Archives for 2009

You Don’t Have To Be Narcissistic To Like Narcissus

November 21, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

For those who missed last year’s December birth month flower post, here’s a quick recap. The birth month flower of December is the daffodil (Narcissus).

See? Told you it’d be quick.

Daffodils are awesome flowers. They are attractive, come in many colors, and have none of the qualities of the person for which they’re named. In case you don’t know the story, Narcissus is a figure in Greek mythology who was so enthralled with his own beauty that he could not fully love anyone else. It’s a very interesting story that, despite many narratives, always ends in a white flower growing in the spot where Narcissus died. Narcissus can be either yellow or paper white hence the name.

Even if you’re not into Greek mythology, the daffodil is an amazing flower that adds instant beauty to an arrangement. Want a true touch of yellow without going to sunflowers or daisies? Try paper white daffodils (Narcissus). Want the butter yellow color of a buttercup in a more prominent bloom? Choose yellow Narcissus. Either way, the gift is one that everyone will love.

Birth month flower arrangements are very popular with younger generations who desire uniqueness. If you need to buy a gift for someone who likes quirkiness, ask your local florist to arrange a birth month flower arrangement using daffodils. Your florist will welcome the challenge and your friend/family will love the drop of sunshine!

Want to send birth month flower arrangements for another month? Use Flower Shop Network to contact your local florist for more birthday flower ideas.

What Are You Doing With Your Leftover Halloween Merchandise?

November 20, 2009 by Flower Shop Network 1 Comment

Flower Shop Network recently learned of one florist’s creative idea for a post-Halloween celebration. Two big thumbs up to Family Roots Nursery in Dale Indiana for bringing fun, family, and florists together!
Andrea Peters of Family Roots Nursery shared her story of the “Witches Night Out” party that they threw for their customers. We were so excited about the idea that we knew we had to share it.

This year our shop hosted a “Witches Night Out” party for our customers. It was a great opportunity to liquidate remaining fall & Halloween merchandise to prepare for Christmas. We had specials all thorough the shop, witches brew, refreshments, door prizes & free broom parking. Door prizes were awarded to the best dressed witch & best decorated broom. Attached is a photo of the dressed up employees (L-R Owners Aaron & Andrea Peters, Sue Kissling employees). The event was considered a success & a good night to just have clean fun!! Our customers are already asking if it will be an annual event!!

What creative thoughts are flowing through your head? Flower Shop Network is always happy to share a fun idea that helps show how creative florists are. If you have an idea, please comment below or email bjackson@flowershopnetwork.com.

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Dale IN Florists, Dale Indiana, Halloween

Avoiding Fraudulent Orders This Holiday Season

November 19, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Red Holiday Centerpiece Flower Shop Network is catching wind of the newest trend in florist talk. The holiday gift-giving season is back which means there are a lot of fraudulent orders and scam orders floating around. Don’t be alarmed! We’ve heard the rumors too and want to make sure that you’re protected from sending/receiving a fraudulent order. Here are tips that will help keep you safe from scam this holiday season.

Scrutinize unusually large or hurried orders. Almost all fraudulent orders tend to be larger than average. Though some appropriate instances call for large orders, note particularly large and hurried orders.
Verify sender contact information. Make sure that the sender has listed a contact phone number, physical address (which can be verified on Google Maps), and other information that lets you know you are dealing with a REAL person.
Pay attention to the signature on the credit card. Make sure that the signature on sender’s credit card matches the signature of the sender. Also, make sure that the signature is a real name and not an obvious nick name.
Do not accept foreign (Non US or Canadian) credit card orders. Approximately 30% of all foreign orders are fraudulent.
Note the email address and corresponding mail server. Take particular note if the account is a setup under a free server such as Yahoo! mail, Gmail, and others or a very strange server as these can be obtained by anyone anywhere.

You may also be interested in these posts:

Quick and Easy Ways To Spot Fraudulent Orders
FSN Applauds Tennessee’s Consumer Protection Efforts
Why Sending Flowers Online Is A Good Idea

Filed Under: FSN Announcements Tagged With: Fraudulent Orders, Scams, Tips & Tricks

What To Do When Lucky Bamboo Stalk Can’t Support Itself

November 18, 2009 by Jamie Jamison Adams 2 Comments

Ask the Expert: Hi,

I have a question about caring for my lucky bamboo plant. I have had the plant for 2 and a half years, and the branch has gotten so large that it cannot even stand up straight anymore because of the weight. It seems like the base node of the stalk is too thin to support it, though it is green and looks healthy. What would you recommend? Should I try to find some kind of wooden pole for support. Your advice is highly appreciated.

Best Regards,
Alaina Kiskaddon

Plant Expert Reply:

Lucky bamboo stalks that are flimsy because they are too long need to be topped. This gives you a great opportunity to create new stalks.

Before you top your lucky bamboo, you will need a few things: a sharp knife, rooting hormone, a container for the new stalks, and a water mist bottle. I recommend using distilled water with lucky bamboo, but you can use tap water. If you use tap water it will need to aerate it overnight before you use it.

