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Archives for April 2011

Emerald Green Flower Guide

April 29, 2011 by 4 Comments

EMERALD FLOWERS

May’s favorite flower color is emerald. This year, we are spotlighting unique flower colors for you to use in custom flower arrangements, wedding bouquets, centerpieces and anywhere else you might need great-looking flowers. To make the chosen colors a little more interesting, we are starting with birthstone colors. Last month’s was diamond-white, and this month it’s emerald green. (Click here for all of our color of the month posts)

When creating your wedding bouquet,

Complimentary Colors for Emerald Green Triad of Colors for Emerald Green

When creating a color scheme using emerald green use the color wheel as your guide! Above you see two examples. The first is the complementary color of emerald, a beautiful magenta, which is sure to bring out the beautiful tones of this shade of green. The second is a triad (3) of color complements to emerald. Green, indigo and chocolate brown make a stunning, jewel-tone combination. You could also go with analogous colors, meaning next to emerald green on the color wheel. So deep emerald mixed with lighter green and even yellow, or the other way, emerald mixed with vivid blues and indigo.

This is a great flower guide for brides looking for unique color palettes and unusual flowers for their wedding. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Royal Wedding Bouquet Contest: Who Will Be the Winner?

April 29, 2011 by 1 Comment

About a month ago, we asked our florist friends to submit their predictions for the Royal Wedding bouquet! We were blown away by the incredible submissions! After finally getting a peak at Kate’s bouquet, we’ve narrowed down the submissions to the 3 closest choices. Florist Shane Connolly went with something a little different than I think most florists were thinking. The bouquet was actually small, and predominately featured Lily of the Valley and myrtle. As tradition dictates for royal weddings, the bride’s bouquet contains a sprig of myrtle from the original myrtle bush planted by Queen Victoria at Osborne House, Isle of Wight in 1845. It also contains a sprig from a plant grown from the myrtle used in The Queen’s wedding bouquet of 1947.

None of our submissions were spot on, so it’s going to be a tough choice for the winner.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Scroll to the bottom and select which florist you think should win!

Royal Wedding Bouquet Created by Jennifer of Joy's Floral & Gift, Powhatan VA

Created by Jennifer of
Joy’s Floral & Gift, Powhatan VA
http://www.joysfloralandgifts.com/

Royal Wedding Flowers Created by Nancy of Alma Blooms, Alma WI

Created by Nancy of
Alma Blooms, Alma WI
http://www.almablooms.com/

Royal White Bouquet Created by Tina of Perfect Rose Floral Design, East Islip NY

Above 3 created by Tina of
Perfect Rose Floral Design, East Islip NY
http://www.perfectrosefloraldesigns.com/

Who do you think best predicted the Royal Wedding Bouquet?

  • A Perfect Rose Florist (64%, 90 Votes)
  • Alma Blooms (34%, 47 Votes)
  • Joy's Floral & Gifts (2%, 3 Votes)

Total Voters: 140

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We will announce the winner on Tuesday, May 2nd. Good luck! Thank you for ALL of the submissions!

This post is brought to you by Flower Shop Network, your source for finding real local florists anywhere in the US and Canada.

Filed Under: Wedding Flowers Tagged With: , ,

Florist Predictions For The Royal Wedding Bouquet

April 28, 2011 by Leave a Comment

About a month ago, we asked our florist friends to submit their predictions for the Royal Wedding bouquet! We were blown away by the incredible submissions! Only about 1 more day left before we FINALLY get to see what we’ve all been waiting on!

The Royal Family has done an excellent job keeping the details of Kate’s bouquet top secret! We do know they have chosen renounced London-based, floral designer Shane Connolly to head up their wedding flower team. He also holds a Royal Warrant from the Prince of Wales, making him an official supplier of flowers for royal events, including Princes Charles’s 2005 wedding.

Royal Wedding Bouquet?According to the royal wedding website, he is known for his sustainable approach to floristry, using growing, rather than cut, plants and trees, and for producing “elegant and unique displays” using seasonal, natural and organic flowers.

While the bouquet is still a mystery, we know that the floral displays in Westminster Abbey feature a variety of seasonal growing and cut British flowers and trees sourced from Royal Estates and other growers around the country. The flowers and plants include blossoms, azaleas (rhododendron), euphorbias, beech, wisteria and lilac.

The floral displays in the Abbey itself will include eight 20 feet-high trees: six English Field Maple and two Hornbeam. All the trees will be growing in planters, which have also been designed by Mr. Connolly and which were made by craftsmen at Highgrove, The Prince of Wales’s Residence in Gloucestershire.

Also, according to the Royal Wedding website, the couple has taken an interest in traditional Language of Flowers and are using these flower meanings to tell a story through their flowers. So far the flowers they’ve chosen mean:

  • Azaleas (rhododendron) – “Take care of yourself for me, temperance, fragile passion”
  • Lilac – youthful innocence
  • Beech Trees – harmony, peace, balance and all that is good.
  • Wisteria – honor, memory, patience

After the wedding, the flowers and plants will be left in position in Westminster Abbey for the public to view until Friday 6th May 2011. Following this, many of the trees will be taken to Highgrove Gardens, where they will be planted. The Couple’s intention is that many of the cut plants and flowers and all the growing plants will be donated to charities or re-planted.

