Birch

Pushing the envelope… this magical place offers more than expected from a Florist. They created the most beautiful arrangement for a very special day. They also offer wonderful gift items. Clearly, there is a lot of thought put into each item that is offered. The staff is very friendly and willing to work on a budget.

The woman who runs the place is extremely unfriendly. Think Soup Nazi for flowers. Check Bo’s flowers which isn’t much further or go to
. Ive lived in the neighborhood for 10 years and I’ll keep buying flowers elsewhere.
Wow. I wrote this having not read any of the other reviews! She’s consistently a Birch!

Thank goodness for Unilocal reviews. I thought I was a little extreme in my opinion but reading through the reviews of folks talking about the coldness/​rudeness of the owner confirms my experience this past weekend.
First, let me tell you I have spent hundreds of dollars at this shop! It was my first time actually going into the shop and it just so happened that the owner was there. I thought to introduce myself and let her know how nice it was to finally meet her. She was so cold but the icing on the cake was when I told her how nice it was that I got to meet her on the weekend and she actually replied snarkily that «some of us» have a life! She was rude, cold, flippant and appeared perturbed that I was talking to her if only briefly. It was baffling and a wonder that she can treat clients or customers this way. It’s just not acceptable. It soured my entire experience of having worked with them and casts such a cloud of my opinion of this shop. I am a supporter of local independent businesses and while I applaud talent I cannot stand behind talent WITH poor customer service. The two are essential and unfortunately she is dismal in the latter.

The owner is consistently unkind and cold when I wander into the store. As the owner of a service-​based business, this baffles me.

The woman working today, presumably the owner, was incredibly rude to me when I accidentally wandered in after closing time. She just lost a future customer. This is the kind of snobbery and entitlement that is ruining this city.

Birch: a sexy treasure trove of goodness that would make any aesthete’s eyes pop.
Aesthete: a person who has or affects to have a special appreciation of art and beauty.
Torryne Choate: the ultimate aesthete, and magic force behind Birch.
Her unique and creative floral artistry is a mainstay at the parties I’ve thrown in my home, and I’m so happy (and lucky!) that she’s just around the corner.

I’m not sure why this place gets as many high marks as it does. Every time I’ve been in here and the owner is working I feel really put off. I realize that’s «just the way she is» but why own a retail store if that’s your attitude. Besides I’m not really that impressed with what’s ever on hand.
Boring.

If I could own a store, in Hayes Valley, this would be it. It’s gorgeous, with the most unique gifts (think chocolates, Tina Frey vases, In Fiore perfumes, handwoven textiles, super cool magazines, etc), beautiful flowers, and exceptional people. I pass by here whenever I need a stunning bouquet for a hostess gift, and I’m one lucky wife to have received many wonderful Valentine’s and Birthday bouquet’s ever since they’ve opened on Hayes.
If you’re ever looking for the perfect gift, perfect bouquet, or both, Birch is your place. Torryne has the best eye, and Caty always helps me out in a pinch when I’m looking for that last minute arrangement. They are creative, lovely, and will do anything they can to create something personal and unique for you.

We were overcharged by over $ 1800 for our wedding reception and at the last minute the floral design changed. We foolishly trusted her with our credit card details.
It was sharp practice, Torryne Choate did not deliver what she stated in writing for our wedding. Nor did she respond to a letter we sent her.

Guy walks into a flower shop looking to pick something up for his GF who has had a tuff week… Ummm, where are all the flowers in this place? Its strangely full of everything but flowers. Nobody greets him. Finally after a couple minutes he asks about flowers. Sales person responds «I don’t think we have anything in the price range you’re looking for.» NOT JOKING, THIS HAPPENED.

I adore this shop, they make such unique bouquets of flowers. The person who runs the shop was very kind to me when I was in a rush. She put mint leaves with the flowers and it smelled so very good! Very feminine and unique!

This is a lovely shop. The owner doesn’t jump on you and hump your leg, so if that makes her unfriendly, so be it. I like her laid back attitude. You can browse, no pressure to buy, and she continues her work while you look around. There are little boquets to pick up if you are in a hurry, and I can’t imagine anybody would be resistant to getting one, they are beautiful. There are unusual flowers and florist techniques, and the creations are beautiful. I really like the jack russel that hangs out, waiting for tushie scratches and for you to play. I guess people can read the vibe as cold, I took it as no pressure, do your thing, let me know if you need help, and enjoy the beautiful flowers.

Really beautiful presentation that leaves a strong impression.

Everything about this place is truly wonderful. The lady working with the French accent was so nice and easy going, which is so nice to feel that comfortable in a store. The dahlia we got is about 12 inches around and just about the most beautiful flower I have ever had. They got their dahlia collection from Half Moon Bay. We also got sage, which is hands down the best sage wrap ever and it is from Oakland. Love it as the store really does keep it local. The wrapping in the end is gorgeous too.
Birch = to shine. They do.

I was giddy when I walked into Birch. GIDDY!
Earlier that day I had mentally jotted down «buy little white square pots for succulents» on my to-​do list… and low and behold… I’m strolling through Hayes Valley that afternoon and see my dream pots! What the f. It was like fate.
So not only did Birch have just what I wanted, but I was literally giddy when I stepped inside their store, pouring over their design magazines and exotic flowers. The white vases & colorful flowers set the scene for a nice contrast against the walls that were decked out in jet black paint. Love it.
Now, let me warn you that if you’re not into modern design, this shop probably isn’t your cup of tea… but if you are, you’re in for a real treat!

