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Archives for February 2015

Happy Floral Design Day!

At Flower Shop Network, we love our members and we wanted to take a little time today to tell you that we are blown away by all the art you share with us on our blog and Facebook page. Keep doing what you do because local florists ROCK!

Pictures starting from top left going clockwise:

Garden Gate Gift and Flower Shop from North Salem, IN

Oak Bay Flower Shop Ltd. from Victoria, BC

Jocelyn’s Floral Inc. from Cedar City, UT

Oran’s Flower Shop from Kingston, TN

Petals in Thyme from Wasaga, ON

A&A Floral Arts from Chicago, IL

FSN February 2015 Newsletter

Time has flown by! With Valentine’s Day already behind us (although some may still be recovering), we start looking ahead and wishing for spring. Here are some of our top February articles to get you thinking about the upcoming spring events!

Trending: Succulent Corsages

We know prom is still weeks away, but we couldn’t wait to share this great post of trending corsages. We reached out to one of our florist and talked about succulent corsages!

Read More


Customer Corner: Sending Valentine’s Flowers

We love hearing from customers! Here’s an article by a customer about the importance of shopping locally and sending to loved one’s away from home.
Read More


Trending Wedding 2015 Boutonnieres

Flowers aren’t normally a guy thing, but when it comes to their wedding boutonniere, it’s important to get the groom involved too!

They can personalize them in the theme of their wedding and reflect their personal style.

Here are some boutonnieres that will be making their way through 2015:

Whimsical Garden-‘freshly picked’ look.

Rustic Beauty– soft hues and neutral tones

Timeless Elegance-dark colors in summer.

Read More


Flower Spotlight: Ranunculus

With their incredibly radiant colors, Ranunculus are truly breathtaking. From wedding bouquets, to ‘Just Because’ they are perfect blooms to brighten anyone’s day!
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Creative Design for a ‘Close-Knit’ Community

We often get stories from our florists about special arrangements they create for their customers. From beautiful wedding bouquets to one-of-a-kind funeral sprays, we know our florists have immense creativity and talent. One unique arrangement created by the folks at City Trading Post in Winona, Mississippi has intrigued the community and showcases how this florist commemorates a fellow neighbor.
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Help make Flower Shop Network‘s monthly newsletter even better! Got questions? Have an idea for a story? With your help, we can make the FSN newsletter just what you want and need. You can drop us a note in the comment section on the blog or email us at social@flowershopnetwork.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!

 

Creative Design for a ‘Close-Knit’ Community

We often get stories from our florists about special arrangements they create for their customers. One unique arrangement created by the folks at City Trading Post in Winona, Mississippi has intrigued the community and showcases how this florist commemorates a fellow neighbor.

James H. “Doobie” Palmertree was the owner of the Palmertree Fence Company and passed away in early January. Known throughout the community, Linda Montague, owner of City Trading Post, knew she had to create something special when his family approached her for a funeral arrangement.

According to Linda, her flowershop is known for doing personalized arrangements and this order was no different. But there was one problem–Linda was away at a conference.

“I was in Alabama at a show and my son, who works on the pipeline, took the call,” Linda said. “He said, ‘Ma, I think I can handle this.'”

Curtis Montague helped his mother create a chainsaw 3D arrangement. For this creation he used styrofoam, pipe cleaners, a PVC pipe, and an actual blade cover donated by a local small engine repair shop that knew Palmertree. The shop created both a chainsaw arrangement and a picket fence arrangement for Palemertree’s funeral service.

The Montague family is no stranger to Linda’s flowershop business. Both her sons, who work on the pipeline, have been known to help around the shop every now and then. Linda’s daughter also helps out by decorating the windows and running the Facebook page.

City Trading Post has created many unique arrangements, like the chainsaw, for customers. From a pack of Juicy Fruit Gum to football jerseys made of flowers, this flower shop has done it all and is always looking for a new challenge.

City Trading Post enjoys showcasing their artistic abilities, but the ultimate goal, according to Linda, is to create something that represents the loved one and can bring the family together.

Flower Spotlight – Ranunculus

There is beauty in everything coming from nature, but Ranunculus flowers simply go above and beyond expectations. With their incredibly radiant colors, it is true to say that they will brighten anyone’s day!

Origins and Symbolism
Ranunculus are best known as Buttercup Flowers, but some may also know them as Coyote’s Eyes. Legend has it that the Native American mythological figure “Coyote” was throwing his eyes up in the air and catching them every time, when suddenly “Eagle” snatched them. Coyote not being able to see grabbed two buttercups creating a pair of new eyes, allowing him to see the beauty of this world once again.

