is deemed inappropriate.

Historically, when it came to sending orchids to people in the New York area, I relied on the florals team at the Upper Eastside outpost of tony Japanese department store, Takashiyama (something I was turned-on to by mono-monikered Warhol-contemporary/Max’s Kansas City regular/Thierry Mugler muse, Larissa).  Sadly, when they closed in 2010, I was left orchid-less, once more.  And while the floral peeps at Takashiyama resurfaced Downtown as Florosity, and they’re fabulous with cut-flowers, I haven’t really been thrilled about their work with orchid plants.

Add to that the fact that I’m always on the lookout for a great resource; and ‘lo and behold, I’ve found one!  So, attention citizens of New York (and the people who love you) – I’m delighted to turn y’all on to Juliette Vassilkioti, the Orchid Diva.

Not only is she as lovely to behold as the floral creations she designs from the plants of the exotic orchid; but after spending years as a successful fashion model, she studied floral design at Parson’s School of Design and studied landscape design at the New York Botanical Garden.  The Diva works only with live orchid plants, and most of the vessels she uses to display the plants are handmade.    

Her prices are surprisingly reasonable: All the more so when taking into account that she makes every effort to provide same-day delivery to the five boroughs.  Furthermore, the Diva provides videos on every one of the arrangements that are for sale through her very easy-to-navigate website.

So, as Valentine's Day quickly approaches, check-out her website, take a gander at her designs, and watch one of the Diva’s many videos about easy-to-follow orchid care and the like.  And when all’s said and done, send someone a beautiful (and easy to care for) piece of nature that will enhance the décor of any room in which it is placed.

The Orchid Diva
New York
Click HERE for info

Get into it!