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Thorn & Petal

Name: Thorn & Petal
Address: 127 Grand River Street North, Paris, ON, N3L2M4, CA
Telephone: +15488999585
Rating: 5

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Thorn & Petal

Fresh Flowers, Plants, Gifts, Self-care
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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.

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.

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.

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.

09/21/2024

More of our Culture Days exhibition.

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.

09/16/2024

“Silver Lining”🤍

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.

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. 🌿🤍

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.

09/01/2024

“Come to My Heart” from today…🤍

09/01/2024

“Pastel Petals” from today…💛

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.

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 w**ds, 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.

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!

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.

08/04/2024

What a stunning sunset wedding for this lovely couple! It warms my heart to see everything turn out just as they envisioned.🧡

07/10/2024

Such a dreamy wedding!😍 It’s always a pleasure to work with a bride who has a clear and specific vision. The satisfaction of finding the perfect colors and flowers to bring that vision to life is truly unmatched. 🌸✨ Thank you for letting us be a part of your special day!🥰💖

07/07/2024

Our Felt & Flowers Embroidery workshop with our wonderful instructor, Amy Meloche, went amazingly well this evening! What a lively and imaginative group—everyone’s creativity truly blossomed. We can’t wait to stitch up some more fun at our next one! 🌼🧵🎨

07/06/2024

Another happy bride with her beautiful bouquet. She looked stunning on her special day, and it was a joy to create such a fun and unique bouquet for her! Congratulations again! 💐✨

07/04/2024

Summer☀️

06/30/2024

Today’s Victorian Language of flowers is Chamomile - Matricaria
Meaning - Energy in adversity

Origin - Chamomile’s meaning may come from its many healing properties, which were first recognized in ancient Egypt. Brewed in tea Chamomile calms the nerves and promotes sleep, allowing the body and mind to rest and renew during times of sleep. Chamomile is said to produce the healing energy and prolonged vigorous needed to overcome adversity.

Pairs well with - Dogwood to show that your love will overcome all obstacles. Rose to indicate the strength of your love during a difficult time. Nettle showed sympathy for unfair circumstances.

Chamomile tea, one of the world’s most popular herbal teas, is made from dried flowers of the plant, steeped in hot water. Chamomile flowers can also be used to make a yellow-brown fabric dye. It’s often used in candles and bath products as it is very calming and soothing.

Chamomile is in the daisy family and has different varieties, It seems like everybody is a winner with this lovely white flower, whether it be the annual German or perennial Roman. Some reach about two feet in height and is an aggressive self-seeder. Its flowers and leaves are suitable for harvest, but the plant is typically grown instead for its benefits as a ground cover. It works very well as an accent plant in containers, or as an effective living mulch to minimize w**d growth in between planted rows of vegetables. The naturally strong scent of chamomile offers resistance to many insects, and that benefit is extended to other plants growing near it.

Fun fact chamomile is known as pinhead, scented mayw**d, a babuna, the latin name for this delightful flower is Matricaria chamomilla, translating to “water of youth.”

06/28/2024

Today’s Victorian Language of flowers is Larkspur - Delphinium
Meaning - Levity
Origin - The distinctive seedpod of the. Larkspur is said it resemble the foot of a lark, hence its name. the lovely and light song of these birds lifts the shirt, just as the beautiful purple petals of the plant reach up toward the heaven.
Pair with - Portea to indicate better days are a head, Begonia to assure someone that all past problems have been reconciled

Larkspur is an unforgettable bloom, with tall stalks and delicate, airy petals that hold a great amount of symbolism and intriguing history. Their shape creates dramatic levels and stunning dimensions in any floral design, especially when nestled among other annual blooms. Take a quick journey with us to discover interesting facts about larkspur and how to best enjoy these extraordinary flowers.

Larkspurs are meant to convey strong bonds of love. In the Victorian era, different colours of Larkspurs had different meanings attached. Pink meant fickleness, white meant happy go lucky nature, while purple represented first love. The name Larkspurs came from the Tudors, as the flower resembles the claw of a lark.

Larkspur is symbolic of a beautiful spirit, swiftness and generally of positivity and strong bonds of love. It is also associated with lightheartedness and youth, possibly because it grows in summer where carefree days are spent away from school.

Larkspur is a great cottage garden plant, adding height and colour to border displays. Larkspur flowers work well with roses, peonies and other tall-growing flowers such as lupins and verbascums. Larkspur flowers are usually blue but they also come in mauve, pink, white and even red. They can be single or double, depending on the variety. Single-flowered varieties are loved by bees.

06/27/2024

Today is a bittersweet day for me because it marks the last day this wonderful girl will be working here. Over the past 8 months, many of you have likely had the pleasure of meeting Pauline. She was my first employee and has been with me since the very beginning. I will miss not only her remarkable talents in floral design, marketing, and custom ceramic arts but also her warm presence as a coworker by my side. Now, I am just incredibly happy and excited for her as she embarks on her next endeavor as an artist.

