Ceramic flowers and butterflies for the garden inside Verde
If you’re having trouble selecting the perfect Mother’s Day gift, stop by Verde, an exquisite boutique, flower shop and chocolaterie located in midtown Center City, in what has recently become a truly vibrant neighborhood.
The area is home to favorites like El Vez, Time, Zavino and Capogiro, but, what really defines 13th Street, are the businesses of Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran. Verde, Bindi, Open House, Lolita and Grocery are all owned and operated by the duo and each business bears the mark of their impeccable taste and superb talent.
Lamps and unique vases for sale in Verde
Verde features a wide array of fabulous gift ideas and can serve as one-stop-shopping for Mother’s Day this year. From flowers, to jewelry, to garden accessories, to chocolates, it is the place to go if you’re looking to spoil Mom, no matter what your price point. The staff at Verde designs floral arrangements in-house that range from $20-$60, and what’s Mother’s Day without a gorgeous bouquet?
They also carry specialty gift items like Lucia Soy Candles, Fringe Botanique soaps and Chameleon jewelry. And for the Mom who spends time caring for her garden, there is a huge selection of gardening accessories and patio décor to beautify her space.
Flower arrangements at Verde
On my trip to Verde, I had the pleasure of meeting both Marcie and Valerie, as well as running into a Philadelphia Chocolate Tour in progress. This allowed me to sample one of Marcie’s house-made artisanal chocolates, and for that, I will be forever grateful! Marcie, who is also the chef at Bindi and Lolita, explained her unique “food based” approach to chocolate making.
In their expansive case of sweets, you can find a variety of chocolates boasting flavors such as curry powder and coconut, hazelnut praline, vanilla cardamom and marshmallow, rosemary pine nut caramel and spicy peanut. In addition to the inventive flavors of her chocolates, Marcie also utilizes all locally grown and produced ingredients in her chocolate making. One of the newest additions to the chocolate fare at Verde is the Philadelphia Box that features pieces with screens like the “Love†sculpture and familiar Philly flavors like the “chocolate pretzel.”
Marcie Blaine's Artisinal Chocolates, the Philly Box!
Katie, one of the employees at Verde, helped me with some staff picks for the upcoming holiday. For those who need extra help in the creativity department, consider Katie your personal Mother’s Day shopper!
Katie’s favorites included some of my person picks as well.
Katie's staff picks at Verde
An elegant yet modern bouquet featuring bright pink roses for $58; White flower stone earrings by Chameleon for $28 (so beautiful I almost bought myself a pair… ahem… bought my MOM a pair); a Lucia Soy candle for $22; hot pink Butter nail polish for $12; and a small assorted box of Marcie’s chocolates for $7.95.
And if Mom’s true love just happens to be chocolate, consider taking her on a Philadelphia Chocolate Tour. I spoke with Valerie Beck—their President, Founder and Chief Executive Chocolate Lover—and they are offering special Flowers & Chocolate tours especially for Mother’s Day.
Verde
108 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 546-8700
www.verdephiladelphia.com
Philadelphia Chocolate Tours
(215) 833-0044
www.philadelphiachocolatetours.com
