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Archives for December 2009

Mum Really Is The Word At This Lahr, Germany Festival

Thanks to our good friend Randy Cozart, we didn’t have to buy a plane ticket to see the Lahr, Germany chrysanthemum festival — and neither do you!

The last weeks of October were a great time to be traveling around Germany. Visitors to the town of Lahr were greeted with a magnificent, colorful display of mums. Imagine a life-sized garden filled to the brim with vibrantly colored blooms so bursting with color and flair that it’s nearly impossible to look away. Be prepared. The feelings that accompany that spectacle are what you’ll have when you view the gallery of photos below from this year’s chrysanthemum festival.

To view the photos from this year’s Chrysanthemum Festival, click [Read more…]

Traveling Lucky Bamboo Turning Yellow

Ask the Expert: lucky bamboo plants
Hello,
I’ve recently brought 2 bamboo plants from Scotland to Barcelona in Spain and one of these plants has recently started to turn yellow from not quite the top of the stalk and this colour is travelling down the stalk.  At the bottom of the stalk where it”s still green are new leaves coming out of a new little stalk.  There’s still a leaf coming out of the top of the stalk (where it’s still green).  The other plant seems to be fine.  I’ve put both these plants together with a 3rd plant which has always been in our house in Barcelona – also healthy.  I’m particularly keen to know what to do with the plant turning yellow as they were my dad’s plants and he just passed away a couple of months ago and I obviously want to keep them.  Could it be the change of location or different type of water?  I was using tap water here in Barcelona but have now changed to bottled water, having read some other postings.  Also, what should I do about the new shoot at the bottom of the stalk!
?  I’s still healthy but because it’s quite low down is inside the large glass container I keep them in, about an inch above the water. I’m scared the yellow colour is going to spread down and infect that part too!   I keep them inside where they get some light but not bright direct sunlight.
Thanks very much in advance. Catherine

Plant Expert Reply:

All plants will go through transplant shock when moved. Wilting, pale coloring and lack of growth  can all be a result of transplant shock. Normally we recommend leaving the plant alone during this period. However with yellowing in lucky bamboo, we look for other causes as well. In lucky bamboo, yellowing is usually caused by one of two factors: too much light or too much fertilizer.  Too much light usually occurs from top down— while too much fertilizer occurs from bottom up.  In your case, the yellowing seems to be from the middle traveling downward. This makes me think it is a damage issue and not the normal transplant shock or yellowing issues.

Check the stalk. Do you see a slight wound or rust spot? If you do, the stalk has been compromised and now has a pathogen causing the yellowing. To treat this problem remove the infected stalks from the other stalks. Now you will need to take the infected stalk and remove the damaged part.  You will do this the same way you would propagate a new lucky bamboo stalk.  Place the healthy green part attached to the roots in its own container filled with distilled water.  If the top still has a healthy green part propagate a new stalk (be sure to use the rooting hormone) and place in the conatiner with the stalk with roots. Throw the yellow part of the stalk away.

Good Luck and keep me posted on the prgress of your lucky bamboo.

Flower Shop Network is a proud sponsor of Ask The Expert questions.

Will Peace Lily Flowers Die Off?

Ask the Expert: peace plant
my peace plant is beautiful, I am trying to keep it that way as it is from my husbands funeral, ? THE WHITE FLOWERS HAVE TURNED GREEN , they are still looking good after 2 months are they suppose to die off and when, will they grow back again? Mary

Plant Expert Reply:

As with all flowers, the peace lily blooms will eventually die. When they do follow the flower stalk to the base of the plant and cut it off.   It will rebloom again any where from a few months to a year – depending on the environment and the cultivar. To ensure you give the plant what it needs, I suggest you read our peace lily care instructions.  The key to keeping it healthy is a evenly moist soil and bright filtered light. Good luck and keep me posted.

Want To Know Your Birth Month Flower?

Regardless of the month you were born, there is a birth month flower for you. Birth month flowers are not like zodiac flowers which correspond to a particular sign, each of which crosses two months. Birth month flowers are fun flowers assigned to a particular calendar month. They’re all the rage given to zodiac flowers, and none of the astrology.

If you’re sending flowers to someone who is very traditional, birth month flowers are a more appropriate choice for her gift. Birth month flowers also provide a chance to send a unique gift with a fun, festive twist. Ready to find out what your birth month flowers are? Check them out.

