Even on the dreariest city day, Willem and Jools seems to exude sunlight. Tucked on the southern stretch of Roncesvalles Village, this bright flower and plant shop is filled with strange and beautiful flora that tend to pique the curiosity. Exhibit A: a pineapple plant in the window, with its cherubic fruit nestled among an umbrella of arm-sized fronds.
“And you can eat it!” points out owner Joanne Winkelaar, whose last name, by coincidence or fate, is Dutch for “shopkeeper.” Since opening in June 2015, Willem and Jools has thrived off of Joanne’s keen eye for unique pieces — white-furred cacti, oddly structured succulents and, the plant du jour, air plants. “I look to sell unusual but manageable types of plants,” Joanne explains. “My eye for plants is something that pops out for its design structure.”
She spends plenty of time sourcing her offerings and strives to keep things local, but sometimes looks abroad for the perfect piece. Flowers come from as close as Guelph and Niagara and as far away as South Africa and Holland. And, for clientele who can’t trek out to Roncesvalles, Willem and Jools delivers fresh flowers and plants across the GTA, from Oakville to Ajax.
Willem & Jools is my happy place. Everything is beautiful, the selection is fresh, the vibe is cool and the staff is super! My favorite neighbourhood flower shop hands down!
What a treat to step off of the busy Roncesvalles into this peaceful shop. The floral arrangements that come out of their doors are gorgeous and always seem to have something unique in them. I no longer wait for a special occasion to bring the beauty into my home.
Willem & Jools is my go-to place to buy flowers and gifts for any occasion. I love their unique style and design of bouquets, sort of wild meets English garden. I am always super happy with my purchases.
