Thorn & Petal

Thorn & Petal Fresh Flowers, Plants, Gifts, Self-care
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Our mini bouquets have been a hit in-store, and now you can grab them at  too! ✨ They’re the perfect little add-on to pa...
11/15/2024

Our mini bouquets have been a hit in-store, and now you can grab them at too! ✨ They’re the perfect little add-on to pair with your coffee and treats—a true treat for your heart. ❤️

Today’s Victorian Language of Flowers is MarigoldMeaning: GriefOrigin: When clouds roll in or the night falls, the marig...
11/03/2024

Today’s Victorian Language of Flowers is Marigold

Meaning: Grief

Origin: When clouds roll in or the night falls, the marigold curls inward and lets it head droop. When it opens again in the again in the sunlight,its petals,wet with dew, appear to be crying. Traditionally, marigolds are used to celebrate Dia De Los Mu***os (Day of the Dead) in Mexico, when the spirits of the departed are believed to visit the living. This Celebration is rooted in the Aztec festival honouring Mictecacihuatl, the goddess of the underworld.

Pair with willow to indicate the sorrow at the loss of a loved one or rue to apologize for the pain you caused.

In many cultures, marigolds are cherished symbols of brightness, joy, and celebration. Known as the “herbs of the Sun,” they bring warmth, creativity, and positivity, which is why they’re often a traditional touch in modern weddings. In Hindu ceremonies and festivals like Diwali, marigold garlands adorn doorways, tables, and even the bride and groom, wishing them happiness and prosperity.
In Mexico, marigolds play a key role during Dia de los Mu***os as “the flower of the dead.” Their vibrant colors and strong fragrance are believed to guide spirits back to their families, celebrating life and remembrance. Placed on ofrendas and used to cleanse souls, these blooms represent a beautiful connection between worlds.

As fall’s vibrant colors begin to fade, we find ourselves especially captivated by the enduring beauty of marigolds, whose warm hues mirror the season’s palette. Here at the shop, fall is one of our favorite seasons. The warmth of its colors, from the trees outside to the flowers we arrange inside, brings a special joy that we’ll deeply miss as autumn draws to a close. Marigolds, with their bold orange, yellow, and red, carry rich symbolism across cultures.
Representing purity, divinity, and the delicate connection between life and death. They’re a true embodiment of positive energy, joy, and prosperity, adding a sense of warmth and brightness to gardens, festivals, and gatherings. As the last golden leaves drift from the trees we celebrate the marigold, a bloom that feels as if it was made for this season.

Victorian Tablescape1820 - 1914The time of Queen Victoria’s reign in Great Britain, from approximately 1820 to 1914, is ...
09/29/2024

Victorian Tablescape
1820 - 1914
The time of Queen Victoria’s reign in Great Britain, from approximately 1820 to 1914, is referred to as the Victorian era. Victorian styles were characterized by lavish displays of wealth and an abundance of patterns. In floral design, elements such as color theory, scale, and composition were all carefully considered. There were strict rules imposed on how flowers were to be arranged, reflecting the rigid social expectations of the time. Flowers were selected from the gardens of the wealthy, with each season bringing different varieties of blooms. Today, we use flowers to say ‘thank you,’ ‘I love you,’ or ‘sorry for your loss,’ but the language expressed through flowers during Victorian times was even more intricate and deeply meaningful, almost like a code of communication. For instance, honeysuckle represented devotion, yarrow was said to cure a broken heart, and zinnia symbolized everlasting friendship.

To bring this era to life, we have created a dining room table display in the shop, reminiscent of a Victorian setting. All the unique antiques are curated by Erin Brown, the breathtaking ceramics are made by Pauline Halsey, and the stunning floral arrangements were crafted by Ran here at Thorn & Petal, Along with all the mesmerizing photographs that we will be posting were all taken by Sarah Evans, capturing the essence of this beautiful period.

We are thrilled to be part of Culture Days, a celebration of art and culture that has been growing strong since its ince...
09/29/2024

We are thrilled to be part of Culture Days, a celebration of art and culture that has been growing strong since its inception in 2010. Our team has poured their hearts into making this year’s event a success, and we’re excited to continue sharing it with you. Already a week into this month-long celebration, running from September 20 to October 13, our floral shop has transformed into a gallery, offering a unique experience that blends the art of flowers with history and culture. Alongside stunning floral displays, we’re also showcasing beautiful antiques curated by Erin Brown, stunning handmade pottery by Pauline Halsey and captivating photography by Sarah Evans adding even more depth to this creative journey. Whether you’re a regular visitor or just passing by, we invite you to step inside and explore our ongoing exhibition, “Flowers Through Time.” For those who can’t join us in person, we’ll be posting about each decade of floral design, so you can still immerse yourself in this rich history from wherever you are.