Now, take a look at the at the amazing designs created by real florists all across the US and Canada. Which one do you think will be the closest to the real design for the Royal Wedding Bouquet?? Let us know in the comments below! [Read more…]

Filed Under: Flower Meanings, Flower Memories, Wedding Flowers Tagged With: , ,

FSN’s Favorite Flowers For May

April 27, 2011 by Leave a Comment

May Mother's Day Flowers

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it’s no wonder we picked Remembering You Bouquet as our favorite flower arrangement for May.

This arrangement features flowers every mom will love — mom, grandmother, even the mother-in-law! The stargazer lilies and irises give this arrangement more of a traditional look, but the hot pink Gerbera daisies and roses add in some fun! Whether at home or at the office, having these gorgeous flowers delivered to mom will make her feel loved and remembered. The beautiful, long-lasting blooms of this arrangement will keep a constant smile on her face.

Flowers used in this arrangement: Blue Iris, Hot Pink Gerberas, ‘Stargazer’ Lilies, Pink Roses, Bells Of Ireland, White Button Poms, Pink Waxflowers, Purple ‘Sinuata’ Statice

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions, Gift Ideas, Holiday Info Tagged With: , ,

Help! What’s Wrong With My Chocolate Soldier Plant?

April 26, 2011 by

Ask The Expert: I have the plant called Chocolate Soldier and have struggled for almost 2 years to keep it alive!! I have it in an east window and water it when it has completely dried out….yet it continues to drop leaves and no grow much?? What can I do for him??

Thank you, Trish

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply: Trish

Chocolate Soldier Plant From Logees GreeenhouseSince Chocolate Soldiers (Episcia or ‘Flame Violets’) prefer a shade to partial shade environment, your east exposure should be perfect. However, make sure the plant is not receiving any harsh noon day sun.

Chocolate soldiers also need a warm environment. Make sure that the plant is always in an area that stays above 65°. Although the plant needs a state of visual dryness between waterings, they require a humid environment. So mist the air surrounding the plant with lukewarm water. Try not to wet the leaves. Once a month use a water soluble fertilizer like peters or hi-yield or even an African Violet fertilizer.

Following this houseplant care instruction for the Chocolate Soldier should help to revive him. Please let me know if I can help you with anything else.

You can find more posts about Chocolate Soldier plants in these articles:

What is a Chocolate Solider Plant?
Drooping Chocolate Soldier
Propagating Chocolate Soldier

Filed Under: Plant Care Questions Tagged With: , , ,

The Importance of Flowers For Cremation Urns

April 26, 2011 by 4 Comments

Cremation Urn FlowersThe iconic, casket flower arrangement has become a staple in our funeral flower traditions. Open or closed casket, the large spray of lush flowers and foliage has a way of calming our spirits in a time of loss. Beautiful flowers have a way of enhancing the atmosphere at somber events. Additionally, it gives guests something to talk about that is comforting and uplifting.

But what if there is no casket?

What if the deceased chose to be cremated, can you use flowers on a funeral urn? Absolutely! Florists everywhere are creating magnificent floral displays for funeral urns that are equally as impressive as the traditional casket spray.

Cremation flowers can be personalized to celebrate the life of the departed by using the their favorite flowers and colors. Incorporate favorite hobbies and pastimes into your flowers. If they were an avid gardener or loved to fish, use some of their equipment within the flowers to better represent them. Treat flowers for cremation urns just the same as you would in planning for casket flowers.

Below, Robbin Yelverton of Blumz… by JR Designs in Detroit & Ferndale MI walks us through creating flowers for cremation urns.



[Read more…]

Filed Under: Design Technique Videos, Floral Design, Funeral Flowers, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: , ,

Teacher Appreciation Week Is Coming Up!

April 25, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Teacher Appreciation WeekGrowing up, we all had those few special teachers that inspired us to do more and be more. Nowadays, teachers like these are hard to come by, and when your kid has a favorite teacher, you should do all you can to encourage this. Show your gratefulness by participating in Teacher Appreciation Week, May 1-7th.

National Teacher’s Day is May 2nd (Monday) and really kicks off the week-long celebration. Show your appreciation for all that they do by sending gifts.

What Are The Best Gifts For Teacher’s Day?

Flowers – You just can’t go wrong with flowers! Flowers brighten our day and moods like nothing else. Sending flowers is a great way to kick off Teacher Appreciation Week! There is nothing like having fresh flowers on your desk for the week! Your local florist will be able to make your job easier and deliver flowers straight to the school. Flowers for teacher are just one click or phone call away!

Chocolate Lovers Gift BasketGift Baskets – Gift baskets come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and styles. Don’t think you have to order a gift basket as big as the teacher’s desk. There are a lot of smaller-type gift baskets available. Try a candy and soda gift basket — perfect for an afternoon snack for teacher. How about a candy-lovers gift basket for a teacher with a sweet tooth. Nothing better than an apple-themed gift basket for a teacher — especially one who is more health-conscious.