This isn’t the only legend surrounding this beautiful flower. Another legend tells of a shy, handsome Persian prince who lived longing to declare his love for a nymph. Not being able to do so, he died of heartbreak and turned into a giant Ranunculus flower.

Turban Buttercup is another alternative name for this flower. It derives from a species that originated in the Middle East. The Victorian meaning of Ranunculus is “you are rich in attractions,” making this a very romantic flower choice.

To Consider
Ranunculus use a lot of energy for they produce complex, multi-petal flowers. Make sure to add all purpose fertilizer when you plant them and every two weeks supplement with half strength fertilizer while the plants are growing.

Also note that these flowers are poisonous when eaten fresh by cats, dogs, horses and cows. They contain juices that can irritate or damage their digestive systems. So, make sure to keep you little friends away from these blooms.

Avalability
Ranunculus come in a variety of vibrant colors such as yellow, red, pink, orange, copper, and white with dark or yellow centers. Once cut, these flowers last for a week. This makes them perfect for bridal bouquets or centerpieces. They are most popular in the mild-winter regions of the South and West.

If you want to put your hands on these beautiful flowers, head to your local florist today! Check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for more tips on flowers!

Photo by iMarly

Trending: Succulent Corsages

Trending: Succulent Corsages

A new trend is breaking its way to the 2015 prom scene. We have seen how the widely popular succulent has been incorporated into wedding decor, bouquets and boutonnieres. Now, the charming succulent is making an addition to corsage trends. We reached out to Elba Feliciano of Flowerama in Lawrence, Georgia to talk about creating these succulent corsages.

Trending: Succulent Corsages     Trending: Succulent Corsages

Why do you think succulents are trending for prom and weddings?

The younger generation are looking for trendy, chic looks for prom and weddings. They like the non-traditional flowers and like to incorporate a different look and feel to their corsages–as well as wedding bouquets.

Have you made succulent corsages in the past?

We have made several corsages and wedding bouquets with real and artificial succulents.

How difficult is it to make a succulent corsage?

It’s not difficult as long as you know the size and type of corsage you are making.

What type of customers are ordering succulents?

Your young customers for prom corsages and wedding bouquets.

What are some tips you would give a florist who is working with succulents for prom or weddings?

Evaluate how many orders you have with succulents or bridal bouquets and start any prep work before you begin to make the corsage or bouquet. For example, if you are making several corsages, you are probably using smaller succulents (always purchase extra), which will require some wiring. For bridal bouquets, know what other flowers will be used to compliment the succulents. I use artificial succulents that I used prior as a mock up with the flowers to ensure they will provide the look and feel I discussed with the customer.

What are some tips for customers who are considering ordering a succulent corsage?

It’s important to consider the person that will be wearing the corsage when choosing the size of the succulent. Also, the look you are trying to achieve–elegant, rustic, or glamour–will require adding the appropriate accessories or ribbon. For a rustic look, I may use lace, but for a glamorous look, I would add more bling.

What do you like about this succulent trend?

There are different varieties of succulents that allow you to make each arrangement, bouquet or corsage customized with a different look. Succulents allow you to be creative! Artificial succulents work just as well!

It is no surprise that the succulent continues to add a rustic style to 2015 bouquets and corsages. While, it remains to be seen exactly how popular it will be come prom time, we know for sure that this chic plant is here to stay. Check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for more great tips and articles!

Photos courtesy of Flowerama

Wedding Trends: 2015 Boutonnieres

While 2014 has brought many trends to the wedding scene, what stands out the most is the versatility of the boutonniere. With flowers, brides are expressing their individuality and style, but that doesn’t mean the guys can’t show off theirs too! Here are some boutonnieres that will be making their way through 2015.

Wedding Trends: BoutonnieresWhimsical Garden
The “freshly picked” look has become wildly popular in wedding bouquets and centerpieces, so it is no surprise that the trend continues on to boutonnieres. Bunches of greens with a variety of flowers draws the eye to an otherwise simple suit.

Rustic Beauty
The rustic style has already been wildly popular with brides and it also shows with the groom’s boutonniere. Soft hues of pastels with neutral tones add to the rustic effect.

Timeless Elegance
Dark colors are known to preside over fall and winter weddings, but they are slowly making their way into summer. Dark purples and deep reds stand out fantastically on dark or gray suits.

