The Urban Council is trying to force mother and daughter florists out of the space their family business has occupied for almost half a century.
Last April the council ordered the tubs of roses, daffodils and carnations be removed from the steps of Wyndham Street's On Hing Terrace, the High Court heard.
Philip Dykes, for the florists, yesterday accused the council of placing the interests of property owners before those of the public.
The owners of nearby Ivy House had complained the tubs of blossoms outside the Orchid Florist shop were an 'unnecessary annoyance'.
On April 19 last year the council responded by ordering the florists to move, citing the Ivy House complaint as the reason for their decision.
Flower-seller Anita Wu Chee-ling and her family were shocked by the government order.
'It was so sudden,' she said. 'I was very surprised. I've been there for so many years - why do I have to move now?' The Urban Council told the florists they could move to another site in Central.