Harvesting at Bluma Flower Farm. Photo courtesy of Kitchen Table Advisors.

There's no denying the allure of flowers. Maybe it's the gesture, or maybe it's the sensory experience of color, symmetry, and scent all wrapped up in a beautiful bundle. And since the pandemic, flowers have taken on a whole new meaning as people look to treat themselves or loved ones to a little brightness in a still-uncertain world. Though florists were hit hard when weddings and large events were cancelled, many offset some of their losses with self-love one-off purchases, subscriptions to weekly or monthly deliveries, and their expansion of offerings like gifts, dried bouquets, and plants. We've rounded up a few florists near BART stations that would gladly create an arrangement for that special someone. Yes, that includes you. Hours vary in these hard-working shops so check with them first to see when they're open.

San Francisco

Wallflower | 16th St Mission

This Mission District flower shop creates arrangements that are natural, mysterious, and ethereal. Owner Eleanor Gerber-Siff starts each arrangement with a single stem, be it a flower on a stem or a blooming branch. Trust Eleanor to create a gorgeous arrangement; stop by and discuss ideas and have it delivered or pick it up when ready. Take BART to 16th St Mission and walk nine minutes to 593 Guerrero St.

Urban Botanica's pure white arrangement. Photo courtesy of Urban Botanica.

Urban Botanica | Montgomery St

This jewel box of a floral shop has been accommodating the floral needs of the financial district denizens for more than 20 years. And because they are located in the financial district, they are only open Monday through Friday. Check out their bouquets online and place an order. Or, pop by during the weekdays to select the perfect modern and affordable arrangement. Take BART to Montgomery St and walk three minutes to 345 California St.

Ampersand's flower buckets. Photo courtesy of Ampersand.

Ampersand | 16th St Mission

Ampersand recently moved into their expansive space on Market Street, giving them the ability to not only offer flowers but also candles and other floral-friendly gifts. The owners encourage customers to order ahead, but if you find yourself in the area and are in need of a bouquet, drop by and hand-pick flowers out of their buckets. They do their best to source locally, but love to add drama with the occasional tropical stem or two. Take BART to 16th St Mission and walk 16 minutes to 2190 Market St.

East Bay

A sample of Rust & Flourish's bouquets. Photo courtesy of Rust & Flourish.

Rust & Flourish | 19th St/Oakland

There’s a lot to choose from at this Uptown Oakland flower and plant shop. Ricci, the owner, is a big proponent of whimsical designs using local, seasonal blooms. She also dries a lot of her blooms, reducing waste and allowing them to last much longer than a traditional fresh-water bouquet. Take BART to 19th St/Oakland and walk eight minutes to 326 23rd St.

Certified organic seasonal bouquet from Bluma. Photo courtesy of Bluma Flower Farm.

Bluma Flower Farm | Downtown Berkeley

If you or the recipient of an arrangement is a fan of local farm-grown flowers, Bluma is the place for you. Their rooftop garden (yes, in Berkeley!) supplies the majority of their blooms, so expect lots of seasonal stems. Everything they offer is certified organic. They also offer a monthly flower club and fresh and dried wreaths. Make an appointment and then take BART to Downtown Berkeley and walk 11 minutes to 2201 Dwight Way.

One of Rooted Floral Design's vibrant offerings. Photo courtesy of Rooted Floral Design.

Rooted Floral | Rockridge

Rooted Floral Design is run by a mother-daughter duo and is a proud black woman-owned business. Their new storefront opened at the end of last year so they’re busy filling it with cards and accessories that complement their gorgeous and fun bouquets and arrangements. These ladies are not afraid of color so look for vibrant combinations utilizing what's available at San Francisco's flower market. Take BART to Rockridge and walk 11 minutes to 5239 College Ave.

A burst of reds from Essence of Flowers. Photo courtesy of Essence of Flowers.

Essence of Flowers | 19th St/Oakland

Ariana Marbley has been operating her business long enough to understand the fluidity of the industry. Her growth has been steady, first operating out of a mobile truck. She recently opened her studio where customers can shop for arrangements and gifts. It’s also a great space for her popular floral arrangement workshops. Look for lush-full and colorful designs. Pop in during business hours or order a special arrangement online and pick it up. Take BART to 19th St/Oakland and walk eight minutes to 329 17th St.

Where do you like to shop for flowers?

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