ISLAND PETALS
Jack Hardy
Where does one go to buy flowers for that special occasion: birthday, anniversary, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and so on? And those times when a man has to say “Sorry”? Island Petals, of course. Melanie Bethel, previously of Gardeners Eden, has opened up Island Petals over the road from Solomon's Mines, near to the entrance to Abaco Beach Hotel and Resort.
The building itself is of traditional Bahamian architecture and Island Petals is very spacious with a seating alcove and two separate display areas. “We’re Not Just Flowers!” is the declaration and once you enter Island Petals you just know that is true. You are met with swathes of silk flowers of virtually every blossom you can think of - even orchids with artificial roots to add verisimilitude.
Island Petals officially opened on 30th May with a reception that drew close to 100 prospective clients. Refreshments were provided and I tasted the most delicious cookies you could imagine. Well, they weren’t really cookies, there were chunky concoctions of lemon and chocolate and nuts that just made you go back for more (and carry some home). Ashley Roberts, who is one of the assistants at Island Petals, told me her mother made them. Mrs Roberts, I do not have a sweet tooth, but after tasting your creations I just pigged out. Sorry, they were so delicious.
So after the beautiful natural flower arrangements that Marsh Harbour has been used to from Melanie for so long and the silk flowers, what else was there to enjoy? Start with local homemade candy on the counter then go through to the main room: tasteful ceramics, Abaco-made baskets, beach bags and purses made from Androsia material, local straw work, potpourris, candles and adventurous holders, vases, a wealth of pottery, garden statuary, an aromatherapy section that included what I (as a man) would have called bath salts but were called bath tea and had some interesting speckles, picture frames and a whole host of other items that could be best described as gift items for Teacher, Mummy, etc.
I now know where to go for birthday gifts that will be looked upon as really thoughtful and distinctly classy. Melanie and the staff of Island Petals have made my life easier.