Hidden courtyard: New flower shop opens in Aalborg city centre

Aalborg city centre is about to gain another Instagram-worthy destination. 

A new flower and interior design shop is set to open on Gravensgade, the city’s oldest pedestrian street, where its rustic charm and cosy courtyard promise to blend perfectly with the area’s crooked, historic buildings. 

Behind the new venture is 46-year-old Kristina Jensen, who is currently transforming the former premises into Flora Botanica. 

“It’s an old, narrow building, so I need to knock down a wall, repaint parts of the shop, build a counter and a cold room for the flowers, and then I need to renovate the courtyard,” she says. 

A new career in Floristry 

Kristina Jensen lives in Godthåb, just south of Aalborg, but her professional background is far from floristry. 

She holds a university degree in Danish and Media Studies and spent many years working as a teacher. 

Last Friday, however, she completed her education as a floral designer, and she is now focused on the final preparations before opening her very own shop. 

“When I started my floral design education, it was because I wanted to become self-employed. 

I’ve always been very creative, and I love visiting flea markets to find beautiful and unusual items,” she says. 

She also believes Aalborg city centre could use another flower shop. 

“When these premises became available, I simply couldn’t resist. Gravensgade is such a cosy street, and the courtyard is completely unique,” she says. 

Flowers, interiors and hidden treasures 

Before opening day, there is still plenty of work to be done. 

Among other things, the current staff kitchen will be removed to create more space for flowers, plants and interior décor. 

Alongside hand-tied bouquets and floral arrangements for everyday occasions, celebrations and life’s major milestones, customers will also be able to browse a carefully selected range of interior pieces, unique plants, pots and possibly ceramics. 

“I want to create a shop where people feel like exploring. There should be plenty of exciting finds, plants, books and inspiration,” she says. 

A hidden courtyard 

One of the features that will truly set Flora Botanica apart is its charming courtyard. 

Kristina hopes to transform it into a green oasis filled with flowers, lush plants and pots for gardens, terraces and balconies. 

Her ambition is to create a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city – somewhere visitors will naturally want to sit down and relax. 

“I want to create a place where people can take a moment to breathe. Especially if someone comes in to order funeral flowers or arrangements for an important occasion, it can be nice to sit down and reflect for a while,” she says. 

For now, Kristina is working around the clock to complete the final details. 

Initially, she will be running the shop herself, with help from her two children, aged 13 and 15, whenever things get busy. 

“My husband is putting the finishing touches on my website, so in many ways this is a family project,” she says. 

If everything goes according to plan, Flora Botanica will open its doors during the second weekend of September, welcoming visitors with flowers, interior décor and a cosy courtyard that could become a favourite spot for plant lovers, Instagram enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys discovering beautiful finds.