Pauline, we’ve known each other for several years, but I feel I’ve truly gotten to know how amazing you are over these past eight months. You stepped up when I faced the greatest uncertainty and needed help the most last summer. I love how we can read each other’s minds, how we brainstorm and come up with the perfect ideas, and how we share our personal lives and inspire each other. You have been a fantastic partner to work with and have become a friend I could ever ask for. You have done so much to help me pursue my dream, and now it’s my turn to support you in every way I can as you chase yours. 💞

06/27/2024

Peaceful whites and peonies🕊️🤍

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

Website

http://www.thornandpetal.ca/

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Today marks one year since we opened our doors to this wonderful community, and what a journey it’s been! This year has been full of unforgettable moments, challenges, and incredible connections. None of it would have been possible without the amazing support from our community, our families, friends, and fellow small businesses. For me personally, this milestone is especially meaningful. As a mom of two young kids, achieving this career dream once felt like a luxury. Balancing work and family life is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but my family’s support has made it possible. They believed in this dream with me, and their love and encouragement helped me turn it into a reality. It truly takes a village to grow something meaningful, and our shop has blossomed under the care, encouragement, and kindness you’ve all shown. I’m especially grateful to our dedicated team, past and present, whose hard work and passion have brought our vision to life every day. Their commitment and creativity are at the heart of what we do, and I couldn’t be prouder to work alongside them. To celebrate this milestone, we’re thrilled to invite you to our One Year Anniversary Open House on November 24th! It’s our way of saying thank you for being part of our journey and to look forward to all that’s yet to come. Stay tuned for more details, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has made this year so special! 🌸

🍂🧡

Looking for the perfect touch to welcome the season? This handmade wreath is now available in the shop, ready to find a home with anyone who loves it! Crafted with care and filled with a mix of rich textures and colors, it’s a beautiful way to add warmth and charm to your space. Stop by and see it in person—we’d love to help you find the perfect spot for it!

This piece was created for a beautiful soul whose favorite color was teal. We wove soft, calming shades of teal throughout the arrangement, hoping to capture the essence of the joy and light she brought to those around her. It’s always an honor to be part of such a meaningful celebration of life, and we hope this arrangement brings comfort and serves as a gentle reminder of the love and memories shared.🤍

Wedding No. 3 was also a cozy one, featuring deep tones and dried elements—just perfect for a fall celebration. It was so sweet to see the groom planning to surprise the bride by matching his outfit to her bouquet. It’s these little moments that make a day truly special. With such a thoughtful start to their marriage, we can foresee a lifetime filled with love, surprises, and tender moments between these two. Wishing them endless joy as they step into this new chapter together!

Wedding No. 2 was such a fun one! Not every designer gets the chance to incorporate dinosaurs into their floral designs, but we love a good challenge. From playful centerpieces to unexpected touches, we had so much fun bringing this couple’s vision to life. It’s always a joy to work with couples who think outside the box and allow us to stretch our creative wings. 😊

You may wonder why our social media has been so quiet this week—because we had three weddings and one funeral, all on top of our daily operations. But heads up, we have a lot to share soon! Starting with Wedding No. 1 this week: a cozy and intimate celebration for a lovely woman who deserves all the happiness in the world. Wishing the newlyweds all the best in their new adventure! 🫶

It’s already fall, but our garden flowers are still thriving! Seeing those dainty petals standing proudly, full of life in the cold rain, makes me admire their spirit even more.

We’ve refreshed our Victorian dining table exhibit with a stunning new floral arrangement. If you missed our live floral demonstration during the Culture Days Exhibition, here’s your chance to catch up with this beautiful display! #culturedays #ontarioculturedays #parisontario #floraldesign #floralarrangement #flowerhistory #flowerlanguage #floralculture

Our second wedding of the weekend brings a softer fall vibe with lighter tones. Each celebration has its own unique charm, and I’m loving them both!

Embracing the warmth and colors of fall for a stunning wedding celebration this weekend.

September had been treating us so well with warm weather and bright sunshine until last Sunday. Finally, the sun is back after a couple of gloomy days. Let’s embrace it and hope the good weather lasts a little longer. We’re enjoying it as much as we can because next month, we’ll dive back to the weddings again!🙃

We had so much fun to help a customer create a special anniversary surprise with a little touch of floral love for the basket. 💐 There’s something so wonderful about being part of these heartfelt moments. If you ever need a little help making a special day even sweeter, we’re here for you! 💖 #surprise #giftideas #flowerbasket #flowerdecoration

🤍🪽 Some of the beautiful flowers are from our garden.

Just finished creating a super cute set of earrings and a matching ring, all made with dried flowers! 🌸 I’m absolutely in love with how they turned out—nature’s beauty captured in wearable art. What do you think?☺️