Flowers.

Come on. Did you ever expect me to say anything besides “flowers”? Hostess gifts are easy to pick out when you have time to go shopping. Those of us with a busy day job and our second job (family) don’t have much time to go look. Personally, I can’t stand shopping. Don’t want to do it. Bringing along a bouquet of flowers that matches the theme of the party is simple enough, quick, inexpensive and tasteful. The best a gal could ask for!

My local florist is awesome. I can say “pool party hostess gift” and she’ll come up with something perfect for the occasion. Maybe even a mermaid on the enclosure card. Being with Flower Shop Network, I get to meet some of the most creative florists and floral designers in the country. I’m constantly impressed by their floral designs. If you’re lucky enough to have a talented florist nearby, make great use of that opportunity!

"Indian Summer" Is Perfect For The Poolside Table!

So picture it. You’re walking up in your little bathing suit and cover-up. You have a towel and some sunscreen in a bag over your shoulder. You’re rocking the shades and own the look. So what’s missing? The hostess gift.

I was explaining one aspect of “southern hospitality” to my friend’s daughter last night. She’s new in town and we had just met so I wanted to get her a gift. I explained that just like arriving to a party, you never show up anywhere empty-handed especially if it’s your first time. First impressions matter. Incidentally, she was attached to my hip the rest of the night.

In the same way, it’s important to keep a cool hostess gift handy for occasions just like this. Pool party hostess gifts may not be the first thing on your shopping list every week but keep your local florist in mind when it does come up. You’ll feel great knowing you gave a gift that they liked. They’ll feel good knowing how polite you are and that you appreciated their hospitality. You’ll feel wet because of the pool, but it’s the summer flowers that will make a splash.

You ever sit down with someone and realize that you are speaking to someone with a heart of gold? That’s how it was when Tony picked up the phone. Bay Bouquet Floral Studio, a flower shop in Tampa Florida, is already well renowned for their stylish designs and attention to customer service. I can see why! One 30 minute conversation with Tony showed why so many people choose Bay Bouquet Floral Studio for their flowers, though I knew in the first 3 minutes.

The reason for the call was to congratulate Tony for earning the Florida State Master Designer accreditation at the FSFA Convention in early June. It’s a big accomplishment so we wanted to let him know how proud we are of him for a job well done. Not being from Florida, I wasn’t sure what earning the FSMD entailed so I asked.

According to Tony, the rules and judging standards are based on the AIFD test. It is a two part test which contestants are given three hours to complete. First, they must finish a 125 question written test. (The AIFD has only 25.) Second, they are given tickets to create three floral designs. Tony’s assignments were hospital flowers, a corsage and a boutonniere, and a designer’s choice arrangement. It’s not a competition. The flowers are judged by design and knowledge of certain key floral design concepts. Only already accredited designers are allowed to judge. What makes it tough is that if you fail either part, you fail it all. You must then repeat the part you failed at the next session. Fortunately for Tony, he did it on his first try!

I could go on and on about Tony and Bay Bouquet Floral Studio. Tampa is lucky to have a flower shop like Bay Bouquet Floral Studio. I’m sure (because I’ve spoken with them) that there are many other talented florists in Tampa, but you’d be well off to stop in and have a conversation with Tony.

Yeah, there pretty much isn’t a less-than-fabulous Fathers Day arrangement in Flower Shop Network’s photo gallery. With that in mind, we racked our brains and came up with what we think are the three MOST fabulous Father’s Day flower arrangements ever. Lucky for your dad, all of these flowers are available from your local florist.

"You're The Greatest" Fathers Day Flowers

It’s really easy to tell Dad how much he means to you with an arrangement like the “You’re The Greatest” Father’s Day flowers. Fans of Babe Ruth may find this especially significant. Fathers day flowers like these are a real treat because they are brightly colored, full, contemporary and just masculine enough to make Dad feel joyful about receiving flowers.

"Artistic Tribute" Fathers Day Flowers

Father’s Day flowers don’t get much more in line with what Dad wants than the “Artistic Tribute” contemporary flower arrangement. This arrangement just screams “buy me for Dad!” The high-style “Artistic Tribute” Fathers Day flowers are nothing short of architecturally amazing, visually stimulating, and emotionally satisfying for the father whose child is you.

"Fiery Red Topiary" Fathers Day Flowers

Dad a sports fan? Then he’ll love the “Fiery Red Topiary” for Father’s Day! Flowers like these create a stylish display for every sporty dad. The fiery red color is right in line with the St.  Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves and other teams (it is baseball season after all.) Ask for a black ribbon or raffia instead and it’s the colors of the Atlanta Falcons! Whatever his team, whatever his sport, your local florist can create a beautiful topiary like this for your dad. Just ask if a color substitution is possible.

Need to know about foliage plants? Just ask Greg at Fresno’s The Cherry Blossom.

