Kathy Spear’s florist shop is tucked behind India House on Colchester Avenue, but passersby can’t miss it — the floral display outside, at least in summer, is nearly as lush as the colorful, fragrant assortment indoors. Known for her creative, sculptural designs, Spear says her personal favorite arrangements are inspired by elegant Japanese ikebana — though she’ll happily indulge customers who want an extravagant bouquet. Kathy & Co. takes phone and online orders and, as a member of the international florist biz Teleflora, can have arrangements sent nearly around the globe. Spear assures that giving flowers isn’t a one-way street, gender-wise. “Women give men flowers, too,” she says. “There are so many occasions to give flowers.”

SEVEN DAYS: What do you wish people knew more about when they ordered flowers on the phone?

KATHY SPEAR: Today’s society is sort of a fast-food society; people expect us to have every flower that’s on the website at all times, and get [their order] out within the hour. … People aren’t always flexible.

SD: Have you recognized any married men buying flowers for women who are not their wives?

KS (laughs): Oh, I’m not going there! We’re like the priest.

—Pamela Polston