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.

Round Black Seeds From A Blackberry lily

Ask the Expert: dont know what this flower is called a long time ago my neighbor had this really nice flower in the front yard. i liked it so i got some seed pods from it. well..forgetful me, i forgot to write it down. do you by chance know? the seeds are black, round and very hard..like bb’s, but bigger. 3-4 seeds per pod. i hope you can help. thanks

Reply:

Belamcanda chinesis Blackberry Lily From Cal' Plant Of The Week

Lily seed was the first thought that popped into my head when I saw the black round seeds in your picture.  Of course,  there are hundreds of lilies and lily like plants to choose from. I had to think about it for a while.  And, have to say my first choice is a Blackberry lily or Leopard Lily (Belamcanda chinesis).  This a a great naturalizing perennial in rock gardens and as a border plant.  However, this is a short lived perennial.  When I had these in my garden, I would let the seeds come up every other year to keep my area heathly and full.  This is what I would call an old fashion plant.  Because it propagated easily, old homesteads used this plant in abundance.  Unfortunately, you don’t see it as much any more.

Give credit where credit is due –
The blackberry lily picture shown comes from Cal’s Plant of the Week -  October 13-19, 2000.  This photo was taken by Cal Lemke.  He is the University of Oklahoma’s botany greenhouse grower and an avid gardener.

Ask the Expert: I can’t identify this perennial, please help!

It is evergreen and a low ground cover in winter.  In the spring it grows
up to 18 inches and has a yellow flower.  It spreads like crazy and
transplants well.  It’s mostly in the shade where it is very moist.  Any
clues?? Besty

Reply:

Euphorbia Poly Chroma Midas - Image From Erv Evans NC State University

It could be a Euphorbia polychroma.  I found the picture to the left on a NC State University page about Euphorbia.  The photo was taken by Erv Evans, a consumer Horticulturist.  This plant is also known as Cushion Spurge.  Does it look similar to what you have?  This plant can take full sun or part shade.  It does have a more mounding shape when it is blooming.  The foliage has a reddish tinge in the fall.

Lamium galeobdolon - image from NC State University Erv Evans

Another option is the Lamium galeobdolon sometimes referred to as Yellow Archangel.  I found a picture of it on the NC State University page that discusses the Golden Dead Nettle (which is another name for this plant). This is a  perennial that creeps on the ground, produces yellow blooms and likes moist areas. We grow a different species of Lamium at our nursery.  It lays real flat until it starts to bloom.

Hopefully one of these plants match what you have in your garden.  If not send me a picture and I will give it another try.

Hypericum St John's Wort

Here is one of the pictures Betsy sent.  After looking at them, I think it is a form of Hypericum also known as St John’s Wort.  There are many different types of St John’s Wort so I’m not sure which one it is.  When it blooms we might be able to tell from the flower.  Since it likes the shade and a moist condition it might be Hypericum calycinum (which is called Aaron’s beard).

Possible Fortunella marginata

Ask the Expert: what is this plant
Store labeled it a marginata braid which seems to be wrong. Preston

Reply

I believe what you have is a Fortunella marginata or commonly known as a kumquat.  This attractive shrub will have slightly fragrant blossoms which will become a small orange fruit.  It will need full sun during the summer and if possible kept outside.  During the winter it will need bright light but must be kept inside except in zones 11-12.  Water it sparingly in the winter.

Other possible options are plants in the Citrus genus: Citrus aurantiifolia (lime), Citrus limon (lemon), Citrus reticulata (tangerine).  But the leaves are little more glossy in these plants.

Since the tag mentions marginata, I lean toward kumquat as the identity. The fruit will be the distinguishing factor.  Fortunately, the care is basically the same for all of these plants.

Ok. It’s the big night. You’re standing there looking stunning in the dress that took two weeks and as many credit cards to find. Your hair has never looked better. Your face is clear, your teeth sparkle. You are a beauty to behold. That’s when you hear your date ring the doorbell. You coyly greet him only to find that he has brought something else besides a prom corsage. Could it be so? Is he even able to do that?

Yes.

