The massive ice storms that hit Tuesday night has many businesses, including florists, struggling to deal with their daily operation in the midst of wide spread power outages.  As many of you know, Flower Shop Network is running on a back up generator until our power is functioning again.  Many of our reps have spent the last few days checking in with several of our florist members across the nation.  During this time the resilience of many of these florists has become evident.

One such florist comes to mind, Christina’s Flower & Gift Shop in Prestonburg Kentucky.  For those of you who don’t know, Kentucky, like Arkansas, was hit pretty hard and many towns have power outages. I spoke with Annette, the owner of Christina’s Flower & Gift Shop, this afternoon and was amazed how positive and cheerful she was during this crisis.  Her flower shop has had power off and on since Tuesday, taking care of her customers the best that she could.  When I ask, “how the customer were taking the inconvenience of the situation.” Annette replied, “They have all been so understanding, they’re in the same boat as we are. In fact, some of the areas around us like Lexington and Frankfort are a lot worst off.”  Annette has been able to fill and deliver most of her orders going to hospitals, residences and businesses.  I asked Annette, if she was still receiving orders from out of town.  “We are still getting calls for new orders from people out of town.  They all begin with ‘I know the weather is a problem there but do you have flowers and if so can you deliver birthday flower to …”  said Annette “… and we’ve been able to take care of most requests.”

Since her home has been without power since Tuesday, Annette and her family have been camping out at the shop. It amazes me how florist are like the energizer bunny, always in constant motion and forever being productive.  Wednesday was the only day that Christina’s was closed due to the power outage and what did Annette do? Spring cleaning.  Annette spent the day wiping down walls and cleaning what she could at home.  When I asked why, her reply was “it was a good way to keep warm.” Anyone else would have hid under a blanket, but not a florist - constantly productive and forever creating beauty.

Annette keep up the good work and hang in there.

"You Have My Heart" Romantic Bouquet

I can’t stop staring at this arrangement. There is too much to love about it! From the architecture of the design to its color scheme, I’m as much in love with this arrangement as can be which is why I’m choosing the “You Have My Heart” bouquet as February’s featured flower arrangement.

I’m not one of those women that gets caught up in chasing romantic things, but I’m definitely moved by the “awww” factor. Sweet and kind gestures still mean the world to me. When I first saw the “You Have My Heart” arrangement among our Valentines Day bouquets, so many things flashed in my mind.

This is one of those romantic gifts that I could instantly picture being presented to me by my sweetie. The romantic atmosphere, his sweet and nervous smile as he waits for my reaction—all of these things sprang forward. I found myself instantly smiling. I called him at work just to say, “I love you” and all he’d done was grace my imagination!

Being not a sickeningly sweet person by nature, we both knew that it took something big to make me feel inclined to act like one. We shared a giggle as I told him that it was actually a very pretty arrangement that I’d just stumbled across while looking at romantic bouquets in the photo gallery.

As far as the design scheme goes, transforming calcynia into a colorful pink heart is a great and simple idea. All it takes is a wood pick with floral wire. Heather also works really well and has a slightly softer look. Pink roses, well, just about every girl loves pink roses. I’m delighted by the simplicity of tasks and the beauty of simple things, so this arrangement stood out to me instantly. I know your sweetheart will love it too!

Paragould Arkansas is one of the many towns across the nation suffering from massive power outages caused by the Tuesday ice storm and the location of Flower Shop Network’s corporate offices. Almost everyone in this town of 28,000 is without power.  Even during this regional catastrophe, the Flower Shop Network staff has been able to work without much difficulty thanks to a natural gas generator.

I am thankful that Brock and Loranne Atwill, Flower Shop Network owners had the forethought to install a natural gas generator for just such emergencies.  After a cold night at home, I was able Wednesday morning to come to work where there was heat, hot water, a shower, a microwave and a stove.  Not only did I find a warm office when I arrived at work, I found an open invitation.  I, like all other FSN employees, was encouraged to bring my family (including my dogs to work) where they could be warm as well.  That’s how it is here at Flower Shop Network.  We are more of a family than a place of business and when the chips are down we take care of each other.

Last night several of the employees and their families chose to spent the night here.  They brought sleeping bags and approached the situation as a camping adventure.  Along with sleeping bags, they brought food and games.  They turned a crisis into a fun party by cooking, sharing and making the best of it.  Between last night and this morning everyone had a chance to use the shower.

We are weathering this storm the best we can. For those of you in the same boat, we wish you the best.  It’s funny  - as we learn that a co-worker’s neighborhood power is up, we react as if they have won the lottery. Hopefully we will all be winners soon. Although it looks like it maybe well into February before some of us have power.

