Stem is an extraordinary, tiny flower shop with gorgeous blooms--listen, all flowers are lovely but don't expect a Urban-Bodega or Farmer's Market or Suburban-Nursery & Landscaper's vibe here. Stem is as much about the experience of being in the perfect flower shop as it is about perfect flowers.
Key points to remember: the aesthetics of the shop are serene and elegant; the product is thoughtfully chosen; the arrangements are modern--meaning not FTD or 1-800 style but along the lines of that modern "natural state" vibe that means if woodland nymphs--aka dryads--made bouquets (but maybe they wouldn't because wouldn't cutting down your flower sisters and brothers might be a little like murder?) they would look like those designed by Stem.
Before I go on, may I sidebar a bit about cut flowers? Thanks.
A cut flower is an impermanent entity. And, we know that the depreciation value of a flower eclipses that of a car--because guys, a cut flower IS DECAYING AS IT RESTS PRETTILY.
Kind of like a steak or a piece of fish.
Decomposition to complete slime and goop is inevitable. There is nothing you can do to bring cut flowers "back to life" (except be sure to know how often to change the vase water, if at all; and how to properly trim the stem ends, if at all). Indoor heat, dryness, humidity and cold all impact and differently drive cut flower decomposition rates, as you might imagine. Some cut blooms are studier than others, whilst some blooms are incredibly delicate.
* I always ask a florist to tell me when the flowers I'm considering purchasing were delivered to the store.
* I don't buy "flower specials" just as I know not to buy a "brunch special" (thanks Anthony Bourdain! https://www.theguardian.com/books/2000/aug/12/features.weekend1)
* I check the stem health buy pulling a flower out of the display vase and noting how green (or brown and slimy) the end is.
* Are the petals is good shape? Or are they faded, wilt-y and creased?
As for delivery: I only have flowers delivered from shops that I have personal relationships with. I tend to send food gifts, mostly, but if I'm sending flowers, I've either
* Fucked up badly;
* I'm in love;
* I miss you;
* Something amazing or terrible has happened in your life and food doesn't make sense as a gift (rare, but it happens so I'm ready for that with my florists).
These are not times to mess around with flowers that don't get delivered on time/get lost in translation--i.e. without instructions and/or a card; die in a couple of days, etc. These are the times that only the very best will do.
But folks, if you're after a more "permanent" floral experience: make a donation to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens or The Sierra Club (to protect some trees y'all!) or go for a lovely walk in one of our borough parks. It takes strength of spirit to buy cut flowers, friends: not everyone can be cool with death happening right front of their eyes, no matter how pretty the colors.
Ok. Back to the review:
I've been in Stem several times--for luxurious bouquets that were pricey (~ $80.00) to simpler ones that were downright affordable (~ $10.00 ): it all depends on the blooms one chooses. A deep, coral pink King Peony with a blossom the size of a dinner plate will be priced more than an equally gorgeous but more common deep, coral pink dahlia. That makes sense right? The weirder the bloom the more you pay. It's basically Keynesian.
So listen: if you the type of person who understands the biology of decomposition, is down with supply & demand mechanics, and can't resist impermanent beauty, Stem is your store. Hands off the King Peonies, tho, please. Those are mine. read more