Birth Month Flowers – January through December:

  • January – Carnations or snowdrops (Colors:  black, dark blue or red)
  • February – Violet or primrose (Colors:  violet, sky blue or yellow)
  • March – Daffodil or jonquil (Colors:  white or light blue)
  • April – Daisy or sweet pea (Colors:  yellow, red and colorless)
  • May -Lily of the Valley or hawthorn (Colors:  yellow, red and green)
  • June – Rose or honeysuckle (Colors:  light blue, white and cream)
  • July – Larkspur or water lily (Colors: green, russet and red)
  • August – Gladiolas or poppy (Colors: orange, red and light green)
  • September – Aster or morning glory (Colors: brown, deep blue)
  • October – Calendula or cosmos (Colors: white, yellow and varied)
  • November -Chrysanthemum (Colors: dark blue, red and yellow)
  • December –  Narcissus or holly (Colors: indigo, green, greenish blue)

See how fun birth month flowers can be? With each of them having their own flower colors as well, the combinations are endless. Your friend or loved one will love such a unique gift with special meaning. It’s different. It’s awesome. It’s fun. It’s fanciful. It’s yours to be had when you contact your local florist.

Psychiatrists: Fill Your Lobby With These Flowers

The Thinker With Flowers

Sometimes a little power of suggestion can do the trick. For those in the profession of mental health, the flower meanings of these blooms represent exactly the emotions you hope to see and express during a session.

It’s proven in many clinical studies that flowers are a powerful part of a happy psyche.  When decorating your waiting room with fresh flowers (always a good idea), consider these flowers for their unique flower meanings. (Read more on flowers and mental health)

  • The flower meaning of begonia is “deep thoughts.”
  • The flower meaning of black-eyed susan is “encouragement.”
  • The flower meaning of white chrysanthemum is “truth.”
  • The flower meaning of red chrysanthemum is “sharing.”
  • The flower meaning of peony is “healing.”

When dealing with mental health, we could all use a little of these sentiments. Contact your local florist to discuss using these fresh flowers in your practice. You can also learn more flower meanings brought to you by Flower Shop Network.

Lucky Bamboo From Water To Soil

Ask The Expert: I have a lucky bamboo plant that I have had for 2 years. It is doing very well in water.  I would love to put it in soil, though, thinking that it would do a lot better.  I was thinking of buyin a good peet moss.  Would that be alright, or should I get just a flower pot mulch? Greg

Plant Expert Reply:

Although lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is normally potted in soil, I would not recommend it after it has been grown in water.  If you decide that it must be in soil, pot it in a basic houseplant medium.  You will need to keep the soil very moist to begin with and then reduce to a medium moisture level.

You will need to watch for root rot.  When you transfer it to a very moist soil, you have a chance of root rot occurring.

Freezing Temp and Spindle Palms – A Deadly Combination?

Ask the Expert: Spindle palms in trouble what to do?

We had an cold snap and the temp dropped into the 20’s.  My outdoor, potted spindle palms now are turning brown but the trunk still looks alive.  What can I do, if anything to save them?  I have 5 total. Terri

Plant Expert Reply:

Spindle palm (Hyophorbe verschaffeltii) a zone 10b-11 plant which means they can do not like temperatures under 35degrees.  For very short periods of time they can tolerate temperatures lower than 35degrees.  Since, I don’t know where you live, I am going to give two answer – one that address those who live in zone 10b-11 and another for those who don’t.

Zone 10b-11 – this is probably not the normal temperature for your area and should not occur again.  Leave the plant alone. It will go into shock but should recover.  If the temperature is going to drop again below the 35degree threshold, cover the plant with a cloth made of natural fiber (not plastic) until the temperature rises.

Other zones – Move the plants to a warmer location.  The temperatures will continue to dip below the 35 degree theshold.  You can move them to a garage or out-building that will stay above 35degrees.  It would be best to find one that has windows, this will give the plants the light source they will need.  The plants will go through shock, so watch your watering. They will not use much water during this time – be sure not to over-water them.

Basically it is a wait and see game now.  Usually a light exposure to cold temperatures will destroy the leaves, but the main plant will survive.

Good luck and keep me posted.

This plant emergency question was brought to you by Flower Shop Network.

Sending Flowers For Christmas? Here’s What Your Florist Should Know

Good tidings we bring to you and your kin. Christmas is the time to send lovely bouquets of flowers to loved ones down the street or across the country. Florists bring flowers to life in spectacular arrangements filled with the red, green and white colors of Christmas (plus a few non-traditional beauties as well).

"Holiday Happiness" Christmas Flowers

"Holiday Happiness" Christmas Flowers

With the popularity of sending Christmas flowers, it’s important to know what information your florist needs to deliver your order smoothly. You don’t have to worry about getting lost in the shuffle. No, nothing like that. It’s just important to keep I’s dotted and T’s crossed during one of florists’ busiest holidays.

To get your Christmas flowers delivered more promptly than if they came on Santa’s sleigh, remember to include the following information when speaking with your florist.

  • Recipient’s Name – Seems like a no-brainer but trust us. Sillier omissions have been made.
  • Recipient’s Address – If your loved one is staying out of town for the holidays, have the address of their other location. This will prevent flowers being left in the cold or returned to the flower shop because no person was available when the delivery was attempted.
  • Recipient’s Phone – This is particularly important to the driver who may need permission to access the premises, help locating the address, etc.
  • Consumer’s Phone – This is your telephone number. Though rare, the florist filling your order may need to contact you regarding flower substitutions, unsuccessful delivery attempts, and other similar events.
  • Allergic Information (if applicable) – If the recipient is allergic to a particular flower, your florist should be given this information.
  • Special Instructions – Special instructions vary and are not always mandatory. Special instructions can include a requested delivery time, allergic information, an alternate address, delivery instructions for an apartment complex and more.

