Perennial Powerhouses

Get more bang for your V-Day bouquet at these local petal pushers

Some things are just inevitable. Death, taxes and flowers on Valentine’s Day. So why settle for the same old boring bouquet when you can order a stylish, standout arrangement from one of these local flower shops? Trust us, sometimes a rose by any other name does not smell just as sweet.

For a more modern take on this traditional art form, call up Avant Garden in downtown Scottsdale. Here, owner Karen Buckley specializes in soaring, tropical arrangements that look like they’ve been torn from the pages of Real Simple or In Style magazines. In fact, this boutique shop was named one of the nation’s best by the popular wedding publication, The Knot. From wax flower vases that transform into glowing candle holders to stunning orchids flown in fresh from Hawaii, Avant Garden has everything you need to impress the most discriminating sweetheart.

Family-owned since 1972, Cactus Flowers’ six Valley locations combine chain store convenience with the hands-on appeal of a mom and pop. Even better, they are offering some spectacular deals, including 50 percent off fresh cut flowers in the cooler this Friday, Feb. 12, as well as free delivery to restaurants on Valentine’s Day weekend. Even better, Cactus has partnered with local businesses such as Harkins Theatres and jewelry artist Georgie Designs, to create unique parings such as The Flirt Deluxe ($90) – a contemporary bouquet of hydrangea, lilies and snapdragons in a glass vase delivered with a sterling silver necklace.