Ask the Expert: Joseph Coat of Many Colors ( Its a House Plant)
Looking for this plant Stella

Reply:
Stella,

The common name Joseph’s Coat has been used for many plants including both indoor and outdoor ones. I can think of two plant in particular that are commonly called Joseph’s Coat plants and can be used as Read the rest of Where Can I Find Joseph’s Coat Houseplant? »

African Violet Plant

Roses are red, violets are the birth month flower of February. Pretty in pink and purple hues for the most part, violets are commonly used in more than just corny poetry. Violets, usually African Violets, have gained widespread popularity in flower shops also. People love the deep purple color of African Violets. When combined with complementary colors and flowers, violets can make all the difference in a beautiful flower arrangement.

Birth month flowers are interesting because they provide an opportunity to give a unique gift. Birthday bouquets with sweet card messages are already can’t-miss gift ideas but throw a little spice into the mix and it’s an even better gift! Card messages can be cute, funny, sweet, or cheesy but the it’s the thought that counts. When gifting a friend or loved one with a February birthday, opt for a fresh bouquet that uses violets or an African Violet houseplant. It’s such a fresh idea that it’s sure to go over well.

Take a look around and you’ll find more than one florist going green these days. However, how many do you actually see getting in their delivery vehicles and picking up recyclables to donate to charity? Exactly.

Flowers From The Rainforest is a flower shop in Fort Lauderdale, Florida whose owner, Sherry Tannozzini, decided to make the best of several available resources. Sherry has been taking in old cases as a way to go green, but a contact at a local charity mentioned a need for ink cartridges. That was the moment when Sherry realized that her delivery drivers visit several offices per day. Offering perks for the businesses that donate their runoff, Sherry has started collecting many items such as old cell phones, vases, ink cartridges, and even Christmas trees during January.

However, it’s more than just going green that earns Sherry and Flowers From The Rainforest a nod. The recyclables that Sherry collects are given to local non-profit charities. One gives points for each printer cartridge which can be used to buy toys for needy children. Another recycles phones for use in women’s shelters.

We are very proud of Sherry for her initiative and undertaking such a big hearted gesture. Way to go!

"High Society" Spring Flowers

Spring is just around the corner. While it may not be here just yet, keeping bouquets of spring flowers in sight serves as a constant reminder that the bloom of flowers and sunshine will be upon us quickly.

The winter months are not especially harsh here in Arkansas, but I always like to keep splashes of color around the house to cancel out the gloomy grays of the snowy and icy days. This can be accomplished in really easy and quick ways. For instance, I keep spring flowers in a vase on my breakfast table. While this may seem almost too simple, the color livens up the room and makes the blandness of my whole grain cereal seem more bearable.

Another great way to spice up your home’s decor is by placing spring flowers in unique vases. A very popular trend is the use of ribbon to turn a blase glass vase into a very attractive piece for displaying beautiful bouquets. See? There are many creative ways to battle the blues and decorate the home using spring flowers.

Piano tops (but not grand pianos), mantlepieces, coffee tables and similar locations are excellent places for small touches of spring. Your local florist will have a selection of colorful flowers from which to choose, but here are some of the spring flower arrangements that I use around my home.

"Spring Promises" bouquet--perfect for table tops.

"Fresh Breeze" Flower Basket--The perfect gift for mom!

"Charming Collection" spring flowers--A dazzling contemporary display.

Of course, these are only my suggestions. You can also discuss creative spring bouquets with your local florist who can make additional suggestions on placement, which flowers to include, and including flowers with a particularly happy meaning for additional pep. It’s all about you!

Ask the Expert: What type of plant
I would like to know what type of plant this is and how do I take care of it?
Thankyou Roy

I am attaching a photo of the plant

Purple Shamrock

Reply:

Roy,

What you have is an Oxalis regnellii autropurpurea commonly known as Purple Shamrock. It likes to moist soil, cool air and bright indirect light if kept indoors and can tolerate a shady type atmosphere outside. I’ve answered another questions similar to this one. If you want to read it go to “One Man’s Weed Is Another Man Lucky Shamrock“.

It’s a new year and a new beginning, so why not welcome a renaissance with daisies. These pretty flowers represent innocence and purity; in other words, just what you want to carry with you throughout the year! Easy to find and easier to love, daisies are also great gifts for those familiar with flower meanings.

The new year begins with parties and resolutions but rarely begins with a thoughtful bouquet of flowers. Whatever the resolution is this year, arrangements of daisies decorating a favorite room will be the daily reminder that sees that resolution to completion. How? By understanding the flower meanings of daisies.

