The Lily Bean

The Lily bean might have a slightly misleading name
(Whenever I’m apt to mention it people assume its a coffee shop)
but it remains as one of the sweetest florists around Westend.
I’m often drawn to the Lilybean window due to its
curious and interesting specimens of cacti and bonsai.
(I love bonsai and the range at the Lilybean is splendid.)
What’s also great about this store
is that in true westend spirit it also doubles as a gallery-​cum-​giftshop.
The vases and sculptures are brightly covered
(And look sturdy enough to be used everyday.)
They offer blooms for every occasion
and I guarantee their bouquets will put a smile on anyones dial.
Located handily on Vulture st,
This place is well worth a pop by.

The name of this place is a little misleading; before I got closer I had no idea what their shelves might hold. It is in fact, a florist and gallery. I must commend them for choosing a name that doesn’t contain these words, quite refreshingly different from most other florists. It’s also a unique layout. When you step inside you’re immediately facing a counter, above which is an open window behind which I suppose the florist works her magic. The narrow room stretches out to either side until, on the left side it opens into a bigger room. There are plenty of flowers and interesting pieces, mainly unique vases. I realised when I left that the word ‘florist’ is in fact emblazoned down one side of the door while ‘gallery’ is splashed across one window in large orange letters. I’m not sure how I missed that but it was fun to have some intrigue, if only for a moment.

This is a great little florist that’s owned and run by the florist herself!
It’s a little odd to not see bunches of flowers outside a florist, but I can understand that in this location — they’d get dusty and wilted in next to no time. Instead she usually has a cute little cart of succulents or gifts to lure you in.
The Lily Bean really excels in arrangments, particularly for weddings. She spends HEAPS of time talking about what you want, what your price range is, what your colours are and will then come up with something beautiful that (quite astoundingly) is actually affordable.
Well worth a visit.