When I first walked into Birch (Hayes Street location) this afternoon (a Sunday), the place was bustling with activity. They have gorgeous selections of cut flowers, as well as some exotic orchids; they can make custom arrangements which would add some dazzle to your home. They also have a variety of higher end odds and ends things: incense, candles, vases of modern design, a large wall of stylish magazines, high end chocolates, funky jewelry and, of course, beautifully and creatively designed flower arrangements.
It’s a little confusing at first. When I walked in, there is a large wall of magazines on the left, to the right are shelving/​display areas of flowers in vases, vases, jewelry and some odds and ends; in the middle is a display rack of more flowers, vases, books and decorative items. On the floor in one corner was a stack of incense sticks in nice boxes and packaging. I wasn’t sure if the place was a book store, a magazine store, or a flower store or what. I’m not sure it matters, however, because everything is just gorgeous. The owner has a fantastic eye for color and texture and while they don’t have huge amounts of non-​flower items, the pieces they carry are beautifully crafted and would make great gifts or for yourself if you’re feeling indulgent.
I’m somewhat surprised about the negative comments about the poor service. As I mentioned earlier, the place was busy but the lady running the show seemed to have everything under control. She took the time to show me some incense sticks that were «in the back room» and also gave me some ideas for an arrangement for my home. I thought she was very nice and helpful. I have to admit, however, that I did not buy anything because I was already carrying some groceries in one hand and I didn’t feel like schlepping more stuff by foot back to my house. The lady did not bat an eye when I told her that I wasn’t prepared to buy anything on the spot and she welcomed me to stop by again for the 20^th Hayes Valley Holiday Party — and I think I will do so.
Like many retailers in Hayes Valley, Birch is not cheap, nor is it terribly expensive. I think that for its location and the quality of their merchandise, prices are definitely what I would expect.
Even if you’re not in the market for anything they offer, it’s worth checking it out just ‘cos it’s got such beautiful stuff. And I love beautiful stuff. Even if it isn’t my beautiful stuff.
Like most little neighborhoods, street parking is impossible on Hayes Street, so leave your car at home. Trust me. I live in Hayes Valley. Leave your car at home — it’ll cause you more aggravation than it’s worth.

The most beautiful flowers evar!
I walked in after my friend’s amazing performance with the Symphony to show my appreciation for her art through flowers. Flower Artist (owner? i don’t know) asked my price range, my companion doubled it and she created the most beautiful bouquet I have ever purchased… and the most beautiful bouquet my friend has ever received.
Stellar.
Hey, um, future boyfriend? come here. I love you.

Where do I even begin?
There are not enough words to describe my love and admiration for Birch. The raw beauty and creativity that adorns the interior of this store is just absolutely breathtaking. I stumbled upon Birch last year when this 2^nd location just opened up and I couldn’t help but get drawn inside because of their beautiful window display, black concrete walls, array of chic and fun gifts, and a wall adorned with the most fabulous fashion magazines from all over the world. Lots of cute gift ideas here + of course FLOWERS!
As soon as I walked in, my eyes were lit with excitement and awe over the beauty of everything and I was immediately in love. I get so much inspiration for everything every time I am here.
Each time I’m in this area, I make sure I make some time to stop by Birch. Torynne (the owner) is an absolute sweetheart and her creativity never ceases to amaze me. The last time I paid a visit, Torynne was in the middle of making an amazing flower arrangement made out of magazine clippings — just another example of her creativity.
Places like these make me seriously want to move over to Hayes Valley. Birch + Paulettes + Miettes + Huf + La Boulangerie… all within just a freakin block of each other?!! So jealous.
One of my favorite stores in the city!
LOVE. IT.

No doubt about it, this is a beautiful store, with pretty and precise floral arrangements that could make a grown man weep. I also like the choice selection of magazines that take up one wall, daring customers (like myself) to be more mode, debonair and stylish than they currently are.
Look for other niceties like greeting cards, vases, local jewelry and my favorite, Set Edition business cards with cutting one liners («Stop Talking,» «I Am Right, You Are Wrong,» «Mercy,» etc.) letterpressed on them. This is owner Torryne Choate’s (even her name makes me slightly envious) second location, so she must be pleasing some of the right people. Pop in sometime; it’s a fitting and welcome addition to Hayes Street.

I saw Birch on Daily Candy yesterday and was so excited. «Beautiful buds — and… a selection of mostly European and Japanese design, fashion, and music magazines.» Two of my very favorite things!
I clicked through to their site and noted that there was an opening party at 5PM — and it just so happened that I’d be in the neighborhood for dinner.
What a beautiful space and such lovely flowers. While you could do better on either flowers or magazine selection elsewhere, combine them and it’s like baiting a deadly Jen trap!
So why only one star? I could not believe how inexcusably rude the owner was.
It was a public opening and no one was in the store — yet she completely ignored me and my two friends. Perhaps it was my jeans and sneakers — but I’d been sick for days and just wanted to be comfy when I finally escaped the couch!
Whatever the cause, all of our queries were met with indifference — even when we asked to purchase one of the items for sale. (And, when my friend grabbed a small handful of the snack mix they’d set out, Torryne went so far as to remove it!)
I’m moving to a gorgeous Victorian around the corner in a few days — one that just screams for some fun and eclectic floral arrangements. Rest assured, however, that I will not even consider buying them at Birch.