Archives for September 2014

Friday Florist Recap 9/20 – 9/26: A Bastion of Beauty

September 26, 2014 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

Autumn has arrived, and a few of our florists were obviously prepared to celebrate the changing season. This week’s post is a gorgeous collection of floral elegance with pics that celebrate both the last days of summer and the first moments of fall. Whichever season is represented, there’s no doubt that they stand strong as a bastion of beauty!

Video Slideshow

Wedding Flowers

Amazing bouquet from Monday Morning Flower and Balloon Co. in Princeton, NJ

Exquisite bridal bouquet from Oak Bay Flower Shop Ltd. in Victoria, BC [Read more…]

Filed Under: Floral Design Tagged With: Facebook Friday, Floral Design, Flower Pictures, Sympathy Flowers, Wedding Flowers

5 Best Reasons to Buy Flowers in October

September 24, 2014 by Ed Belly 1 Comment

Every month has great reasons to send flowers. Here are five for October we think you’re going to love. And remember, you don’t have to wait for one of these special days. You can send flowers anytime!

#1. Columbus Day – October 13th

The anniversary of Columbus landing in the new world is celebrated the world over. It became a federal holiday in the United States in 1937 and was officially set as the second Monday in October in 1970. Nothing like some lovely flowers to show your appreciation of the discovery of the Americas!

#2. Boss’s Day – October 16th

It’s the boss’s job to appreciate and value her workers on a daily basis. But when does the boss ever get a little recognition? Now you can let the head man or woman in your office know how much you appreciate them with a lovely arrangement or living plant. Who knows? There might be a raise in it for you!

#3. Sweetest Day – October 18th

Celebrated on the third Saturday in October, this holiday is a celebration of candy and all the delicious wonders it brings. It is traditionally celebrated by being sweet to someone you love. That has to mean flowers, doesn’t it? Well, if you want to stick with the candy theme, your local florist would be more than happy to set you up with some well designed and delicious candy baskets. Don’t forget the sweet this Sweetest Day. Send flowers!

#4. Mother-In-Law Day – October 26th

The 4th Sunday in October is reserved for Mother-in-Law Day. Yes, that means it is sometimes concurrent with Halloween. Thought that may seem apt to some of you, but the rest of us love our mothers-in-law and are excited to have a day to celebrate their contribution to the family. And even if your relationship with your mother-in-law is less than cordial, perhaps a lovely arrangement of flowers could be the first step in changing it!

#5. Halloween – October 31st

Is it quirky dress-up time yet? Oh yeah! It’s time to put on someone else’s clothes and throw a party! And what are some of the best party decorations ever discovered? Only a perfectly themed arrangement, centerpiece or wreath from your local florist. Don’t wait for the big day to place your order. Go in early and let them make something that will impress your guests!

(Canadian Bonus) Thanksgiving – October 13th

For those customers in Canada or who have relatives in Canada, it’s Thanksgiving! Is there a better gift to offer your host or hostess for the Thanksgiving feast than flowers? And if you’re the one hosting, floral arrangements make the perfect decoration. Contact your local florist and purchase something thematic and special to place in the center of your table or to beautify your dining room!

But those aren’t the only reasons to send flowers this October. Maybe you know someone with a birthday or just want to give a gorgeous bouquet to a prospective interest. Can you think of any other reasons to send flowers in October? Let us know in the comments below!

Filed Under: Gift Ideas Tagged With: Boss's Day Gift Ideas, Halloween Decorations, Halloween Party, Mother-In-Law Day, National Bosses Day, Sweetest Day, Sweetest Day Flowers

Win 4 Complete FloralStrategies Webinars in FSN’s ‘Tips for Training’ Giveaway!

September 22, 2014 by Ed Belly 3 Comments

Yes, you read that right!

The Prize

Flower Shop Network and FloralStrategies are offering 4 complete webinars which feature the one and only Tim Huckabee* FREE to the florist who submits the best and most useful tip or trick. Here is a list of the webinars in the offing:

Easy Sales Skills
Handle Complaints Better
Flower Shop Management
SuperCharge Your Designs

Each of these webinars retails for approximately $100. But you can win all of them, a $400 value!