Perhaps you had a teacher who was a great influence on you in the past. If you still keep in touch, don’t forget them during Teacher Appreciation Week!

As you can see, a local flower shop is a great place to turn when looking for the best gifts for Teacher Appreciation Day!

This post is brought to you by local Shreveport LA florists.
Not in Louisiana? No worries, Flower Shop Network connects you to your local florist!

Filed Under: Gift Ideas, Holiday Info Tagged With: , ,

Have An Egg-cellent Easter — Don’t Forget The Flowers!

April 22, 2011 by Leave a Comment

It’s a hip-hoppin’, egg-cellent Easter this year with festivities lined up for everyone to enjoy. Smiles shine brightly through each activity. Waking up to Easter bunny gifts, sunrise service on Easter Sunday, watching children hunt for eggs, and the delicious Easter dinner with the family — regardless of how the holiday is spent, it is a time for reflection upon the simple pleasures in life that make friends and family such important parts of life.

Meaningful Easter Gifts Means The World To Someone

Lily Easter BasketIt is always exciting to receive a gift, but a meaningful gift means so much more. Gifts with a certain meaning sent by a loved one express respect, honor, love, friendship and validation. When Easter comes around this year, celebrate your loved ones by honoring them with a meaningful gift, such as Easter flowers.

Easter flowers from a local florist mark the awakening of spring and the celebration of it’s most highly regarded holiday. Easter lilies are a standard gift during the Easter holiday and for good reason. Easter lilies symbolize purity and grace, which succinctly fit the meaning of Easter. Those beautiful, trumpet blooms outshine any other flowers when paired in an arrangement. Swing by your local florist on the way to the big dinner with the family and pick up a beautiful, Easter lily centerpiece. What better way to share the true meaning of the celebration with best friends than with a touching sentiment like these?

Making Easter Last With Potted Easter Plants

Easter Lilies (Lilium longiflorum)If you’d like an Easter gift that’s a little more permanent, sending potted Easter flowers is a great choice! Order potted Easter lilies, potted hyacinth or daffodils. Sending potted houseplants are a great way to share your love of Easter flowers with your someone special.

Sending flowers through a real local florist is the best way to send Easter gifts to loved ones far away. So, share some love with grandma, one state over, by sending Easter flowers through your local florist.


Don’t know your local florist? Get connected with Flower Shop Network!

Filed Under: Gift Ideas, Holiday Info Tagged With: , , , ,

Don’t Leave Your Staff Out On Their Special Holiday!

April 21, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Next week is Administrative Professionals Week, with the designated Admin Professionals DAY being on April 27th! (Formerly known as Secretary’s Day) This is the time to thank those who make our jobs a whole lot easier! Over the years, Administrative Professionals Week has become one of the largest workplace observances, it’s even celebrated worldwide.

A Bit Of History Of This Holiday

Sending Thank You FlowersIn 1955, the observance date of National Secretaries Week was moved to the last full week of April. The name was changed to Professional Secretaries Week in 1981, and became Administrative Professionals Week in 2000 to encompass the expanding responsibilities and wide-ranging job titles of administrative support staff.

Why Should You Celebrate?

Any good business owner knows they would not be where they are without the help of their crew. Even temporary staff are essential to getting the job done and done right! How do you plan to recognize your staff on Administrative Professional’s Day/Week?

Chocolate Lovers Gift BasketFirst off, you can NEVER go wrong with flowers. Everyone loves to receive beautiful blooms to brighten up an office desk. Have your flowers delivered on Monday to kick off a spectacular Administrative Professionals Week!

Gift baskets are also available from your local florist and are so exciting when delivered to an entire office. Everyone has a chance to sample some of their favorites. If your staff is more health-conscious, order a fresh fruits gift basket. If they have more of a sweet tooth, you might order a chocolate filled gift basket, or a candy gift basket! All are great ideas and so yummy for your crew!

For the rest of the week, go out of your way to do nice gestures for your staff. Clean the bathroom extra spick-and-span. Have a lunch cookout on a nice sunny day. Let everyone go an hour early on Friday. There are lots of great, and inexpensive ways you can show your crew just how much they mean to you.

Let us know what your plans are in the comments below! Post pictures as well!

This post is brought to you by local Cambridge MA florists.
Not in Massachusetts? No worries, Flower Shop Network connects you to your nearest local florist!

Filed Under: Holiday Info Tagged With: , , ,

Spring 2011 Networker: Sneak Preview

April 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Watch your mailboxes! Flower Shop Network’s Networker for Spring 2011 just got mailed out! The Networker is chocked full of great ideas for florists to use, including: Going Mobile, Advertising to Generation Y, Quality is King, and much, much more!

Can’t wait!? Here’s a sneak peak of Spring Networker 2011.

Are there topics you would like to see in The Networker? Email your suggestions to TheNetworker@FlowerShopNetwork.com and we’ll send you a Flower Shop Network tote bag.

Filed Under: The Networker Tagged With:
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