Flower Through Time – A Historical Exploration of Floral Art embodies the culture and influence of floral design through the ages, from the West to the East. The exhibition features floral styles such as lavish Victorian, ornate Ancient Asia, Art Deco of the 1920’s,  “Flower Power” of the 1970s, and contemporary design. This collaborative project highlights a few key moments which exemplify the rich history and cultural impact of flowers.
Take a journey back in time as we explore the presence of flowers throughout many centuries and identify their modern influence. Like any art form, floral design draws inspiration from the past, continuously reinterpreting moments in history.  Join our investigation into the complexities and variety of design styles while revealing the everyday roles of flowers in human lives.

We also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the artists and our dedicated staff for their hard work and commitment in making this exhibition possible.
Please stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll dive into the lavish floral styles of the Victorian decade.

Today’s Victorian Language of Flowers is Cornflower Meaning - Hope in love Origin - Folklore surrounding the cornflower,...
09/29/2024

Today’s Victorian Language of Flowers is Cornflower

Meaning - Hope in love

Origin - Folklore surrounding the cornflower, also called a “bachelor’s button,” states that a young man is to wear the flower when he is in love. If the flower dies quickly, it means his adoration is unrequited. However, if the flower maintains its bloom, there is hope that the young man’s love will be returned.

Pairs well with - Lilac as a gift for a first love
Sweet William to show you will always be true

The cornflower, or Centaurea cyanus, has long been associated with love, fertility, hope, and anticipation, embodying both patience and elegance. In England, young women wore cornflowers to signal their eligibility for marriage, this tradition deepens the flower’s connection to romance and delicate beauty. While in Europe, their rarity symbolized exotic beauty, refinement, and wealth.
The flower’s vibrant, true-blue hue makes it one of nature’s few genuinely blue blossoms, adding to its symbolism of refinement and delicate beauty. Its name, Cyanus, inspired the term for this distinct color. According to ancient Greek mythology, the magical cornflower even healed Achilles’ poisoned wounds, representing life, fertility, and reanimation. As a native of Mediterranean Europe, the cornflower stands as a humble reminder of nature’s simple beauty, embodying hope for the future and the fullness of life’s cycle.

Here at Thorn & Petal, we’re excited to be growing cornflowers in our own shop garden! Their unique and beautiful shape adds a delightful texture and whimsical feel to any floral arrangement. And though they may be small, these blooms make a big impact, bringing vibrant color and a touch of elegance to every design.

One of the greatest joys of this design is that every flower and piece of greenery came straight from our own garden. Th...
09/23/2024

One of the greatest joys of this design is that every flower and piece of greenery came straight from our own garden. There’s truly no better or more eco-friendly way to create something beautiful than by using what we’ve grown ourselves.

More of our Culture Days exhibition.
09/21/2024

More of our Culture Days exhibition.

One cold early spring day, when it was slow at the shop, three creative minds started brainstorming once again. We all l...
09/21/2024

One cold early spring day, when it was slow at the shop, three creative minds started brainstorming once again. We all love what we do, but we realize that not everyone fully understands our passion or the effort that goes on behind the scenes. This led to many questions: Why do we do what we do? Is our product simply flowers, or is it the designs we create? And how can we help others see that we’re not just playing with flowers?

By the end of that day, we decided to make an effort—small though it may be—to “communicate” with our flower-loving friends and give them a glimpse into our world. We came up with the idea of showcasing what we do to our neighborhood, and, if possible, to reach even larger audiences. From growing and harvesting flowers to designing them in custom containers, capturing their beauty through photography, and preserving them forever, we envisioned documenting our journey and sharing it with everyone.

Canada Culture Days provided the perfect platform for us to present this idea. Today marks the beginning of Culture Days, and we worked late into the night yesterday to prepare the shop for this special exhibition. As a business owner, making the business profitable is, of course, important. But what’s even more important to us is helping our friends and community understand why we do what we do.

We hope that our small effort brings you some joy, introduces you to fun facts you may not have known before, and perhaps even brings you closer to our world. We also hope it inspires others, even those who may not know much about flowers, to step into the beautiful world we’ve devoted our lives to creating.

If you’d like to learn more about our event and the duration of the exhibition, please visit the following link: https://culturedays.ca/en/events/163409f0-3454-4bb0-83af-4a417649f641. We’d love for you to join this beautiful collaboration featuring .and.petal for flower design, for handmade ceramics, for photography, and for antique collections.