Tips for Training Contest

So how do you win? Easy. Starting September 22, 2014, submit an industry tip or trick that you find helpful in the daily running of your business. It can be a flower care or preparation tip, a marketing tip, an organization tip or anything else that you find helpful in the running of a successful flower shop!

If you want to win, you’ll need to dig deep into your bag of tricks and come up with something unique and helpful!

On October 22, Flower Shop Network will compile the submitted entries, read them thoroughly and select the top 3. Those 3 entries will then be placed on the Bloomin’ Blog and we will will conduct an anonymous poll on Facebook starting October 24, so YOU can pick the winner! The poll numbers will be tallied and a winner announced on October 31. (If you haven’t already, go here and click Like on our Facebook page so you can vote when the time comes.)

No purchase necessary, no monetary commitments, just submit a helpful tip designed to make the lives of your fellow florists easier. What are you waiting for? Send your video or written submission to our online form. One submission per shop, please.

* Tim Huckabee, AIFSE, founded FloralStrategies in 1997. He learned every aspect of the flower business while working at Surroundings in New York City. Looking for more challenge, he decided to start a company to meet an unfulfilled need in the industry: on-site customized training for florists. He crafted the process to factor in the variables of the local market, regional prices and design styles and personalities of the staff. There truly is no flower shop too small or large to benefit from FloralStrategies training.

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: Floral Design

Flowers for the Jewish New Year

September 22, 2014 by Ed Belly 1 Comment

Rosh Hashana begins on the evening of Wednesday September 24th and ends on the evening of Friday September 26th. And whether you’re hosting or attending a get together in honor of the Jewish New Year, don’t forget the flowers!

The Perfect Host Gift

Flowers make the perfect host gift. And when you use a local florist, you can be sure that your gift matches the theme of the occasion. Want flowers arranged using a shofar? If you provide the horn, your local florist can put together a wonderful design for you. And if you ask far enough in advance, they may be able to find a shofar so you don’t have to! Don’t show up empty-handed. Bring flowers!

The Perfect Decoration

Is there a better way to decorate your home for Rosh Hashana than with a floral accent? And when you use your local florist, you are sure to get flowers that contain all the traditional elements. Whether you’re looking for centerpieces for the table, a thematic arrangement for flavor or anything else that you might need, your corner flower shop is the place to go. They have the creativity to help you with ideas and the ability to meet and exceed your expectations.

Celebrate this Jewish New Year with flowers!

Filed Under: Holiday Info Tagged With: New Years, Rosh HaShanah

Friday Florist Recap 9/13 – 9/19: Overflowing Abundance

September 19, 2014 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

If you were sitting at home looking for something beautiful, you will be overjoyed with this week’s recap. We have some excellent work on display. The same kind of work you can find at your corner flower shop on a daily basis. If you like what you see, head on over to your local shop and see what your florist can make for you!

Video Slideshow

Wedding Flowers

A gorgeous bridal bouquet from Petals in Thyme in Wasaga Beach, ON [Read more…]

Filed Under: Floral Design Tagged With: Facebook Friday, Floral Design, Flower Pictures, Sympathy Flowers, Wedding Flowers

September Blog Spotlight: Allioops! Flowers and Gifts

September 18, 2014 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

This month our blog spotlight is on Allioops! Flowers and Gifts in New London, NH. This shop is known for beautiful designs and amazing arrangements, but they are also known for their eye-catching window displays and fun atmosphere. And the value of that can’t be overstated. In today’s market, having a great environment and creating a reason for customers to enter your shop is key. There are so many ways that customers can interact with businesses and standing out is of utmost importance. See how this blog interacts with customers and promotes their brand.

The Allioops! Blog

Who’s not already hooked on Pinterest? We sure are! Head on over to view our latest Pinterest galleries! We’ve got pins of our work, plus lots of ideas we’re cooking in the shop.

Why It Works

Yes, it’s short. But then that’s the point. They have a singular purpose, directing their clients to their Pinterest page, and it’s brilliant. They did all their telling with the photo which highlights their boards and the impressive stuff you can find. There was no need to put together a long post when the graphic says everything that needs to be said. Well done.

If you have a blog and would like to be featured in our Blog Spotlight, leave a link in the comments section below. I’ll see you next month!

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Florist Blogs, Flower Blogs

When Is the 23rd Really the First?