 

Designing their boutonnieres make the grooms feel they are part of the wedding planning (and gets them pumped for the special day). The sky is the limit for these small designs and they can be personalized to fit the wedding style. Check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for more great ideas!

Whimsical Garden photo accreditation to: weddingandpartynetwork/gallery/9155

Rustic Beauty photo accreditation to: weddingandpartynetwork/gallery/9451

Timeless Elegance photo accreditation to: weddingandpartynetwork/gallery/11328

 

 

Check Out This Article!

We wanted to share this interesting article by Consumerist.com. Give it a read!

How To Amaze Your Valentine Without Screwing Over Your Local Florist

Shopping online is simple: you see a picture of the thing that you want to buy, click on it, type in your credit card, and then that thing arrives on your doorstep or the doorstep of your gift recipient. This simplicity falls apart…

 Photo courtesy of Consumerist.com

 

 

 

Ask The Plant Expert: What kind of plant is this?

Dear Plant Expert:

 

What kind of plant is this?

Thomas

____________________________________________________________________________

Plant Expert Reply:

Thomas,

I think it’s a Pepperomia orba.

Thank you for your submission.

Sincerely,

Jamie Jamison Adams

Customer Corner: Sending Valentine’s Flowers

 

As we get close to Valentine’s Day, we love hearing from customers about how flowers and shopping locally makes a difference in their lives. Here is one customer’s story about celebrating this special day even though her daughter is miles away from home.

These homemade valentines have to be some of my most favorite treasures. They were created by precious little hands with sweet thoughts and only pure, unconditional love in mind. In more simple times when my children were younger, a quick visit to the local store to buy a box of valentines for their choosing, maybe including some candy hearts, was the perfect way to celebrate. Printing names of their classmates on each one and creating a valentine box, using a cereal or shoebox covered in aluminium foil and heart doilies, was quite a creative assembly.

Times have certainly changed! Now the parent of a teenage boy and a daughter away at college for her freshman year, it is hard to remember those days. Getting to ballgames, worrying about algebra homework or trying to catch up on the latest tweets or snapchats from my daughter (without being deemed a stalker) seems to dominate my time.

Being the parent of a child that lives in another state certainly complicates things. In past years, it was simple to call my local florist and order flowers or balloons. Because I live in a small town, I would usually walk in to the flower shop and select the perfect arrangement myself. I love that personal service and the on-time delivery are all important factors when selecting a florist. Finding a business out of your area is a difficult task and can be overwhelming, especially when the delivery is such a meaningful one.

This will be the first Valentine’s Day since my daughter was born that we won’t be together. All of those memories of homemade valentines, class parties and candy hearts are bittersweet, and sending the perfect Valentine bouquet is essential.

Ultimately, what matters to me is finding a florist that understand the significance of this day. I want someone that I trust to take care of my sweet valentine with attention to detail and personal service. Imagining my daughter receiving some beautiful roses with a smile on her face puts a smile on my face too. I think it’s the perfect way to let her know she’ll always “be mine!”

Read more from our contributer, Tracy Brengard, on the Bloomin’ Blog! Don’t forget to share this post!

Caring For Your Valentine’s Day Bouquet


Flowers are a wonderful gift, especially on Valentine’s Day! Here are some tips that will make your flowers last longer.

Receiving Your Blooms
When first receiving your bouquet, make sure to remove any plastic as soon as possible. Put your flowers in a vase full of water if they aren’t already in one!

Location, Location, Location
You want to place your fresh flowers in an area that is away from drafts and extreme temperatures. Don’t place them in direct sunlight, like on a windowsill, where the sun hits them full blast. Also, avoid places where flowers can contact ethylene gas (emitted from cigarettes and fruit).

Bloom Care
Be sure to remove dead or wilting leaves and stems. Also, change water regularly, especially when it starts getting cloudy.

Florist’s Orders
If your florist added food or preservative packets for your arrangement, make sure to read the directions and use accordingly.

Home Remedies
There are many tips and tricks you can do to keep your flowers fresh longer. Adding sugar or using hairspray can be used to preserve your arrangement for longer enjoyment. Also, adding vodka, apple cider vinegar, or even a copper penny can help against bacteria. Call your local florist to determine which trick works best for your bouquet.

Valentine’s Day flowers are one of the best gifts to receive. Follow these simple tips and enjoy them even after Valentine’s Day! Check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for more great tips and tricks.