Fena Flowers, Brittany Flowers Co-Winners in Best Florist Poll

A rose is the same by any name, but our weekly Readers' Choice polls are not, as we discovered in this week’s contest about the best florist in Kirkland or nearby.

Our polls are based not only on votes, but also on reviews posted on our Kirkland Patch Places directory listings for the companies involved. And one of our two top vote-getters this week was not in our directory when we launched the poll Monday morning. We added it to the poll immediately after being alerted by a reader, and started the process of putting it in our directory. But it did not appear in the directory until Tuesday.

As the poll blossomed, this company, , earned the most votes, 18. But it earned no reviews. The No. 2 vote-getter, , with 10 votes, also earned three colorful reviews. Our scoring system is weighted heavily toward reviews, so Fena grew beyond Brittany in points, 38 to 10.

But we feel bad because Brittany Flowers did not appear in our directory and thus could not be reviewed until Wednesday. So we’re tossing a bouquet to both and declaring Fena Flowers and Brittany Flower co-winners.

Since there are only two full-service floral shops in Kirkland, we added to the poll a few others in nearby towns. None received a single vote. Our two Kirkland florists, it would it would appear, are well respected in the community.

Thanks to "Kevin” for letting us know about Brittany. He commented: “Long time florist in Kirkland. They use to be in Houghton where the Metropolitan Market sits until the Market took over the space. Now they are in Totem Lake.”

J Goodwin added this: “Brittany Flowers is by far the best.
I have a wedding business and am a member of a Church who has many occasions to order flowers.”

But Fena Flowers’ reviews were glowing like a rose, all three of them full five stars. Donna Sue Mansfield wrote: “Absolutely fabulous!! They take care of my firm's needs perfectly, and also our personal flower needs. I particularly like Lon (spelling??) - his arrangements are flawless. Fena Flowers is a great support in the local community, too.”

Our friend Jeff Hoerth added: “Beautiful long-lasting arrangements and Fena generously contributes to many local causes.” Connie Winter wrote: “Always beautiful fresh arrangements - guaranteed to get raves by the recipient!”

So congratulations to both Fena Flowers and Brittany Flowers!

And on to next week’s Readers’ Choice poll: What restaurant has the best Mother’s Day brunch in Kirkland?

We'll post a story announcing the new poll here at 5 a.m. on Monday. We've already begun compiling our list for the poll, but would gladly accept and appreciate suggestions and nominations. Please reply here with a comment, or email the editor, Greg.Johnston@Patch.com, or let us know on Facebook.

Thanks to all who have participated so far in or polls! Please join the conversation!