This may seem like a lot of information but take heart. Ordering Christmas flowers from your local florist (or your loved one’s local florist) is quick and painless. All it takes is a quick phone to the florist or you can order Christmas flowers online from a local florist using Flower Shop Network.

We wish you a merry Christmas and happy new year!

How Are YOU Going The Extra Mile For Your Customers?

Flower Shop Network members are some of the sweetest, most pleasant local florists. Many go the extra mile to make customers happy. These flower shops make customer service a priority and the extra attention pays off.

One Happy Customer!

One Happy Customer!

We recently learned of a florist who put a little extra effort into customer service and the results were amazing. Shirle Malone, owner of Bloomin’, a flower shop in Gadsden Alabama, took a call from a young woman in Oklahoma who wanted to send flowers to her grandmother in Gadsden. She had been separated from her grandmother for a while and wanted to make sure that her grandmother knew to expect a visit soon.

Shirle, being the “above and beyond” florist that she is, personally delivered the flowers to the lady’s grandmother. She took two pictures and sent them to the young woman in Oklahoma. This pleased both the sender and the recipient to no end. Being several thousand miles away, it was important for the young woman to witness the smile on her grandmother’s face as she received a beautiful flower arrangement and the sweet message.

I recently spoke with Shirle about her experience. She had some very insightful things to say from which I’m sure many florists can benefit.

What inspired you to send a picture to the sender?

I was amazed by her grandmother living alone and how sweet she was to me. The flowers made the grandmother so happy and I knew how important it was for the girl sending the flowers. That’s why I did it. You know I try to please everybody.

What other ways do you help improve the experience of buying flowers from Bloomin’ ?

By being myself. I won’t sell it to a customer unless it’s something I would want for myself. If I’m not happy with it no one else will be.

What has the customer response been to your enthusiastic customer service?

They love it. They love the personal attention.  When you give customers your personal attention or make the delivery yourself, it just amazes people. I give them my personal attention because I want them to know that I do care.

How do brides react to the extra attention to detail and service?

They love it because I give them attention where most shops won’t. I sit down and take the time to go over everything. Taking time with them is important. If you take time with them, they feel like you’re concerned and want to be a part of it. And you’ve gotta be. You’ve gotta understand what they want and put forth an effort to please ‘em.

The Roses Delivered By Bloomin'

The Roses Delivered By Bloomin'

Shirle is just one of many local florists who take the time to care and invest in their customers. Once the sender or bride walks in the door, they’re treated like family.

It’s this kind of excellent customer service that woos people of all ages into buying flowers. They know that sending flowers will make the recipient feel special, but the process of buying flowers from a helpful local florist is icing on the cake.

Taking a photo of the flower delivery and sending it to the sender is one more way to go the extra mile for your customers. There are many ways to show that customer service is a priority in your flower shop. Want to be the local flower shop that stands out? Use ideas like this to kick start your customer service (and reputation by proxy) into overdrive.

How do YOU go the extra mile for your customers? Email your enthusiastic customer service experiences to jadams@flowershopnetwork.com

Want To Send Zodiac Flowers To A Sagittarius?

Searching for the perfect gift for a Sagittarius? You’re in luck! A recent birthday gift trend is to send a bouquet of zodiac flowers. Astrological flowers (zodiac flowers) are just unique enough to stand out and just traditional enough to be an across-the-board winner. To keep you from having to google til your fingers hurt, we’re going to give you a heads up and let you know what the Sagittarius zodiac flowers are.

Sagittarius Zodiac Flowers:

  • Remerus
  • Eustoma
  • Liatris
  • Carnations
  • Crocus
  • Anemones
  • Muscari

That’s a lot to choose from! Of course, now I wish I were a Sagittarius so I could have a reason to surround myself with carnations. Your local florist is the perfect person to talk to about zodiac flower arrangements. Creating a birthday flower arrangement for a Sagittarius should be a fun experience for both. Your florist will have many great ideas so let them know that you’re open to their creative designs using some of the flowers listed above.

I remember the first Sagittarius flower arrangement I ever sent. Just in case you missed the story last year, here’s a quick recap of my zodiac flowers story. My sweetheart’s little girl turned five last December. I had one of our local florists deliver the arrangement to our home while she was away. The morning of her birthday, we snuck the flowers onto her nightstand so that she’d see them when she first woke up. I know how important flower memories are to me and why. Being part of her first experiences with flowers is pleasing to no end.

Want to make your own flower memories? Send a Sagittarius zodiac flower arrangement from your local florist. Flower Shop Network makes it easy to find a florist near you.