Floresta - LIC

Floresta in LIC is a floral studio whose rainbow of colors, whimsical vintage decor and striking visual appeal is straight out of a Disney Movie.

Floresta not only defies the imagination, but also in a few short years has made a major impact on the New York floral scene. Designer Juan Carlo Bermudez's unique floral designs and commitment to customer service exceeds all expectations. You are enveloped in a forest of flowers from the moment you walk into Floresta. Bright, blooming and beautiful flowers are everywhere you look and the scent is intoxication. From the majestic refrigerator cases that line the wall, to various vintage tables and cabinets set all around the studio, flowers dominate the room.

The studio's very informative website defines Florest as a pleasant place surrounded by flowers. Carlo deeply feels that flowers can enhance our lives on a daily basis. Originally from Colombia, the land of flowers, Carlo has followed in the footsteps of his grandfather who grew orchids. Carlo eventually found his way to New York and despite a strong professional background in marketing he never lost his love of nature and flowers. A soft, delicate, aromatic flower can touch our emotions in a way that few things are capable of. The black painted walls of the studio form a suitable backdrop to display the bursts of color from the flowers. Before opening his business Carlo researched the design of the studio by traveling through the French countryside. Spending almost a month in France, Carlo visited dozens of small flower shops. From furniture to floral care and design, Carlo collected many different ideas. Filtering everything through his creative mind he came up with something very personal and unique, Floresta. Carlo's eclectic taste dictates the visually absorbing decor. There's even a mirror from and old palace in India on the wall.

Carlo decided that the hip, up and coming LIC neighborhood would be the perfect spot to open a floral boutique. His obvious talent and customer word of mouth did the rest ans soon Carlo was getting more orders than he could handle.

While showing us around the studio, Carlo shared his latest innovation, The Floresta Bouquet. A selection of expertly mixed colorful flowers, are placed, stems first, in a clear plastic wrapping that contains just the right amount of water. There's no need for a glass container or vase of any kind. The plastic water container is tightly wrapped around the flower's stems, simple, convenient, and affordable. Treat yourself to a Floresta Bouquet on the way home from work and brighten up your apartment.

Flowers are delivered every day from vendors across the globe. Floresta deals with upstate farms in the Hudson Valley, as well as with suppliers in Florida and California. Various types of flowers are imported from Holland, France, New Zealand and Columbia. If a customer might have his or her heart set on a specific flower that is not in season locally, Carlo will reach out to his connections across the country or Internationally to see if the requested flower is available and can be flown in for the event. Carlo will work with the client and suggest flowers and designs that will provide the desired effect for any party or wedding.

Flowers are kept fresh usually at 40 degrees inside Floresta's state of the art refrigerator cases and require different temperatures and forms of care. Like humans, flowers are individuals. Carlo explained that they can actually accelerate the bloom of a flower by lightly sprinkling it with water at various temperatures. Silvercup studios regularly calls on Floresta to design bouquets and arrangements that appear in the background of various movies and television shows filmed on their sound stage.

Valentine's Day should never be the only time of the year when you gift the one you love with flowers. Be spontaeous and follow your heart. A dozen red roses are nice and always appreciated. Floresta will provide you with a truly original floral design with refined colors and rich textural elements, incorporating seeds and berries. Each floral arrangement should stimulate the senses, excite and inspire both parties. 

Do you love flowers and wish that you knew about their arrangement and care, but don't have a green thumb? No worries, just sign up for one of Floresta's individual or group workshops. They are loads of fun and you'll even be able to take the floral bouquet you make, home.

Now you won't be replacing Carlo or Monica at the studio anytime soon, but you will learn alot about flowers and the art of creating a designer bouquet. A Floresta workshop is the perfect answer to the question "what can we do on date night?" Tired of meeting your friends at the usual weekend brunch spot? Then, get everybody together for a Saturday night at Floresta. Charming and entertaining as always, Carlo will make you forget about the Bellinis and Mimosas you're missing out on.

Flowers by the way are not the only items Floresta has to seduce your senses. Treat yourself to a Floresta designer candle. These candles are handcrafted and contain natural soy wax as well as premium and fragrance essential oils. Each candle has a natural cotton core wick. Tantalizing scents include lavender and eucalypus, jasmine and geranium, peppermint with basil, as well as white tea flower and ginger.

No job is too big or too small for Carlo. He takes pride in putting together even just a few flowers so that you can put a smile on the face of your significant other or best friend, forever. Carlo explained to us that is is very important to find ways to work within the client's budget. The beauty of flowers should be accessible to everyone no matter their status in life or income.

What impressed us the most about Carlo was his quiet charisma. He has earned the affection and respect of his LIC neighbors. When speaking to other business people in the area, such as Mario at the beer closet, Carla, general manager of woodbines or Jonathon at Cafe 51, they all have the highest regard for Carlo and the work he does at Floresta.

Floresta is an indoor wonderworld of greenery and floral rainbows where magic happens on a daily basis.

Location & Hours

51 02 Vernon Blvd.
(347) 642-8108
www.florestanyc.com
Hours: Mon-Sat 11 AM-8 PM
Sunday: Closed