If you like to garden and landscape, are a professional landscaper, or just want to learn more about these activities, visit these upcoming gardening and landscaping shows in August.

August 13-26, 2009: Texas Nursery & Landscape Association Nursery & Landscape Expo in Dallas, Texas. It’s a mouthful but it’s certainly worth visiting! For more information call 512-280-5182 or 800-880-0343.

August 18-20, 2009: The Independent Garden Center Show in Chicago, Illinois. Learn helpful tips and network with other garden center workers. For more information call 866-391-6220.

August 19, 2009: Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association (VNLA) Field Day in Gainesville, Virginia. For more information call 540-382-0943 or toll free 800-476-0055.

August 20, 2009: Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association (VNLA) Summer Tour in Alexandria, Virginia. For more information call 540-382-943 or toll free 800-476-0055.

August 20-22, 2009: The Farwest Show in Portland, Oregon. Great place to for learning about convservation, owning/operating a nursery, to earn pesticide certification and more. For more information call 503-682-5089 or toll free 800-342-6401.

Flower Shop Network representatives Amy Hall and Rebecca Speer recently attended the 2009 Texas State Florists Association Convention. I was amazed at all of the wonderful stories that they brought back! I felt like I was there laughing with all of the wonderful florists too when they showed me pictures of the convention at its peak. What a fun time for Texas florists!

Special thanks go to Judy at Loki Gardens in Houston Texas and Gail at G. Johnsons Floral Images in Houston. Amy and Rebecca couldn’t stop speaking pleasantries about the warm, friendly nature of these great women. Though Amy and Rebecca love speaking with florists and enjoyed the convention, Gail and Judy helped put an extra spring in their steps. Their “they can make you smile from across the room” personalities were very appreciated during the very busy but wonderful weekend!

Another story that Rebecca and Amy shared with me pertained to the beautiful floral displays at the convention. After reviewing photos with them, I’m amazed by some of the incredible designs that were featured at the show! It’s hard to choose a favorite! All of these photos have been included at the bottom of this post. Feel free to comment on your favorite.

Special thanks to florists from Designs By Gail in Justin Texas for posing with Rebecca Speer at this year’s TSFA convention (see picture #1).

Special thanks to Darla from Designs By Darla in Junction Texas for posing with Amy Hall at this year’s TSFA convention (see picture #2).

Special thanks to florists from Amarillo Rose Floral Extravaganza in Irving Texas for posing with Rebecca Speer at this year’s TSFA convention (see picture #3 & #4). Read the rest of Did You See Flower Shop Network At The 2009 TSFA Convention? »

Schefflera

Octopus Plant

I was wondering if you could tell me what kind of plant this is so that I can look up more information on the care of this plant. Thank you. Tammy

Plant Expert Reply:
This plant goes by many names Brassia arboricola, arboricola, schefflera, octopus plant and umbrella plant. We have great schefflera care instructions for this plant in our flower gallery.

Flower shows just seem like the perfect time to chit chat with florists from your area and even some from far away. Being a little bit of  a social butterfly, this prospect definitely appeals to me.

Just think about it. You get to discuss what you love with people who share your passion. You learn, grow and develop your passion and your talents while making new friends. You get to take a break from the rush-rush-rush of the office but you’re not far from the action. With all this in store, who wouldn’t love a flower show?

Network coordinators from Flower Shop Network recently made their trip to the Florida State Florists Association Convention. They returned with great stories. I must admit, I was a bit jealous after hearing what some of the florists at the show had to say! Everyone came back with a smile that was twice as large as when they had left. In light of everything going on today, I find this chance to be inspired by other florists very appealing. I’m ready for the next flower show!

What’s on the agenda for this summer? Flower shows taking place in June/July 2009:

• June 5-7, 2009: The Florida State Florists Association Convention will be hosted at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bay Front in St. Petersburg Florida. Florists who are members as well as non-member florists are invited to attend.
• June 10-12, 2009: The Super Floral Show will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta Georgia. Florists, gift shop managers, gardeners and floral industry professionals will enjoy attending.
• June 18-24, 2009: The World Rose Convention will be held at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia. Florists, gardeners, and anyone who likes roses will enjoy attending this show.
• June 19-21, 2009: The World Rose Festival will be held at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Center in Vancouver, British Columbia. Florists, gardeners, and anyone who likes roses will enjoy attending this show.

