Tropical dreams

Caribbean Cuts (Chelsea)

GOODS & SERVICES • FOUND Shop

The block of West 28th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues in Chelsea remains an instant pick-me-up. There, the shops of New York’s Flower Market showcase their goods on the sidewalk, so one can happily walk down the street surrounded by blossoms and greenery — an amazing variety of perfectly, freshly-cut flowers, plants of all sizes, vases, and design elements like ribbons and raffia.

On this stretch, Caribbean Cuts is the best source for anything and everything tropical — divinely unique and unusual blossoms like bromeliads and birds of paradise, gigantic foliage, and twisted vines. “The most popular items are the jumbo philodendron leaves,” David, one of the florists, told me. And no wonder: they are gigantic, deeply green, and extremely dramatic. The store also sells its own handmade containers made from hollowed-out bamboo and coconuts, enormous leaves spray-painted in silver and gold so they’ll last, and huge dried husks of the yagua palm designed to turn any floral arrangement a showstopper.

For best results at Caribbean Cuts and other shops on the block, arrive early — the best selection is often gone before midday, and many stores close early. ​–Karen Moline

→ Shop: Caribbean Cuts (Chelsea) • 128 W 28th St • Mon-Sat 7a-1p.