Rooted in Sustainability with Oak & Lily
There is something quietly radical about building a business around beauty and sustainability. We believe, every single day, that people deserve flowers. Not just for the grand occasions - but for ordinary Tuesdays and the thank-yous that feel too big for words.
That belief lives at the heart of our cozy little shop on the corner, nestled in the heart of River Heights. We are Jess and Ellie and we run Oak & Lily together at 1724 Corydon Avenue.
Sustainability at Oak & Lily has two parts: where the flowers come from and what we do with flower “waste”. We believe nothing should be wasted. Our offcuts and un-sellable bits get composted. The flowers we deem not fresh enough to sell get meticulously hung and dried for dried flower projects like wreath making and dried flower arrangements. We believe the lifespan and beauty of a flower goes on far longer than other people do.
Our studio follows a farm-to-florist philosophy. In the warm summer months we work closely with flower farmers in Winnipeg and the surrounding region, giving us access to some of the most beautiful blooms the season has to offer. Every stem arrives with its own character: curve, texture, colour, and quirks that simply can’t be replicated. Buying from local farmers reduces our carbon footprint and supports our sustainable approach to floristry.
One reason our local farming partners enjoy working with us is that we don’t design from strict recipes. Every bouquet and arrangement is designed fresh each day, guided by what’s growing and at its peak. We don’t request specific varieties, we give the growers a budget and trust them to select the very best blooms available that day. It’s a collaborative approach that celebrates seasonality, supports local agriculture, and allows the flowers to lead the design process.
Our Summer Flower Subscriptions are a direct reflection of that philosophy. Each delivery is unique, filled with the best of what the fields have to offer. The flowers change week to week and the surprise is part of the experience. To learn more about our Flower Subscriptions, visit oakandlily.ca
Oak & Lily doesn’t just carry flowers, we have a warmly curated collection of plants, candles, bath and body products, stationery, art prints, and giftware, the majority sourced from local and independent Canadian makers.
For weddings and events, Oak & Lily offers both full-service floral design and intimate à la carte packages, making thoughtful florals accessible at every scale. Our aesthetic is rooted in natural elegance, garden-inspired arrangements that feel effortless yet deeply considered. We utilize seasonal textures and colour pairings to bring life to your event with flowers.
We hope you will come past our little shop on the corner of Beaverbrook and Corydon to have a look at our stem bar (you can build your own bouquet!), locally made gifts, cards and goodies, or just to say hello.
Love, Jess & Ellie
