Floral & Hardy Edible Plants and Gifts

This is a hidden floral gem in the city. I just found this in passing to an eatery. I took the wrong path and got lost, however, I am glad that I got lost. Well organized and cozy store. This is the first year in which I’ve ever seen Halloween bouquets and baskets… I guess there’s an occasion for everything :)

Vancouver’s notorious Downtown Eastside with its wild western-​style open drug use and sex trade is not a place one expects to find much in the way of a safe haven, but Floral and Hardy Edible Plants at 688 East Hastings St., has become all that and more.
Many of us were concerned when owners Ruth and Brian announced the move from North Vancouver’s higher-​end Lonsdale Avenue location, but they have masterfully woven themselves into the colorful, complicated, dynamic fabric of their new community, becoming an oasis of natural beauty and calm as well as a hub for local poverty advocates and artists.
In the spring of 2015, Floral will play host to beloved B.C. poet Susan Musgrave (Cocktails at the Mausoleum, Songs of the Sea-​Witch) and her partner, Stephen Reid, a celebrated former bank robber. This is but one of many similar events. There are frequent free concerts and bohemian gatherings of every stripe redolent of the kinder, gentler city of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s as well as seasonal offerings of assorted flowers, plants and seeds.
I especially enjoy the Floral and Hardy Facebook blog Ruth writes to showcase seasonal and special occasion bouquets, sale items and the magnificent floral arrangements she creates for local arts events. As I write, she is preparing a unique arrangement for the upcoming show, Urinetown, which premiered on Broadway several years ago.
The blog gives me an opportunity to connect safely with the local arts and advocacy communities in Vancouver, particularly with respect to housing and poverty initiatives or lack thereof. I have found many kindred spirits at Facebook thanks to Ruth’s excellent, informal newsletter-​style blog.
I especially enjoy the stories of impecunious suitors who are invariably furnished at no charge with a generous bouquet of roses in the interest of Romance.
In the dog days of summer, the blog included photos of a turquoise kiddie pool and deck chair outside the store inviting passers by to enjoy a free swim and sunbathe.
No doubt, Halloween, Samhain and All Saints Day festivities are under way at the store. Visit Ruth’s Facebook blog for details.