September 17, 2014 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

When it’s the first day of fall! September 23rd is the autumnal equinox and that means a return to cooler temperatures, an explosion of yellows and reds as leaves begin their annual turn and of course beautiful fall flowers. So what better way to celebrate than with an arrangement sporting a fall theme?

Some Local Color

And what better place to get that arrangement than your local florist? If you’re looking for an amazing design, fresh-cut flowers and service with a smile, you want to walk down to your corner flower shop. You’ll find the most beautiful blooms in season and a ready and waiting staff prepared to make your autumn dreams come true. That’s because the men and women behind the counter are not only flower experts, they’re flower artists.

Almost as good, your money stays local, and that helps your community.

Rustic Charm

But even so, the hands-down best reason to use a local flower shop is simply because they do the best work. Would you like a gorgeous centerpiece to place on your dining room table? You won’t find a better one than that which you can receive from the shop down the street. Looking for exquisite fall wreaths? Your local flower shop will make them to your exact specifications.

Go ahead, fill your home with the rustic charm that only natural decoration can provide. Don’t wait around to celebrate this burgeoning fall, go out and buy some flowers today!

Filed Under: Seasonal Flowers Tagged With: Autumn Flowers, Fall Flowers

Friday Florist Recap 9/6 – 9/12: Procession of Floral Perfection

September 12, 2014 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

We have a beautiful group for you this week as these florists pulled out all the stops and sent us some absolutely gorgeous photos. There’s very little that needs to be said as these impressive arrangements speak for themselves. So sit back, relax and enjoy this procession of floral perfection!

Video Slideshow

Wedding Flowers

Amazing Victorian themed bouquet from Works of Heart Flowers in Wilton, NH [Read more…]

Filed Under: Floral Design Tagged With: Facebook Friday, Floral Design, Flower Pictures, Sympathy Flowers, Wedding Flowers

FSN September Newsletter: Last Chance for Summer Sun!

September 11, 2014 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

September means the end of summer, and yet there is still time before temperatures fall into the cool days of autumn. For a few weeks more, summer sunshine will grace us with warm days and cool nights. Before you turn the page to the new season, engage in some fun summer activities. Go camping, play a neighborhood game of kickball and buy yourself or a loved one another arrangement of fabulous summer flowers.

Because that’s how you celebrate the last days of summer, by enjoying the warmth of the summer sun outside and the beauty of summer inside.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Newsletters Tagged With: Facebook Friday, Floral Design, Florist Spotlights, Flower Meanings, Gift Ideas, Holiday Info

September Flower Spotlight: Aster

September 10, 2014 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

September’s birth flower is the Aster, and that makes it the perfect choice for our September Flower Spotlight. A gorgeous bloom that looks like a star burst and whose name means star, it makes the perfect gift for any September event!

Mythology

As usual with Greek mythology, there is more than one tale that explains the presence of these beautiful flowers. The first says that the goddess Virgo spread star dust upon the earth and it took root to eventually become the Aster. Another says that the goddess Asterea began to cry when she looked upon the earth and saw no stars there. Her tears became the lovely Aster.

Another legend comes from the Cherokee Indian tribe. They believed that two warring tribes destroyed a village, leaving only two sisters as survivors. The two women wore doe skin dresses, one dyed lavender blue with fringe and the other bright yellow. They took refuge with an old herb woman who saw into the future and realized they would be hunted down and killed by their enemies. To help them avoid this fate, she turned them into flowers. The first sister became the blue aster and the second was the yellow goldenrod.

Uses of the Past

Ancient peoples believed that the smell of burning aster leaves would drive away serpents. The French would place them on the graves of fallen soldiers to symbolize the wish that things had turned out differently.

Meanings

The aster means patience, love, daintiness and good-luck. When given as a gift it means admiration and love, and can also mean elegance. It is often seen as a talisman of love, and in China they are a symbol of fidelity.

The aster is a magnificent flower with a rich history and a beautiful mythology. It’s the perfect gift for a September birthday, a welcome surprise for your heart’s true love or just because you like to give gorgeous blooms! As always, remember to buy local!

Filed Under: Flower Meanings Tagged With: Aster, Flower Meanings

Archives for September 2014

Friday Florist Recap 9/20 – 9/26: A Bastion of Beauty

Video Slideshow

Wedding Flowers