A lot of you may have seen White Sage bundles pop into new age-y metaphysical shops, crystal shops, or even your neighborhood apothecary in Hoboken and Jersey City. But where does this herb come from and what does it all mean? If you’re curious, we’ve got you covered. Learn all about sage (+ how to safely use it) below, plus where to find some in Hoboken + Jersey City.
The Background Info
Sage dates back thousands and thousands of years, coming from the Latin word Salveo, which means “to heal” or “to save.” It has been used medicinally by ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks for anything from fertility to immortality. In the Middle Ages, it was even used to mask the taste of rotting meat, and as a way to keep people from dying after ingesting said meat.
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What it’s Used For
The most common magical way we use Sage now, aside from as a cooking ingredient, comes from indigenous Americans. Many spiritual practitioners will use it for smoke clearing, or “smudging” as referred to by Native Americans in a ritualistic practice.
This practice involves lighting a bundle of Sage (a small bouquet of the herb) and blowing it out so that the embers create smoke. The smoke is then said to absorb and clear away negative energies by suffocating them.
How to Use it
To use smoke clearing, you can burn Sage around your home, around your front door, to cleanse your crystals or any other item in your home, and even yourself! Letting the smoke wash over you is a great way to perk up and banish negative energies.
If you are sensitive to smoke, Sage spray is also available. It uses the essence of the herb and water (sometimes other botanicals as well) so that you can inherit the same magical properties without dealing with heavy inhalation (although it is perfectly safe).
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Sage is said to be masculine in nature, of the Air element, and of the planet Jupiter. It exists as an herb of wisdom and protection. The tastes smells, and vibrations of this herb help to defend its user, which is why it is so commonly used by modern-day practitioners. Think of using the herb as a way to give your home, items, and even yourself, a sort of magical, protective shower.
Sage is an excellent tool, but it does have a heavy (and familiar) scent. When using, be careful to use sparingly and safely to avoid fumigating your whole home (embers also tend to drop off and could pose a fire hazard). Otherwise, the herb is quite easy to use and highly effective.
Where to Buy Sage in Hoboken + Jersey City
Aspen Marketplace | 226 Washington Street, Hoboken
Love Locked |353 Grove Street, Jersey City
Lucky Honeybee |487 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City
Nurturing Life Acupuncture + Wellness | 106 4th Street, Ho boken
Psychic & Astrology Shop |201 Washington Street, Hoboken
Raine + River Apothecary | 299 Grove Street, Jersey City
The Co. | 632 Washington Street, Hoboken
Washington General Store | 509 Washington Street, Hoboken
Wicked Scents | 163 2nd Street, Hoboken
A Guide to Flower Shops in Hoboken + Jersey City
There's really no time or occasion that isn't improved by flowers. Even a mundane Tuesday can be brightened up with a seasonal arrangement. Here in Hoboken and Jersey City, we are spoiled for choices when it comes to florals in different styles. From classic to trendy to edgy, or even dried, there is a flower shop for any type of recipient. We've rounded them up here, so maybe bookmark this article next time you or someone you love is in need of a pick-me-up or a celebratory arrangement. Read on for a guide to local Hoboken + Jersey City flower shops.
Hoboken
Beethoven's Veranda | 108 Tenth Street
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Beethoven's Veranda is where you can find both potted and fresh flowers, as well as other charming treasures for your garden or home. Owner William Wurch uses locally grown orchids and freshly cut flowers for his stores and has a wealth of knowledge about the care of flowers and plants.
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Bloomie | 107 4th Street
This florist specializes in sustainably-minded floral arrangements and provides both fresh and dried floral options. Bloomie’s has same-day delivery services throughout Hoboken, Jersey City, and NYC.
Flowers by Diane | 109 2nd Street
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Flowers by Diane has been serving Hoboken for over 20 years. This shop provides both fresh-cut flowers as well as a lush selection of low-light plants suitable for apartment living. Diane also keeps fresh tulips in her store all year round, radiating a touch of spring in any season.
Flajes Flowers | 1214 Washington Street
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Flajes Flowers in Hoboken is an expert in roses and has a wide variety of blooms, plants, and personalized arrangements. The flower shop even has same-day delivery in addition to wholesale flowers and custom designs for weddings and events.
Hoboken Florist | 50 Harrison Street
Hoboken Florist's staff has decades of experience in the floral game. The shop carries everything from flowers to candles, balloons, chocolates, and more. Same-day delivery is also available.
Hudson Flowers | 92 Hudson Street
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Hudson Flowers has endless options for flowers. Customers can create their own bouquets or buy one pre-made.
