More than decoration: How flowers represent the vibrancy of Birmingham businesses

Filed Under Front Page, Yaysayers

 

Many Birmingham businesses are adding greenery to their storefronts, despite the city’s steel reputation. Whether it be the caldium of Red Cat Coffeehouse or varied plants outside of Mile End, flowers find cracks in the concrete of downtown Birmingham and add color to a gray landscape. 

“Flowers enhance the beauty of a civic space and draw your attention,” said REV Birmingham CEO David Fleming.

One business owner, Mitchell Haygood of Books, Beans, and Candles, affirms there is intentionality to his many potted plants. 

“Roses have thorns, so they’re good for protection,” he said. “And of course roses—love. They have that passion, that kind of energy.” 

Roses were only a sample of the flora BBN has to show off. Haygood went on to describe his Oleander, a notoriously poisonous and beautiful flower found across the South. And near the street, bees hover from stem to stem on a plot of catnip that keeps the endangered pollinators happy and healthy. 

Made evident by Haygood is the fact that there is much to appreciate about the plants that frame our storefronts.

Fleming agrees.

“When you see businesses and building owners presenting flowers it is a sign that those businesses and owners care about the beauty of a commercial district and have confidence that others will enjoy the splash of beauty,” he said.

More than decoration, these flowers act as a reminder of the nurturing, color, that exists within our Magic City. 

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