“Silver Lining”🤍
09/16/2024

“Silver Lining”🤍

Today’s Victorian Language of Flowers is PetuniaMeaning: Anger and ResentmentOrigin: Little is recorded about the origin...
09/13/2024

Today’s Victorian Language of Flowers is Petunia

Meaning: Anger and Resentment

Origin: Little is recorded about the origin of the meaning.The Petunia is sensitive and easily damaged, perhaps like a person who is filled with anger and resentment.

Pair with - wormwood to indicate displeasure to an outcome. With Rosemary to show you will not forget someone’s wrongdoing.

The meaning of petunias can be complex, as it varies depending on the context and the relationship between the giver and the recipient. While some interpretations may seem contradictory, the symbolism of any flower ultimately depends on the circumstances surrounding its exchange. On one hand, petunias can symbolize anger and resentment, especially if given by someone with whom you’ve recently had a disagreement. However, they also represent a desire to spend time with someone whose presence is soothing and peaceful!

In some cultures, petunias carry the additional meaning of hope and perseverance, embodying a message of not giving up.

In modern times, petunias are more frequently associated with positive traits, including strength, resilience, and the ability to bring peace and calm to those around them.

The petunia’s symbolism of both strength and comfort resonates deeply with us at Thorn & Petal. Our storefront is filled with vibrant petunia blooms, creating a welcoming space that reflects the flower’s positive meanings. As you pass by, we invite you to take in the beauty of these blooms, just as the petunia embodies strength, resilience, and serenity, we hope the sight of these flowers reminds you of the soothing and comforting moments they symbolize, adding a bit of peace and happiness to your daily routine.

Made with love and care, this soft arrangement brings a bit of comfort during tough times. A quiet way to honor and reme...
09/11/2024

Made with love and care, this soft arrangement brings a bit of comfort during tough times. A quiet way to honor and remember. 🌿🤍

Today’s Victorian language is Queens Anne’s Lace.Meaning:SanctuaryOrigin: The lacy fronds of Queen Anne’s lace fold toge...
09/07/2024

Today’s Victorian language is Queens Anne’s Lace.

Meaning:Sanctuary

Origin: The lacy fronds of Queen Anne’s lace fold together in a shield or nest-like shape, providing sanctuary and protection for their inhabitants. It is often called “bird’s nest”” for this reason.

Pair with- cattail for a housewarming gift. Apple blossom for a friend purchasing a new home.

Queen Anne’s Lace is often associated with sanctuary and protection, as well as the concept of femininity and delicacy. The flower is sometimes referred to as “bishop’s flower”. Although another interpretation is due to the flower’s resemblance to a bird’s nest when it goes to seed. It then becomes the perfect symbol of the sanctuary of a happy home.

In the heart of our small, peaceful town, the trails of Paris are lined with the delicate blooms of Queen Anne’s Lace. Much like our town, Queen Anne’s Lace is a gentle reminder that home doesn’t have to be grand to be beautiful. It’s the place where you feel safe, where you can breathe deeply and just be.

As the flower goes to seed, it curls into a shape reminiscent of a bird’s nest, perfectly capturing the essence of a happy home. But there’s more to this dainty flower than meets the eye! Queen Anne’s Lace isn’t just a symbol of femininity and protection, it’s also a vital part of our local ecosystem. It provides food for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, helping to maintain the natural balance.

Next time you’re out on one of the local trails or a quiet country drive take a moment to appreciate these lacy blooms. Let them remind you of the beauty in simplicity and the comfort of a safe place, whether it is in nature, your home, or right here in our beloved town.

“Come to My Heart” from today…🤍
09/01/2024

“Come to My Heart” from today…🤍

“Pastel Petals” from today…💛
09/01/2024

“Pastel Petals” from today…💛

Today’s Victorian Language of Flowers is Sunflower.Meaning - False riches Origin - The ancient Inca believed this large ...
08/30/2024

Today’s Victorian Language of Flowers is Sunflower.

Meaning - False riches

Origin - The ancient Inca believed this large , yellow flower to symbolize the sun god, Inti, and they decorated their bodies and temples in sunflower-shaped jewelry made of gold. As Spanish conquistadores arrived, they were impressed by this abundance of treasure, and when they saw a field of sunflowers, they believed at first, they’d come upon a literal trove of gold. Their mistake led to the bloom’s association with “false riches.”

Pairs with - Bluebell and Columbine to show humility for foolish past behaviour. Lavender to indicate distrust in a business partner.