"Lazy Daisy and Delphinium" Arrangement

The most common resolution pertains to weight loss. Perfect for daisies! Flower meanings like “purity” help daisies bring the purity of mind and body into focus. With a frequent glance at the beauty of daisy arrangements, the purity and beauty sought will be difficult not to remember and work toward.

Daisy flower meanings also represent a very special emotion, loyal love. Daisies are a true and honest way to say that the love you feel for the recipient is as loyal and faithful as can be. Affection like that is irreplaceable. Express your loyal love to your sweetheart or even very close friend with a bouquet of daisies.

Flowers sent on Valentine’s Day should express the feelings of the sender. Did you know that the Victorian Era gave each flower a special meaning? Florists can creatively arrange a bouquet of flowers using these meanings in order to convey a special message. But that’s only good if the flowers are delivered to someone who understands the flower meaning of each flower in the bouquet. What’s tricky is that flowers can have more than one meaning (sometimes a positive one and a negative one). If the person sending flowers has a different perspective than the person who receives the flower arrangement, interpretation becomes a risky proposition. It is of utmost importance that the message is not lost in the translation. That’s where florists come to the rescue.

Local florists understand this predicament and are willing to help. Every flower arrangement, delivered by a florist, includes an enclosure card that states who sent the flowers along with flower delivery information. But enclosures cards are more than that; they give you the opportunity to send a special message to the recipient. Since we are not all blessed with a poetic voice or even the gift of gab, I asked several florists what they thought were good Valentines Day Card Messages.

Florists Voted These As The Top 40 Valentines Day Cards Messages:

• A message for my Sweetheart. Everyday with you is Valentine’s Day for me. I Love You.
• Everywhere you go love and beauty just seem to follow. Happy Valentine’s Day
• Life is filled with lots of things that make it all worthwhile, but none is better than the love found in your little smile.
• You are my partner, my sweetheart, my confidant and advisor, my comforter and friend. You are my quiet place away from the rest of the world.
• With all my love
• Darling, words cannot begin to express how much I appreciate you for bringing a spark of excitement, a touch of tenderness, the light of love to every day of my life.
• Thank you for filling my life with love.
• May your life be filled with the kind of heartfelt beauty that you bring to mine.
• Remembering you and the many reasons you’re so dear to me.
• For Valentine’s Day, let’s have a nice, romantic candlelight dinner for two. I’ll find the baby-sitter. You pickup the pizza and beer.
• Even in a fairy tale where every dream comes true, I could never hope to find a husband/wife as sweet as you.
• Wishing someone close to my heart a warm and wonderful day.
• Have the most delicious, super-duper, stupendously fantabulous Valentine’s Day ever! Did I get carried away again?!
• How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach. -Elizabeth Barrett Browning
• Everyday is Valentine’s Day when I’m with you.
• I think you’re really precious and cute! In a studly, manly kind of way, of course.
• It’s a joy to share my heart with you!
• Warmest Valentine’s Wishes
• Know what I like about you? Everything! Happy Valentine’s Day
• May your every heart’s desire come true for you today.
• Right from the start you stole my heart. Happy Valentine’s Day
• Thank you for all the countless, caring ways you’ve filled my life with love.
• Thank you for being a constant source of laughter and love, strength and support.
• The laughter, the smiles, and the tears, the memories we’ve shared through the years, a love on which I can depend, my sweetheart, my forever friend.
• Wishing you a day filled with happiness because you’ve filled my life with love.
• You’re always on my mind and in my heart. Happy Valentine’s Day
• You fill me with passion and desire.
• Your face lights up my world.
• Without you my world would be empty.
• Together our passion grows.
• You will always be my heart’s strongest weakness.
• I love you more everyday.
• Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing with you. Happy Valentine’s Day!
• There aren’t enough words in any language to express how much I love you.
• 1. Me - 2. Your family - 3. Everyone who recognizes kindness, caring, and generosity of spirit. Just a short list of the people whose lives you’ve touched. Happy Valentines Day.
• Sweetheart these tulips should suffice until my two lips can touch yours.
• Although the beauty of these flowers will diminish, your beauty never will in my eyes.
• You + Me, That’s all I need.
• These flowers are the closest thing to the natural beauty of our love.
• You Know.

These Valentine cards messages express a multitude of emotions and sentiments. You’ll find sweet, romantic, sentimental, funny and simple messages. All you have to do is choose the one that fits your emotion. When you send Valentine flowers with one of these messages, you won’t have to worry about your sweethearts interpretation of your loving gift.