Dragon Flowers

Orchids, hydrangeas, lilies and azaleas: There’s nothing you can’t find at Tamey Lau’s Dragon Flowers. The notorious Mile End flower shop has been operating for decades now, and occupies a very special place in the minds and hearts of the neighbourhood’s residents.

Dragon Flowers, close to the intersection of Bernard and St-Urbain, quickly draws the eye, with its suspended birdcages swinging in the breeze and lush vegetation hiding the building’s brick walls. As one approaches, Tamey often greets them outside, all smiles.

Her arrangements are unique, and she builds them on the spot, for any occasion. While doing so, Tamey shares with her clients a few words of wisdom, well-needed encouragement or some musings about life’s ups and downs. She’ll even throw in an extra flower or two. "I’d rather lose a bit of money than a client," she says.

It’s no wonder that she’s known as the "Mile End’s mother."