There are many different sides to the floral industry. Some florists strictly celebrate fresh flowers. Others enjoy foliage plants as well. Some have a hand in the wholesale nursery side while others remain in their flower shops creating works of art each day.

Imagine how fun it would be to go to work at a Fresno flower shop then head over to your own nursery for fresh plants. This dream is an everyday reality for Greg at The Cherry Blossom in Fresno California. Florists usually carry live houseplants or dish gardens to accentuate their gift line. Greg at The Cherry Blossom, however, goes the extra mile in this area. He also owns a wholesale nursery where he grows foliage plants for his shop and other nurseries. How neat!

When you need a place to go for foliage plants, just call Greg! Even other Fresno florists come to him because they know that flowers and foliage are his life. His passion is consumed by more than just fresh flowers. He also loves plants and has a knack for matching customers to the plants that they’ll like the best.

Greg understands the busy life of a florist because he is one. He understands the nature of plants and how to get the most from them because he grows them. His hands help grow the plants that he delivers. Other shops can trust his plants because Greg trusts them in his own. He’s not keeping the best for himself. They’re all high quality foliage plants made with the green thumb that only a true plant and flower lover can have. You can’t get much better than that. To get a glimpse of a different side of the floral industry, visit Greg at The Cherry Blossom.

Ask the Expert: Peace lily: Brown tips
Hi,

I want to ask you what I should do when my peace lily has brown tips. Should I cut them?

Also, some of the tips are turning kind of green. Is this good or bad sign? Jack

Plant Expert Reply:

You can cut the leaves at an angle to remove the brown tips. If only a few leaves have brown tips, I like to remove the whole leaf instead of cutting the tips off.

When you say turning green do you mean a lighter green? Water stress and insect stress can be a factor. I would say since the plants have brown tips, it is more of a water issue. Create a more humid environment around your peace lily and make sure the soil stays moist but not soggy.

If you can take a picture of the leaves from various angles, I will take a look at them to see if I can determine any problems.

Ask the Expert: please ID plant
I want to know if this plant should be in my planter or not.  I’m afraid that it may have been seeded by an airborn weed.  I can’t taste anything with the leaf.  The plants are 4-6 inches high. Elaine

Plant Expert Reply:

I believe the plant is called Carpet Weed (Mollugo verticillata) and is something you do not want.  You would be correct that the seed probably blew into your pot.

Dahlia Summer Nights Yellow

Ask the Expert: What is this flower
I found this flower last week in a garden at a park in Warsaw Indiana. I don’t know if it is an annual or perenial. Does anyone know what it is. Mary

Plant Expert Reply:

I believe what you have is a Dalia called Summer Nights.  The yellow flowers next to the rich dark foliage is amazing. Unfortunately, I am not sure if it is perennial or annual.  You might pop into your local garden center and see if they are familiar with this plant.

Try "Flower Garden" Or Other Get Well Flowers

I remember when my best friend’s mother was having brain surgery. Over the course of 6 months she had 5 surgeries to repair her brain stem which sat too low. Tabby, myself, and our mutual friends all view Mrs. Vickie as a mother so we spent countless hours in the ICU waiting room at our local hospital in Jonesboro, AR.

The staff was great but there is little that makes the waiting room experience pleasant. After hours waiting for the surgeon to call, the time seems to pass like molasses. You know what would’ve made that experience better? Well, not having to do it (especially 5 times) for one. Aside from that though, flowers.

It’s never fun to need to send flowers to someone in the hospital. However, it brightens their day. Studies have shown that someone happier also heals faster. Whether it’s on the enclosure card or not, you really are “wishing a speedy recovery” when you send flowers to someone in the hospital.

There is one hiccup.

Patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are not allowed to receive flowers. Once they are moved to a room, fine and dandy. When in the ICU, hospital flowers are a no-go. Don’t feel like you have to give up though. Sending flowers expresses a great sentiment which can be enjoyed by the person’s family and friend in the ICU waiting room. I know it would’ve helped us. We felt like we were the only ones in the world that knew or cared about what was happening. Receiving hospital flowers reminds those waiting that someone else is thinking, praying and caring at the same time.

Ever go through something like this? Did you receive flowers while you were waiting? Have you sent flowers to a hospital and received a good response? Please share your stories with us.

Spathiphyllum

Ask the Expert: What kind of plant is this?
We have this plant at my work.  It is several years old.  We are trying to figure out the best way to care for the plant, since it does not seem very happy…  It does seem to be very hardy, since we often forget to water it.  Two pictures are attached.

It also has a brown scale growing on the stems.  I have attached that picture also.  It does not seem normal and, if it is a disease, I’d like to get rid of it.

Plant Expert Reply:

The plant you have is a Spathiphyllum (peace lily).  The photo with the “brown scale” was too blurry for me to tell what it is.  However, the brown tips on the leaves in the picture above are from lack of water.  We have information about how to care for peace lilies on our peace lily plant page (you will need to scroll down the page to see the information).

Your peace lily actually look rather healthy.

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!