Shop owners describe rising costs, street pressures and why flowers still matter

As spring starts to peek out and warmer temperatures arrive, New York City is preparing for trees covered in blossoms, the return of cherry blossom season, and new colors in streets, shops and homes for Easter.

One of the city’s seasonal highlights is the cherry blossom bloom. Each year, blossoms mark the path into spring, usually from late March through mid-April, with the Brooklyn Botanic Garden as a major destination. Other popular spots include Central Park and Roosevelt Island and, of course, Sunset Park.

Welcoming spring lovers and neighborhood residents, the tradition is often associated with Japan. Florists in Sunset Park shared their own interpretation of this moment of the year.

Leti is the daughter of florists, and her work at Blossom Flower Shop (612 50th St.) is more than selling.

“When someone comes in and loves the flowers we have or the work we’ve done, it’s really beautiful,” said Leti. “With flowers you can play with a lot.”

For her, it matters that people see different designs and ideas, and, above all, remember that flowers say a lot on their own.

Knowing the variety, the color and the number is important, because each detail can carry a specific message that feels personal and unique. Each flower has something special and deep tied to its colors, scent, shape and the feeling it gives.

“Each season has its own sales,” Leti said.

Despite this winter’s cold and the situation in Sunset Park tied to immigration enforcement on the streets, flowers still carry a message. To make that message match your intention, she said, it helps to understand what different flowers symbolize.

“For spring, bright colors like orchids or purple lilacs,” Leti said. “We also recommend exotic flowers.”

Beyond symbolism, flowers can also feel like a kind of release. Ángel, the owner of Ines Flowers (370 54th St.), has worked with them for 30 years. The son of a florist family in Mexico, he came to the United States looking for a better life for his family.

“At first it was very hard,” said Ángel. “I even wanted to go back to Mexico.”

Ángel spent six years selling flowers on the street, chased and arrested by police on many occasions. They would take all his flowers, and he would have to start again.

“I decided to open the shop with my wife when she came,” said Ángel. “The most beautiful thing is taking care of the flowers.”

He says sales rise on special days, but neighbors also know the shop for donating to the church and helping with other special occasions. Grateful for his work, Ángel has become a long-time presence in Sunset Park.

“I buy flowers because they always bring happiness.”

Ariel, a neighborhood resident, says she always keeps flowers at home. Even without a favorite, she tries to buy them locally.

Local shopping also supports owners like Susana, the current owner of Miriam’s Flowers (5816 5th Ave.), who says export prices have risen because of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

“A lot of flowers or products come from Ecuador or Colombia,” Susana explained. “The process is a chain.”

She has worked in the flower business for eight years.

“I didn’t know anything, but I learned, and it’s a really beautiful job.”

Susana also notes how shops are affected by street vendors who do not pay rent or taxes, and she described how, during COVID, funeral flowers helped the store stay open and even grow.

“People want something alive.” Susana said. “That’s why flowers are such a rewarding job.”

Susana encourages people to step out of their comfort zone, take a risk on something new, and watch spring bloom.