Wing-Hon N.
Yelp
Having the pleasure of traveling the world for 45 years, I have in the last decade developed a slightly self-indulgent habit: now whenever I'm staying for 3 nights or more, I'd make it a point to buy some flowers to dress up the room. It makes me happy to wake up to a fresh bouquet or come back to a welcoming orchid after a long day of sightseeing. It makes me treasure those days and reflect on how lucky I am.
All can be done on a budget, of course. I typically find the least expensive glass vase and some favorite Casablancas. It's doable for around USD10 even in high earning NYC and HK. One just has to go to where the locals shop. Here in HK, that would be the Flower Market in Prince Edwards, adjacent to bustling Mong Kok.
I was hoping to find both orchids and lillies. I am very happy to report that it was an easy feat.
This market encompasses approximately 2 city blocks; not huge but the variety of vendors do cover a myriad of needs. Space utilization is a specialty and necessity in dense Asian metropolises. I saw everything that one may need for an indoor oasis: fungi, cacti, succulents, from white Casablancas to pink stargazers and every color in between, hydrangeas, roses, orchids etc. etc. Vendors sell single stems, bunches in different numbers and in bouquets (ready-made or custom); even single blossoms. I was impressed by many of the ready-made ones. Especially the smaller bouquets, no doubt catering the budget minded romantics in this space precious, dense metropolis.
There are high-end boutiques as well as basic distributors. There are stores that specialize in gardening supplies, vases and vessels. Most needs & budgets are covered.
My visit coincided with the month of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a few stores carried the festive lanterns. Childhood nostalgia! I only wished I could have taken some of the more elaborate ones back to the States. Check out Brighten's (Flori-Art Plaza) location at Pr. Edward Rd. W & Sai Yee.
I have no doubt that the market is extremely festive to celebrate each of the traditional Chinese (lunar) and western holidays. It would be a joy to see the full regalia of cherry blossoms and kumquats during CNY; and, poinsettia & evergreens during Christmas.
I visited the market 3 times on my 10-day trip. Twice to replenish (more as an indulgence than a necessity) and once for gifts.
My suggestion is for any plant and flower lovers to pay the market a visit. Give yourself 2 hours to walk the entire market; talk to the vendors, ask questions, take notes on stock and prices; then decide on which ones to revisit (and barter with).
Yes, you can barter with some, especially if you're buying multiple items. Prices do vary and some are not posted (listed). They will price according to your dress and demeanor. So do your homework, it's part of the challenge and fun. But remember, these vendors' prices are already better than those found elsewhere in the city; so do tread carefully.
Happy hunting.
Tips:
- Short 5-min walk from Prince Edward MTR Station.
- Adjacent to Yuen Po Street Bird Garden (園圃街雀鳥花園), which serves both as a place of gathering for bird lovers & a market for feeds, supplies, bird cages and a variety of birds. It offers a glimpse to a diminishing hobby for Hongkongers. Nostalgia for those of us who grew up visiting dim sum restaurants for breakfast and seeing and hearing these delightful creatures sing to their owners and friends. Word of caution to odor sensitive souls. An issue at large for many Hong Kong sights. But, it's all part of the charm for cross-cultural experiences, right?
- Vendors do pack your purchases w/ your commute in mind w/o prompting & the packaging were adequate for my MTR rides. But don't be shy to ask if you feel you need to double bag.
- I don't consider myself very price savvy. However, I have no doubt these vendors are experts and it's also part of our culture. As a traveler, I see no need to barter to the penny. Bartering is a game, an art of give and take; please enjoy it as such. But do your homework. Also, do count the items that your purchase, because mistakes do happen. Case in point, I bought a package of anthuriums. I saw 4 blossoms but when paying, the salesperson counted out 5 stems. As I was in a hurry for dinner, I did not think to recount them. Sure enough there was a headless stem. Live & learn.
- There're places to grab drinks & snacks within this 2 block enclave. Espresso drinks & specialty teas in the high end Hay Fever, HK-style herbal drinks, HK-style bakeries (e.g. Saint Honore) and HK-style cafes dot the area for your culinary exploits. Egg tarts, anyone?! All but Hay Fever are on PERW.
- Suggestion: visit on the first full day of your visit to maximize your enjoyment of your finds. Hours: 9:30am - 7:30pm
- An unrelated side note for visiting overseas Hongkongers: there're 2 school uniform stores along Pr. Edward Rd. W. at the market. If you're looking for school emblems, these're the places. You're welcome.