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1/31/2025

Blooms for Every Mood: A Visit to University Floral Design

Valentine’s Day may be the busiest time of year for florists, but there’s no need to wait for a special occasion to bring home fresh flowers. Whether you’re picking up a bouquet for someone special or simply brightening up your own space, flowers have a way of lifting the spirit—especially as we ride out the last of these winter days.

Blooms for Every Mood: A Visit to University Floral Design

Valentine’s Day may be the busiest time of year for florists, but there’s no need to wait for a special occasion to bring home fresh flowers. Whether you’re picking up a bouquet for someone special or simply brightening up your own space, flowers have a way of lifting the spirit—especially as we ride out the last of these winter days.

At University Floral Design, a beloved Greenwich Village flower shop that has been serving the community for nearly a century, the philosophy is simple: flowers should bring joy, no matter the season. We stopped by to chat with shop owner Peter Karounos about what goes into creating the perfect arrangement, whether for romance or just a much-needed mood boost.

The storefront of University Floral Design on the corner of University Place and 10th Street

A Bouquet for Every Feeling

When crafting bouquets, Peter considers more than just aesthetics—each flower tells a story.

“For the romantic arrangement, we leaned into soft, lush blooms,” Peter explains. “Roses, of course, are a romantic flower, but they don’t always have to be red. We have lisianthus and lilies for a soft, romantic feel.”

For those looking to chase away the winter blues, a different approach:

“Bright yellows remind me of sunshine—and who doesn’t like a sun-filled day? Then you’ve got whites and deep blues to contrast it. The anemones are really beautiful and dramatic when they open up.”

A romantic arrangement of softer blooms.

And a cheerful splash of color for your apartment.

A Little Luxury, Any Day of the Week

Flowers don’t have to be reserved for grand gestures. A single rose—available for $8 at University Floral Design—can be a simple way to bring a little beauty into your home.

And while many of the shop’s blooms are sourced from the flower district on 28th Street, others travel from across the world. “Italy, New Zealand, Australia, South America—you name it,” Peter says, listing just a few of the places his flowers originate from.

Why Wait?

With spring still weeks away, fresh flowers are a simple way to brighten up your home, bring warmth to a gray day, or remind someone you’re thinking of them. Whether it’s a romantic bouquet, a cheerful pick-me-up, or just a single bloom for yourself, there’s never a wrong time to bring home a little bit of nature.

So next time you’re walking through the Village, stop by University Floral Design at 51 University Place for some gorgeous flowers.

Peter and his team are happy to put together the perfect bouquet for you–or drop in and grab one of their ready-to-go arrangements pictured below.