Prom flowers have taken many new shapes and sizes over the years. As the dresses get shorter, lighter and much more “springy,” so also do prom flowers change. (Yes, I actually say “so also do” and I’m not 100.) As far as having to stick to prom corsages goes, that’s not so much the case anymore. These flowers are gorgeous and perfectly acceptable. Plus, you can dress them up to fit you. However, don’t be alarmed if your date shows up with something a little less standard.

Florists are finding more and more that prom flowers need to fit the personalities of both the young lady and the young man. What I mean by this is that if you are a flashy, showy woman who likes to be bold–try a bolder looking bracelet wrist corsage. As a rocking young woman, I prefer these because your accessories ring a lot of personality to the whole ensemble. Instead of simple black and a pop of color, you now have your pretty black dress with an eye-catching bracelet and flowers that suck the attention straight back to you.

Want to get some major compliments on prom night? Here are some flowers for prom that are hot in 2009:

1) Prom Pocket Squares (for guys) — not as familiar as the rest but definitely worth the wear. Prom pocket squares hold a photo of your date with floral accents to complement her corsage. Want more information on prom pocket squares? Call Oakhill Florist, a great flower shop in Scarborough Maine.

1) Wrist Corsages – you guessed it. The traditional is always going to show up in a list like this. However, modern girls are turning the traditional prom accessory into something trendy and fun. All it takes is a phone call to your local florist. He or she will talk with you about how to use ribbons, jeweled bracelets and particular types of flowers to make your corsage work for you.

2) Boutonnieres — again with the traditional but there are modern spins to be put on these as well. Just let your florist know that you want a very unique, contemporary boutonniere for your date. Once you know what color he’ll wear, the rest is a breeze! (Want a fun prom photo? Have a friend snap a pic of your date wearing your flowers and you wearing his. Strike a James Bond-esque “cool” pose and laugh about it for years.)

3) Bracelet Corsages — this is a little bit different than a typical wrist corsage because modern prom flowers mean very contemporary styles for the accessories worn with them. Jeweled bracelets make people WANT to show off what used to just be something to keep the flowers on their wrists. Now it’s an eye-catching fashion statement! Florists now have awesome bracelets and other jewelry that they can attach the flowers to.

4) Flower Bouquets — seems a little unorthodox considering the party atmosphere of a prom but these favored flowers are anything but passe. If your date shows up with a bouquet of flowers–well, that’s just worthy of a good solid hug. Only a sweetheart would go the extra mile to make YOU fell special. After all, you’re not going to be showing off a bouquet to your friends. These flowers are just for you; something to keep the memories of that night alive. Extra points for him and you if he shows up with something to wear to prom AND something to enjoy for yourself. He’s a keeper!

While these may not seem like “new” concepts for prom flowers, the whole idea with this accessory in 2009 is to make it all…about…YOU. Accentuate your personality because it’s YOUR prom. Flowers are just the icing on the cake. You’re the main attraction so ask your florist to create flowers for prom that bring your personality to life. Bold? Be a little brazen. Reserved? Try something traditional. In love with your date? Go romantic. It’s all up to you!

A little heads-up for all our florists - check your mail at the end of the week for The Networker Spring 2009. The highlight this quarter is the collaboration between FlowerShopNetwork.com and FloristWare. Of course, this edition is full of wonderful tips and some interesting ideas. There are a few article dedicated to helping you increase sales and profits. If you want a sneak peak go to The Networker Spring 2009

Looking For Something Different But Still Comfortable?

Here’s Why I Recommend Cyclamen

You know how it goes. Sometimes you want to buy one thing over and over and over because it’s comfortable. It’s familiar. It’s safe. Then again sometimes you want to cycle through every option available until you find the thing that’s comfortable, familiar, safe. I’m that way with gift-giving and I know I’m not the only one. It’s not just limited to gift ideas though. I’m like that when I begin to decorate my home. Though not a big fan of change, I get bored easily and need to find something that I’ll like better. Something that suits the new me. Something comfortable, familiar and safe but different. After all, I don’t want things to change too much!

Buy Cyclamen Blooming Plants

Reasons Why You Will Like Cyclamen

Reason #1 To Try Cyclamen: Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is a beautiful blooming plant.  The colorful blooms make it easy to enjoy. It adds a splash of color to the decor but is not busy or bold. It’s just…plain…pretty.

