Shopping in the South End: Bloom Couture

Bloom Couture 769 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02118(857) 263-8062bloomcouturestudio.com

Bloom Couture opened in October 2014, and has hit the ground running, outfitting homes in the South End and beyond with the finest flora. (And all but eliminating any excuses to hang onto sad little houseplants.)Owners Scott Vanich and Suphoj Chancheaw are both expats from Thailand with decades of experience between them. Together, they create living sculptures from found objects like driftwood, antique hurricane lamps, and cocoa bean husks that positively brim over with succulents, air plants, moss, and a curation of flowers the likes of which you won't find at Trader Joes.

Vanich and Chancheaw are also slowly bringing in skin care lines, beginning with amodest collection of Made in Thailand soaps ($10) that rival the flowers in sweet scents. They'll soon be adding candles and incense, as well.
There's so much to see at eye-level and below, but if you happen to look up at the ceiling you'll notice that even the ultra-modern light fixture mimics the silhouette of some of the plants about the shop.
AIR PLANTS$15-$85Why the name? Air plants derive moisture and nutrients from the air (in the form of dust particles) through their leaves, so they don't need roots to survive. They're an excellent way to add a touch of color and life, and thrive with very little space or care.As a testament to this, the hearty little plants were literally coming out of the woodwork at Bloom; a spiky version protruded out of cocoa bean husks, while a more wild-looking air plant rested on an antique stand next to the business cards. Be sure to spray them with water from time to time, and once a week "bathe" them in water to let them soak.

FLOWERSBloom has roses and all the requisite bouquet staples on hand, but you'll also find plenty less typical options and arrangements. A cheeky alternative to red roses? Ombre Kale roses in watercolor shades of green and pink. (These are pretty much the floral version of a mic drop. Scroll down to see them for yourself.) You'll also find dried flowers like fragrant lavender and alien like anemones in antique scientific beakers.KOKEDAMA$45-65Kokedama, or moss balls, are the shop's most popular item, and are quickly becoming a staple for Bloom regulars. Hang them or sit them on a saucer or bowl in the sun, and water regularly. Like air plants, they also need a weekly bath - dip the mossy base into a container of water and soak for a few minutes. They're available with fern, orchids, miniature roses ($55).

Here's the beautiful bouquet that Scott crafted for me - it took him about three minutes to arrange and wrap hyacinths beautiful, rustic brown paper and it was quite amazing to watch. 

What are your favorites?

Cheers,Renata