Le Fleur Couture | 1450 Washington Street
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Le Fleur Couture is located inside Cork Wines + Spirits on Washington Street in Hoboken. The flower selection is a reflection of talented founder, Margarete Caldiera's passion for beauty, perfume, and flowers. Le Fleur Couture offers local delivery and has everything from bouquets, arrangements, terrariums, baskets, and brunch set ups.
Mac + The Mushroom | 1012 Grand Street #13
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Mac + The Mushroom is a one-of-a-kind floral design studio that uses eco-friendly practices in their sourcing process. Founder, Kim Kachouglan was even awarded an Emmy for her outstanding floral decorations on the set of Saturday Night Live. Mac + The Mushroom covers floral design for events, weddings, parties, photoshoots, and more. Order inquiries can be sent here.
Mela Fleurs | Online
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Mela Fleurs is a chic sustainable floral design bar that sells custom and pre-made dried flower arrangements.
Park + Bloom | 1012 Grand Street
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For special occasions, check out Park and Bloom for beautiful floral arrangements. The team’s wedding arrangements and bouquets are to die for.
Plan G Florals | Hoboken
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Plan G Florals is a Hoboken-based floral design studio that specializes in wedding and event design. Plan G Floral’s founder Gina's love for floral design began during the pandemic. Her dad would return from the grocery store with a shopping bag full of flowers. The duo would then challenge each other to create unique floral arrangements. Eventually, it became something she looked forward to doing every week. Now, she has converted her passion into Plan G Florals. Her website has a variety of floral arrangement selections for occasions like Valentine’s Day, weddings, and more. To get in contact with Gina, click here to fill out an inquiry form.
SOHO Flower + Garden | 264 1st Street
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Whether you need flowers for a special occasion, or just picking up some to freshen up your apartment, this is the perfect spot for all your floral needs.
Jersey City
14th Street Garden Center | 793 Jersey Avenue
Here, you’ll find everything you need to start that fire escape garden, window box, or lush back garden you’ve been dreaming of.
301 Collective x Rudo Plants | 301 1st Street
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301 Collective is known for unique gifts and clothing, but recently, the store has collaborated with Rudo Plants + Home to bring some greenery into the space. As Rudo's second Jersey City location, the new inventory at 301 Collective includes fresh blooms, dried flowers, potted plants, and more.
Bouquets + Baskets | 548 Jersey Avenue
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Bouquets + Baskets is a flower and garden shop located in the heart of downtown Jersey City. It's a great place to pick up plants or fresh-cut arrangements.
Brennan’s Florist | 222 Newark Avenue
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Brennan’s Florist is an Irish family-owned shop that sells fresh-cut flowers. Delivery is available throughout Hudson and Bergen Counties.
Exchange Place Florist | 33 Hudson Street
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Exchange Place Flowers in Jersey City has plenty of charm and a wide variety of fresh-cut stems and succulents available.
Flor y Cafe | 413 Central Avenue
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Flor y Cafe in Jersey City Heights has expert florists that can create arrangements for any occasion. Flor y Cafe also serves fresh single origin coffee from Puerto Rico and provides same-day flower delivery.
Flower Now | 285 Central Avenue
Flower Now in Jersey City Heights has flower arrangements for any occasion. With everything from bouquets to elaborate wedding arrangements, the flower shop has dozens of options to choose from and even offers same-day delivery.
Joseph's Florist | 222 Newark Avenue
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The team at Joseph's Florist are experts in the art of expression. With everything from corsages and boutonnieres, bouquets, and event arrangements, Joseph's Florist has something for every occasion.
Karma Floral + Event Design | 210 9th Street C2
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Karma Floral designs unique bouquets and arrangements with a wildflower-y feel. The shop can make arrangements for any event.
Made of Leaves | 195 New York Avenue
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Made of Leaves is a whimsical boho-chic event florist based in Jersey City Heights. Fill out the inquiry form on the website here if interested in booking for a wedding or event.
Noah’s Ark Florist | 200 Hudson Street
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This little boutique flower shop considers its style "contemporary design with old-world charm." Call 201-521-1031, shop online, or visit the shop in the Harborside Financial Center to pick up a bouquet.
Rudo Plants + Home | 394 Palisade Avenue + 301 1st Street
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Rudo Plants + Home's original location in Jersey City Heights is filled with highly-curated houseplants, flowers, and home decor. The shop recently expanded to Downtown Jersey City in collaboration with 301 Collective with even more plant magic to love. Rudo also has special blooms and bouquets for special occasions and more.
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Unique Creations Flower Vending Machine | 30 Mall Drive West
Elizabeth-based flower shop, Unique Creations, launched a one-of-a-kind flower vending machine in the Newport Centre Mall last fall. The refrigerated vending machine holds ten flower arrangements that can be taken home instantly by the press of a button. The vending machine can be found on the ground floor of Newport Centre right across from Kohl’s.
