Jayson Home
1885 N. Clybourn Ave., 773-248-8180, jaysonhome.com
Container plants: Jayson’s alluring aesthetic ranges from the exotic (grassy-leaved sweet flag and bugleweed) to the practical (succulents and edibles such as peppers and herbs).
A New Leaf
anewleafchicago.com
Orchids: Carrying 20 to 30 orchids at each of its three shops, A New Leaf has the city’s most unusual and beautiful selection—recently, lady’s slippers, tall and delicate Oncidiums, and lovely species of Phalaenopsis.
Alapash
1944 W. Montrose Ave., 773-769-8825, alapash.com
Terrariums: Owner Marco Chavarry dreams up soothing worlds with winding paths and Hindu gods and goddesses amid succulents and shapely air plants. The entry-level orb is $30.
Epoch Floral
1700 W. Hubbard, 312-226-2968, epochfloral.com
Vase arrangements: Epoch excels at modern creations, such as its popular $250 knockout with coral peonies, fuchsia parrot tulips, and pink roses. The Park Hyatt and Saks are clients.