Reason #2 To Fall For Cyclamen: When you send cyclamen plants what you do not realize is that you might as well be sending perfumed petals because that’s what the recipient is getting. Cyclamen is a very fragrant plant when in bloom. It’s not an overwhelming scent so it’s ok to send to most people with sensitive olfactory senses (people that get sick around strong smells). If you want a fresher environment, call up your local florist or stop by and pick up Cyclamen plants for yourself. The fragrance is well worth it.

Reason #3 To Buy Cyclamen: This particular flowering plant is a mound forming plant which basically means that it grows in a neat little contained area. If you want a plant for your office or apartment, cyclamen is a great option because it is not overbearing. It’s not in-your-face and overwhelming. It’s the perfect size for decorating small spaces. It can also be grouped together or bought in larger sizes to decorate large spaces. It’s one of those can-do blooming plants that seems to satisfy every spacial requirement.

Reason #4 To Give Cyclamen A Chance: Cyclamen blooming plants are not hard to take care of. They’re about as easy as any other flowering plants which means keep them watered during growing season (mid-winter to spring), give them a fair amount of light, and keep the soil moist but well drained. Again, cyclamen plant care requires the same amount of attention as most other blooming houseplants. Whether sending cyclamen to a newbie or a seasoned houseplant expert, cyclamen is a good gift idea.

HOW DIRECT MAILERS WORK FOR YOU

Working in conjunction with other marketing campaigns, direct mailers are a very cost effective way to reach your customers. Direct mailers are great for your customers who do not have Internet access. Direct mail also serves as a holiday gift reminder for existing and potential customers. When you want to keep your shop’s name at the front of their minds, direct mail is a simple and cost effective way to do it.

When To Send Direct Mailers: A general rule of thumb is to send direct mailers 7-10 days before the major floral holiday. Earlier than this makes it easy for the reader to forget or disregard the mailer. 7-10 days prior to the holiday reminds the customer to order, prompts he or she to order early, and keeps your shop in the front of their mind when considering holiday gifts.

What Holidays/Events Are Appropriate To Send Direct Mailers: Sending direct mailers before any major floral holiday is a potential boon for your flower shop. Prom is also a very important occasion. The early part of the wedding season in your area is also a good time for sending direct mailers.

To Whom Should Direct Mailers Be Sent: Direct mailers give you the ability to target existing customers, potential customers, or both. The choice is yours.

Why Should I Send Direct Mailers: Direct Mailers reinforce existing marketing campaigns such as your website, mass email campaigns, promotions and more. A lot of business is generated via direct mailers simply because it keeps customers thinking about your shop for their gift ideas.

Loranne Atwill, owner of Flower Shop Network, remembers customers coming into her flower shop for last-minute gift ideas. They had received her direct mailer but disregarded it for the moment. When it was time to buy the gift, they thought of her flower shop first because of the direct mailer.

How Do I Get A Bulk Mail Permit: Bulk mail permits are available through the United States Postal Service. These permits include an annual bulk mailing fee but sending several mailers throughout the year makes this a cost effective strategy. Contact your branch of the USPS or visit them online for more information about bulk mailing or to apply for your bulk mail permit.

HOW TO CREATE A DIRECT MAILER

Flower Shop Network now takes the guesswork out of creating direct mailers. You may now access direct mailer templates using your FSNf2f.com account. Templates are available for all major floral holidays and other occasions. If you like to create your own direct mailer, follow the instructions below.

A direct mailer can be created in a few easy steps. Keep in mind that you will need the following when creating your mailer:

• a publishing program such as Microsoft Word (Note: This example uses word)
• pictures of your arrangements uploaded to your computer or on  your website
• contact information for your flower shop
• a mailing list of existing/potential customers
• pricing information

The first step to creating your direct mailer is to open a publishing program on your computer such as Microsoft Word, Works, or Publisher. Microsoft Word is the program used in these photo examples. Also open the pictures of your flower arrangements, either by viewing them on your website or in the “my pictures” folder of your computer.

