At this Glenayr Avenue florist, owner Jenni May is always ready to spitball a bouquet to meet your needs. Camellias, peonies, tulips and turned out roses pack the wooden tables on one side of the store, and once you've locked in your budget, preferred colours and any pet hates she's busy plucking stems from vases to make up an arrangement that can soothe a broken heart, surprise a parent-to-be, or brighten up a friend's day.

Yael Stempler

May visits the flower markets three times a week, and if you want the freshest of the bunch you should trust her best judgement. The same is true of her online store, which has $65 bouquets under names like Miss Maggie's Mystery: a florist's choice of the best in store on the day. And if you're sending in the eastern suburbs, delivery won't cost you a thing.

Images: Yael Stempler