• July 11-14, 2009: The annual Ohio Florists Association Short Course will be held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus Ohio. Florists who are members as well as non-members will enjoy the OFA Short Course.
• July 11-16, 2009: The 2009 AIFD Symposium will be held this year in Kansas City Missouri. Florists who are members as well as non-member florists are invited to attend.
• July 24-26, 2009: The Texas State Florists Association will host the 96^th TSFA Annual Convention & Trade Show at the Doubletree Hotel in Dallas Texas. Florists who are members as well as non-member florists are invited to attend.

What do you think of flower shows and florist association conventions? Ever been to one? Tell us your favorite stories from the trip!

Flower Shop Network representatives “took a break” over the weekend and visited the Florida State Florists Association Convention in St. Petersburg Florida. Florists from around the state and the country were there to celebrate the things they love the most — flowers! If you had a chance to go, you already know that this year’s FSFA Convention was cram packed with fun things to do and great people to see.

Joe Hays and Leslie Cox, FSN Network Coordinators

Did you happen to see these two characters at the convention? Flower Shop Network’s own Joe Hays and Leslie Cox had the opportunity to visit with florists, enjoy the other displays and snap a few pictures of the event! Even if you didn’t get the chance to go, you can feel like you were there thanks to the magic of digital photos. Don’t forget to share your photos and comments as well!

FSN Network Coordinator Leslie Cox and John of Lake City Florist in Lake City FL

(l to r) Rodney from Flowerama in Pensacola FL, Joe Hays, Angela from Pink Flamingo At Petals in New Smyrna Beach FL

Flower Shop Network Display at FSFA Convention 2009

Sporting A Flower Shop Network Tote Bag

If you were at the FSFA Convention this year, why not share your photos with the rest of us? We’d love to see your favorite parts of the show and hear about what sparked your interest!

Ready to give yourself a break between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day? These upcoming flower shows are perfectly scheduled so that you’re not missing any excitement back at the flower shop but you ARE enjoying the excitement at the show!

The Super Floral Show 2009 is being hosted June 9-12 in Atlanta Georgia. Florists here know how much fun it is to network with other Atlanta florists as well as the many talented florists and designers who come in from across the country for this well-respected show. The planners of the Super Floral Show 2009 understand what you want most from this show. For that reason, expect to get your money’s worth all in one day! You can enjoy the exhibitor floor from Wednesday (June 10) through Friday (June 12), but be prepared to learn if you come on Wednesday! This day features  a keynote breakfast, exhibitor displays, education sessions and a keynote lunch. What a day! Whether in the Atlanta area or not, check out the Super Floral Show. Get ready for a good time!

The Florida State Florists Association Convention 2009 (what a mouthful!) is also taking place this week. In fact, the show starts tomorrow (June 5) and runs through June 7 in St. Petersburg Florida. Florists are welcome to attend this show and bring along their learning caps. Each day is filled with fun things to do, networking with other local florists and designers, educational sessions–and did I mention that it’s in St Petersburg? A sunny day on the beach and a day with flower sounds like fun! If it sounds like fun to you to, pack your bags for the FSFA Convention 2009. What are you waiting for? Sun, sand and Florida’s best flower show await!

Thought I would share some flower pictures from the 2009 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. The Tulip Festival is held each year in Mount Vernon, Washington and features somewhere between 400 to 700 acres of planted Tulip bulbs and other fresh flowers. If you are a Tulip lover, this is a must-attend event - you truly must be there to appreciate the beauty of the flowers.

Use this link to find out more about the Tulip Festival.

Enjoy the gallery.

Pink Tulip Field

There’s a lot going on at The Cincinnati Flower Show this year. Hosted in Cincinnati Ohio, this flower show is a perfect getaway for florists, floral designers, horticulturalists, gardening enthusiasts, and anyone else who enjoys browsing elaborate gardens in full bloom. If you want to learn about how to make trendy flower arrangements, improve the longevity of your bouquets, learn a new design technique…this is the place for you to go!

The Cincinnati Flower Show is being held April 18-26, 2009 at Symmes Township Park in Cincinnati Ohio. That’s right–it starts tomorrow! But dont’ worry if you haven’t pre-registered or can’t break away just yet. This week long nirvana for florists can be attended all week or for just one day.

