Laura Chalcroft displaying her bouquets at Open Streets
If you noticed a stand with uniquely stunning floral displays while strolling through Columbus Avenue’s ‘Open Streets’ this past fall, you may have already met Laura Chalcroft, an Upper West Side florist whose company, Iris & the Bee, offers blooms like you’ve never seen before. From creative arrangements bursting with color to breathtaking bridal bouquets, Iris & the Bee showcases flowers of exceptional quality for all occasions.
Specializing in arrangements with a “whimsical and wild aesthetic,” the home-based flower business personalizes each bouquet, which can come in three sizes (with or without a vase). While unique daily arrangements are Laura’s specialty, she can happily accommodate specific requests and offer custom orders for larger bouquets or events. Check out their Instagram to see some of their amazing work!
With a newly launched online shop and robust delivery services across Manhattan, Iris & the Bee customers can also sign up for weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly subscriptions, as well as fun flower-arranging events (which at least sometimes comes with wine and food).
Laura was born in England but the seeds of her floral future were planted in Melbourne, Australia. Here, she honed her skills through classes and mentorships, ultimately leading her to Singapore where she first launched her business in 2020.
Nick Okeeffe Photography
In 2022, Laura and her husband Andy relocated to NYC, and the Upper West Side was the clear winner when it came to choosing a neighborhood to live in.
“I vividly remember sitting outside Black Press Coffee one afternoon in the snow and watching the world go by; the sense of community was palpable and it felt like home to us,” she said. “That afternoon we signed a lease, and I flew back to Singapore to pack up the apartment!”
Now, in a beautiful full circle, Laura returns every two weeks to create Black Press Coffee’s flower installations.
Last year, she officially relaunched Iris & the Bee. Some of her proudest moments of 2024 include a window installation she created for Malin & Goetz on Columbus Avenue, two city hall Weddings (one of which was featured in The New York Times), and a wedding at Ireland’s Castle Bellingham which earned her press coverage in Image Magazine and The Gloss.
For those who are curious, the Iris in the shop’s name pays homage to the Greek goddess of rainbows, and the Bee holds symbolic meaning in Manchester, England and serves as Laura’s tribute to her hometown. Together, the iris flower and the bee embody Laura’s mission to create meaningful floral moments while honoring the beauty and balance of nature.
The Iris Bee Mine bouquet
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, Iris & the Bee is the perfect place to buy an enchanting bouquet for your special someone. They are offering two gorgeous color schemes for their limited-edition Valentine arrangements, available in three sizes on February 13, 14 and 15. Pre-orders are now live, and if you place an order between now and Feb 9, you’ll receive a $5 discount using code UWSNEIGHBOUR at checkout (code is limited to one per customer and is not available on Subscriptions or the Galentines workshop). Order through the website or email inquiries@irisandthebee.com.