In reshurcing the sunflower further, we have discovered it has different meaning in different cultures, which is very interesting. So as stated above the ancient Inca’s symbolized it as the sun god and Spanish explorers arrived in Peru as “false riches”. In some Eastern religions, such as Buddhism, they are considered sacred and represent spiritual enlightenment. Their ability to turn towards the sun is seen as a metaphor for the human quest for enlightenment and self-realization, and often seen as a symbol of faith and devotion, radiating positivity.

Today they are thought to bring good luck when given for events such as graduations, new business openings, and more. They are also believed to bring joy and a sunny disposition to the recipient!

Sunflowers can grow tall and strong even in adverse conditions, making them symbols of longevity and resilience. The sunflower can also be seen as a symbol of enlightenment, spiritual awakening, and personal growth.

Fun Facts - Sunflowers display a behavior called heliotropism. The flower buds and young blossoms will face east in the morning and follow the sun as the earth moves during the day. The world’s tallest sunflower reaches over 30 feet.

Today’s Victorian Flower language is ZinniaMeaning - Everlasting Friendship.Origin - Because Zinnias are easy to grow an...
08/27/2024

Today’s Victorian Flower language is Zinnia
Meaning - Everlasting Friendship.
Origin - Because Zinnias are easy to grow and reseed with abundance, the Victorians associated them with everlasting friendship. A bouquet of zinnias was a common gift for a friend leaving on a trip. It was meant to convey that the friend would be missed and thought of frequently while they were away.

Pair with - Jasmine to tell a friend they bring you joy.
Chamomile to show appreciation from a friendship that has survived adversity.

The zinnia flower is indeed a vibrant addition to any garden, they are easy to grow from seed, adding bursts of colour to your garden or bouquet. They symbolize endurance as they are long-lasting bloomers, providing a stunning display from early summer all the way to the first frost. Additionally, zinnias are drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun, and are fast-growing so they shade out weeds, they also don’t require much in the way of fertilizing, so they really are a low-maintenance lovely choice.

Zinnias are also one of the best annuals for attracting pollinators, especially butterflies. Plant zinnias between rows of vegetables or as a border around them to attract more pollinators to your garden. We have planted are very own Zinnia’s in our garden this summer, and it has been a joy to watch them grow and thrive.

While zinnia has many different meanings, they are usually associated with friendship, endurance, daily remembrance, goodness, and lasting affection.
Here at Thorn & Petal we strive to have an “everlasting Friendship” with our wonderful community, with care and dedication we are here to help you with all your floral needs as your neighbourhood flower shop.

Congratulations to C & R! C., you looked absolutely stunning in that dress, and the flowers were the perfect touch for s...
08/20/2024

Congratulations to C & R! C., you looked absolutely stunning in that dress, and the flowers were the perfect touch for such a beautiful venue. We couldn’t be more honored to be part of your special day!

YarrowMeaning - cure for a broken heart Origin - Yarrow takes its botanical name and meaning from the Greek hero Achille...
08/09/2024

Yarrow

Meaning - cure for a broken heart

Origin - Yarrow takes its botanical name and meaning from the Greek hero Achilles, who is said to have used a poultice of yarrow to heal wounds of his men on the battlefield. Yarrow is an ancient healing plant with many medicinal properties: it is used even today to stop bleeding, treat fevers, and promote digestion.

Pair with - Hawthorn for hope that things will get better
Protea to indicate the tide will turn in the recipient’s favur

Yarrow is a guardian, a heart protector, and a teacher. It assists in allowing us to work when our cups are full, and not when we are depleted, by creating an energetic boundary. It is an excellent healer, and it propels us towards lightness, roots us in the earth, and fortifies the spirit.

Yarrow—Technically known as Achillea Millefolium, is native to the Northern
Hemisphere, and has commonly also been called “Nosebleed Plant,” “Old Man’s
Pepper,” “Devil’s Nettle” or, “Thousand-leaf.” It is probably the most useful and versatile of the medicinal plants. Yarrow was known as the Soldier’s Woundwort and Herbe Militaris for thousands of years, because it can stop the flow of blood from wounds.

Yarrow is indeed a lovely addition for summer arrangements, offering not only a soft and delicate appearance but also a meaningful representation of healing and comfort, making it especially suitable for funeral pieces. Its feathery foliage and vibrant flower clusters can add texture and a touch of tranquility to any arrangement.

By sourcing fresh, locally grown yarrow, we ensure that our arrangements not only support local growers but also deliver the highest quality blooms. This commitment to freshness enhances the beauty and impact of your floral designs, allowing you to create arrangements that truly resonate with those who receive them. Whether used as a focal flower or as a gentle filler, yarrow brings a sense of peace and hope, reminding us of the healing nature of flowers in times of grief.

Address

127 Grand River Street North
Paris, ON
N3L2M4

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+15488999585

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