Are you a fan of P. Allen Smith? I am! The Cincinnati Flower Show comes highly recommended by the major gardening professional and television personality. More people love the show though, and why shouldn’t they? Just check out what you can expect to find at the show this year:

• Professional Floristry — in layman’s terms, view some of the most cutting edge arrangements from regional master floral designers.
• An Amateur Flower Show — fun stuff! Fresh flowers blooming for all to enjoy. New designs. New things to love. Bring a camera.
• Dramatic Table Settings — want to learn to show off floral centerpieces? Learn it here! See some jaw-dropping table arrangements also.
• Artists Studio — professional artists displaying their works in the fields of fiber art, sculpture, painting and nature photography.
• Creative Containers — learn how to add spice to your designs (big or small) with a unique twist to the container.

That’s not all but you’re going to have to visit the Cincinnati Flower Show website or the show itself to learn every unique, fun-filled thing that’s happening.

There’s something to be said for the wonders created during the Philadelphia Flower Show. Every year the show revolves around an amazing theme. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to attend the Philadelphia Flower Show this year. Luckily for me, Marie Bushnell of Flowers By Marie filled me in on many of the major highlights. As owner of a popular flower shop in Warminster Pennsylvania, Marie was invited to do a presentation that represented the theme of the show, “Bella Italia.” Beautiful Italy indeed!

Marie Demonstrating Italian Floral Design

Marie’s presentation was very interesting to me. Following the theme of the show, she demonstrated how to create Italian inspired flower arrangements for a neighborhood progressive dinner. I’m glad that Marie was able to share her story with us because I love visual presentations that allow me to learn a new design technique. As a proud member of Flower Shop Network, she also displayed one of our colorful tote bags during her presentation. Thanks for the nod!

FSN Represented at the Philadelphia Flower Show

There were many things to enjoy at the Philadelphia Flower Show. The “Bella Italia” theme went over splendidly. During the show guests enjoyed acres of Italian gardens and flowers, wine and food tastings, daily live musical performances, culinary demonstrations by local celebrity chefs, many how-to demonstrations like Marie’s, and too much more to list briefly. It sounds like a blast! I look forward to visiting next year. Hope to see you there!

Flower Shop Network representatives love attending floral industry trade shows and flower shows across the country. Unfortunately for us, we can’t be at all of them. That’s why we’re so happy that friendly florists like Marie share their stories with us to share with you!

Viewing many of the pictures below made me sad that I had not been at the show, but also very glad for florists like Marie who shared their stories with me. Did you attend the show? Share your stories with us! Take a minute to brag on yourself or share your favorite portion of the show.

Marie Bushnell at the Philadelphia Flower Show

Marie Speaking About Italian Floral Design

What A Cool Display!

Gondola & Bridge at The Opening Gala

Participants at the Philadelphia Flower Show

One of the Beautiful Flower Gardens

Celebrate Canada Blooms With Toronto Florists!

This year’s Canada Blooms celebration is being hosted March 18-22 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Florists, floral designers, gardeners, horticulturalists and others will love this show. It’s  Canada’s largest gardening show. How can that be anything less than entertaining?

13 years of hosting Canada Blooms proves that there is something to love in the flowers blossoming in Canadian soil. At the show are six acres–SIX…full…acres–of gardens in full bloom. Don’t just try to imagine the sweet smell that this produces. Enjoy it by joining Toronto florists and gardening enthusiasts at this year’s show!

Want to learn more about gardening? Get excited about four non-stop stages hosting over 200 hours of seminars, workshops and demonstrations. Visitors to Canada Blooms can’t help but learn something interesting while attending these shows.

It’s easy to register and make plans to attend Canada Blooms. Simply visit the Canada Blooms website and you’ll find all of the information that you need!

Why Resist The South Dakota Florists Association Convention?

Mark your calendars for March 20-22, 2009 as the South Dakota Florists Association Convention kicks off this Friday at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel in Pierre, South Dakota. This will definitely be an event to remember for South Dakota florists.

Are you a member of the South Dakota Florists Association? If so, make plans to attend this year’s SDFA Convention in Pierre. Florists who are members as well as non-member florists are encouraged to attend what will be a fabulous time of networking, learning and entertainment.

For more information, visit the South Dakota Florists Association online.