As a real estate broker, I send a lot of flower arrangements! I personally love to have fresh flowers in my home, so when I am in need of a gift, flowers are a go-to. Bunches florist in Lincoln Park is also my go-to, and has been for years. Marc Waters is the proprietor, opening the shop in 1978! I recently asked Marc to tell us a little bit about the shop over the years, and also some of his favorite places to find inspiration around the city – it is an amazing list you won’t want to miss!
Tell us a little about yourself and Bunches.
Bunches opened in 1978 as an artsy, Bohemian-style flower shop that served as an alternative to the more traditional shops prevalent at the time. The vibe was for easy, grab-and-go bunches of flowers that typified the more casual stylings of the 1970’s. Though we have become more sophisticated in our offerings, the mission of the shop continues to be that of making the experience of buying flowers and plants a joyous and invigorating process.
Tell us about one of your favorite events you have done florals for.
Since we do a lot of event work for non-for-profit organizations, it is always rewarding to be a part of efforts to change people’s lives or to make real something that only existed as a dream a short time prior. Weddings often have the same kind of magic. In fact, we often have couples return as customers in the shop, and they reminisce about the wonderful wedding day they had.
Florists have the privilege of being on hand for archetypal moments like births, important birthdays, graduations, recitals, etc., and we get to share those experiences from the sidelines. We have done work for sitting presidents, celebrities and even some who will be written about in history books, but it’s never the individual person or event that stands out. It is the opportunity to partake in that moment and do a good job that has always been our focus.
What are some of your most popular arrangements?
Fashion and advertising trends influence what customers are drawn to ordering, and right now the cultural hunger for artisanal, hand-made products drives people to more casual and wild creations that include grasses, unusual foliage and uncommon blooms. Concurrently, the popularity of luxury goods and an international style of branding piques an interest in what might be called global chic – a more formal, architectural style of design and presentation that should be highly polished in appearance and commanding in its physical presence. The two styles are in some ways polar opposites, but the trends co-exist and even inform one another. For example, a vase of all hydrangea is a popular request right now. They can be accompanied by loose draping foliage for a wild garden look or tightly gathered and framed with looped foliage for a more formal presentation.
What are some of your favorite flowers/plants and why?
It might sound cliché but roses, tulips and calla lilies come to mind because all three come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, few people have allergies to them, they last well, and shed very little to not at all as they age in a vase. The ZZ plant and the phalaenopsis orchid plant are stars of things that come in dirt. Both are easy to maintain and require minimal care and light. They are ideal for people who want something living in their home environment, but don’t have time to fuss.
Do you have any tips for people who like to make their own arrangements?
There are a few basic tips that are always good to remember:
- As a novice, start small with simpler combinations of fewer flowers that can be arranged easily. Remember, it’s easier to work with five stems than a large bundle of fifty. Bigger groupings can be worked up to and mastery comes from confidence built out of experience.
- Clean and inspect your flowers, much like you would produce, by removing any damaged, broken or unnecessary bits. Keep the water and stems fresh by changing and cutting the ends every day if possible.
- For larger groupings, start by filling the vase with foliage that will provide a framework into which the flower stems can be woven. In general, I ALWAYS suggest leaving a little more length on the stems than you think you need since you can cut off excess at any time but you can’t make them longer once they are cut.
Where are some of your favorite places around the city? Restaurants, parks, shops etc.
As a Chicago native who was born in Lincoln Park, I have a long list of things I love about this great city. Here is a list of some of my top picks:
- I love going to other small businesses to see how they present themselves and their product. I love Publican Bakery on Grand Ave. They do a brisk business with new items presented all the time. They even have a window wall where customers can see bread being made while they shop. The crew is always friendly and eager to help.
- Alpana Restaurant near Chicago and State is a favorite go-to spot for dinner with friends. The menu is nicely varied with well balanced flavors in each entree selection. The service is always top notch and almost every time I go there, I see Alpana in the trenches with her staff helping to make everything go smoothly. As a business owner, I know this is proof positive that she is committed to the success of her restaurant and the well being of her patrons.
- For special occasions, I will forever be a fan of Les Nomades on Ontario as my favorite place to dine in Chicago. The marvelous decor, sublime flavors and impeccable service make it a very special destination. The proprietress, Mary Beth Liccione, is always on hand to greet guests and field special requests with her usual aplomb. There are few places left in the country that offer elegant dining at this top tier level. We are so fortunate to have such a precious resource to call our own.
- Other fun destinations that I love and eagerly recommend are Annette’s Italian Ice on the corner of Bissell and Armitage. It’s a perfect destination for a stroll through Lincoln Park on a warm night.
- Davenport’s on Milwaukee features so many talented cabaret singers who always do a fine job of keeping great songs of the past alive and they usually do it with good comedic flair.
- The Chicago Magic Lounge on north Clark St. is another adventure of a different sort. The dramatic hidden entrance upon arrival harks back to Chicago’s speakeasy days and the magicians are expert at their craft. It’s a guaranteed fun time for native Chicagoans and a great place to bring visitors seeking a taste of a city with lots of colorful history.
- Richard Bennett on Franklin is my custom clothier of choice. The fabric options and the workmanship is quite fine with pricing that beats or is on par with popular haute designer ware. Everyone with an eye for quality should know about this gem!
- If you have a taste for Chinoiserie, going to Pagoda Red on Webster is a must. Just touring the aisles of items for sale is such a treat. The offerings are so unique, well chosen and smartly displayed, it approaches the experience of a museum except you can whip out your credit card and take it all home if you wish.
Bunches (a flower shop)
1501 West Fullerton Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
773-975-2444
