Rhododendrons, orchids, and peonies—flowers that stir the senses and linger in memory. Julia Shelton, founder and creative director of 2Peonies, treats floristry as a practice of mindfulness, crafting arrangements that invite a quiet pause.

2Peonies, a floral studio based in Toronto, is rooted in the belief that wellness can be subtly woven into everyday life. Their work centres on the quiet power of flowers—the way natural forms can lift our thinking, ease our mood, and bring a sense of calm to ordinary moments. 

Founded by Julia Shelton, the studio reflects her measured, intuitive approach to design. Julia treats each arrangement as an exploration of how form, colour, and texture influence the spaces we occupy. Her philosophy is understated yet intentional: flowers should not overwhelm a room, but rather create an atmosphere that invites presence, clarity, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Gabryel: First of all, thank you for taking the time to talk about 2Peonies. For those who don't know you, how would you best describe yourself?

Julia: I would describe myself as a passionate individual, which comes through in both my work and personal life. I'm always working because I love what I do. I enjoy spending time on low-key activities with people who appreciate similar surroundings. I'm introverted, but I genuinely adore good chats and connecting with other passionate people.

Gabryel: I notice that you reference flower psychology in your work. Could you describe what flower psychology is for our readers?

Julia: Flower psychology is essentially a sensory experience that explores the way flowers make us feel. Their visual impact and fragrance capture our attention, helping us shift our focus away from internal dissonance. Flowers, in their many forms, offer a fragment of this effect when brought indoors. 

 

 

Gabryel: Besides keeping fresh flowers in your home, how do you personally nurture your well-being?

Julia: I take a lot of time for myself. Where extroverts source their energy from being around others, I’m in tune with the fact that solitude is my way to recharge. I also practice meditation and run. Both are great ways for me to reset and clear my mind before any big tasks or full days ahead.

Gabryel: I’ve been curious about the delivery circuit that you offer. The idea of receiving fresh flowers every second week sounds like a dream to me. What inspired you to create it, and how has the response been so far?

Julia: The inspiration behind the delivery circuit came from a lack of affordable floral options and a desire to show people how even minimal florals can shape our surroundings. So far, our clients seem to understand that mission. The service isn’t for everyone—the flowers are simple, and there’s a lot of experimentation as we grow—but the circuit is always where we test our newest combinations.

Our circuit members genuinely appreciate our approach to flowers and look forward to receiving something different each time. For $68 a month, clients receive bi-weekly surprise arrangements. It’s not a fussy service, though we do keep notes on individual preferences that are easy to accommodate.

 

"Wildflowers offer an amazing, natural look to arrangements. We source them locally, which is why we see a wonderful, changing progression of varieties as the months go by."

 

 

The 2Peonies catalogue showcases a selection of floral arrangements, weekly specials, and the delivery circuit, while their Instagram offers a glimpse of their latest creations.

Photographer - Ness Devos

 Conversation with Gabryel Lake