There are two easy ways to upload photos to a Word document:  dragging and inserting. Whether you choose to add text or photos first, you may upload photos by dragging or inserting at any time. You may also rearrange the order and placement of the photos at any time.

This is what you will see when dragging files from a website or “my pictures” folder to a document program. The mirror image automatically appears to let you know that the photo is moving. It will disappear once it reaches the document program until you release the mouse button.

Dragging A Photo

To drag photos into your document from your “my pictures” file or from your website:

• select the photo that you would like to use by clicking on it once
• click and hold the mouse button while dragging the photo to the document program
• note:  you may drag the photo to the document tab at the menu bar on the bottom of the screen OR drag the photo into the open document program

This is what you will see when inserting files from your computer into a Microsoft Word document.

Inserting A Photo Using Microsoft Word

To insert your photo into the document using the document program:

• click “insert” on the menu toolbar of the document program
• hold the mouse over “picture” until a sidebar menu pops up
• click “from file”
• find the file in your documents (usually in “my pictures”)
• double click the file OR single click the file and click insert under the picture preview button

The next step toward completing your direct mailer is to add pricing and contact information. The included information is up to you. Most customers will want to know the regular price and the promotional price. However, the only necessary inclusions are your contact information (name, phone number, address, email address, website URL) and promotional deal information.

Create the backside of the mailer by continuing to a new page inside the document program. Here you will place the information that will be seen before the mailer is opened. This can include just the return address information or promotional information for each “fold” of the mailer. Add this information in the same way as before.

Example Mailer --- Inside

Example Mailer --- Outside

Now your direct mailer is ready for the printer!

Sending flowers is always a good idea. Flowers make great gifts. Flowers create positive feelings and make a great impression.  But, is it a good idea to send flowers using a company online?  Until I read “Stop! Smell the online flower fraud” on the Agassiz-Harrison Observer by Michelle Vandepol, I hadn’t given it much thought.

When I send flowers online, I use Flower Shop Network.  Since I work for the company, I know that every florist in our directory is a professional florist located in the city to which I am sending or at least one in very close proximity.  But, how does the average Joe know if they are dealing with a reputable company online?

As Michelle explains in her article, from a cost value perspective, dealing with the local florist in the recipient’s area will give you the best deal.  She details the pitfalls of using an order gatherer or websites that claim to be the local florist in her article.  If you get a chance, read it.

Michelle also outlines a few ways you can ensure the online florist is the real deal.   Look for the following things: the name of the flower shop, the physical address of the shop, the local telephone number.

I would like to add a few extra tips that I use when go to a new vendor website.  These tips are a good idea for any website search you do.

1. Look at the “about us” page.  You will usually find local information or personal information about the company on this page.  I find this very helpful.

2. Make sure the contact page includes a local address and telephone number.  Reputable shops will always have a way for you to contact them locally.  This information should be consistent with the local information found else where on the site.

3.  Check for written or mapped directions to their physical store.  Sometimes I call to make sure the person on the phone gives me the same directions.

These are just a few tips I use when searching the world wide web.

I guess I have to say sending flowers online is a good idea.  Just make sure you know who is behind that website.

I tend to talk a lot about what I like and what works for me and mine. However, I’m much more concerned with what you like and what works for you and yours. This month I would like to see what really tickles you about flowers. If you are a florist, please share what you like about or what made you choose the floral industry.

I want to know what moves you, what drives you, what about your area drew you to flowers, what makes your local flower shop stand out, what makes your area stand out in the floral industry, and what makes your heart skip a beat when you see or hear it.

Though these are not the boundaries by any means, here are some examples:

• Funny/sentimental card messages
• (Florists) Stories about sweet customer interactions
• Design techniques that catch your eye
• Something nice that you did to counteract the effects of a natural disaster
• Anything happy that makes you feel good.

It’s not just the opportunity to put words on a page. It’s not an attempt to fill space on the Internet. It’s a chance for you to BRAG about yourself. Keep points! Take score. You’re at the top of your game or climbing there fast for a reason. Want to share a great idea with others? Find something that you like and you’re sure someone else will love it? Share it with us. You may even see a whole blog or Networker article about what peaks your interest.

Let the world know what moves you. Log in to comment below or email me at bjackson@flowershopnetwork.com