Once you have assembled your tools, determine how short you want your existing stalk to be after you top it. Now find a node close to the height you want the stalk to be. The node is the raised ring on the lucky bamboo stalk. Cut the lucky bamboo stalk off an inch above the node. The part that is still attached to the roots will form new leaves and the part (top) that is left will become a new lucky bamboo stalk. Dip the cut end of the top in rooting hormone and let dry. When the rooting hormone has dried, place it in the new container filled with water.

In a couple of weeks the top will develop roots. In a few weeks the existing stalk will form leaves. However, to help the leaves form you new leaves you will need to mist the stalks. Start misting the stalk a couple of days after you have topped it. Mist it once or twice a day until the leaves form.

You can create new stalks any time by repeating the process. Good luck and keep me posted.

Picture of a lucky bamboo node.

Filed Under: Lucky Bamboo Tagged With: Dracaena sanderiana, Lucky Bamboo, Plant Care Questions, Plant Propagation

What Are You Taking To The Thanksgiving Dinner?

November 18, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

If you aren’t the greatest chef in the world you can still bring a cool hostess gift to a Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving flowers are a staple at the dinner table and around the home. What could be more festive than giving thanks for ALL of the harvests (flowers included) by bringing along a fall bouquet?

Now there are many types of flower arrangements that you can bring to a Thanksgiving dinner or party. To know which is right when talking to your florist, consider two things. First, consider the nature of the event. For instance, an elaborate dinner party may be beautifully decorated for fall. A simple “thank you” Thanksgiving bouquet will be a lovely reminder to the host and a good display for other tables throughout the home.

Next, consider the personality of the host/hostess. If they like opulence, over the top is better. Are they more contemporary or traditional? These things will help your local florist create a beautiful arrangement perfect for the occasion.

Want a visual idea to show your florist? Take a gander (bad pun-sorry) at these Thanksgiving flowers.

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“Bountiful Cornucopia” pays homage to the traditional decorations of Thanksgiving. Cornucopias represent abundant bounty, good fortune, and blessings. In other words, perfect sentiments for your host or hostess.

Over the top Thanksgiving gatherings deserve the “Orange Opulence” flower basket. This simple but beautiful arrangement fills the room with the warm, earthy colors most associated with fall.

For some reason, contemporaries seem to gravitate to the “Contemporary Thanksgiving Flowers” arrangement. Go figure.

It may not be a waterfall but the “Cascading Splendor” Thanksgiving arrangement lives up to its name. It is contemporary beauty and style in a simple glass vase.

What’s Thanksgiving without a candle wreath? Aside from a cornucopia, fall flowers surrounding warm colored candles are at the top of the list of popular Thankgiving flower arrangments. The “Abundant Beauty” fall centerpiece puts a modern spin on the classic and is perfect for any table.

The “Amber Sky” of fall is one of its most glorious features. As a tribute to the splendor of the heavens, the “Amber Sky” fall flower arrangement reaches out with warm rays of sunshine through the whole meal.

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: Gift Ideas, Hostess Gift Ideas, Thanksgiving Flowers

Florists Share The Importance Of Funeral Flowers

November 17, 2009 by Jamie Jamison Adams 1 Comment

Sometimes to make a point you have to put your money where your mouth is and that is what a handful of florists did last week. Cheryl Bakin of Parkway Florist, Clay Atchison of McAdams Florist and Lisa Greene of Nunan’s Florist have been long-standing proponents of funeral flowers.

However, simply stating a fact — flowers are comforting or flowers make a funeral service special — doesn’t always effectively make the point. So these creative florists, along with Melissa Mega of The Ivy Green and Kathy Dudley of The Bloomery, decided a picture was worth a thousand words.

Contemporary Funeral Spray

Last month they attended the National Funeral Directors Association convention in Boston, painting a very important picture — flowers and funerals go together like peanut butter and jelly. Each taste good on its own, but together the taste is awesome.

With the kind and generous support of Smithers Oasis, Delaware Valley Floral Group and Pioneer Wholesale, the florists created several sympathy flower arrangements which gave the attendees a better picture of why funeral flowers are important.

Although I didn’t attend the convention, I know the attendees experienced a WOW moment at the florists booth. If the flower arrangements were half as amazing as the descriptions Cheryl gave me, anyone walking up to the booth would be blown away.

Cheryl was kind enough to give me a run-down on the events at the convention. I thought I would share an excerpt of the design process. Maybe this will give you ideas on how to effectively communicate the importance of funeral flowers.

Contemporary Casket Spray

In less that 5 short hours, including the time to decide what containers we were using, what vignettes we were making, and which [Read more…]

Filed Under: Floral Industry News Tagged With: Floral Design, Florists Achievements, Funeral Flowers, Sympathy Flowers

Will Dividing A Peace Lily Kill Flowering?

November 16, 2009 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

Ask the Expert: Peace lily won’t flower
Hi.
I had a peace lily that was healthy, and flowered lots. One day (about a year ago) I decided it was pot bound, and as it divided easily, split it into several ‘new’ plants and repotted each of these. All have done well, continues to grow and look healthy – dark green glossy leaves, but none of them have flowered. all the plants have different conditions (given away to family and friends) and I’ve tried moving mine between rooms to try different light levels.

What do I need to do to get the plant to flower? or did dividing it ‘kill’ the flowers? Sarah

Plant Expert Reply:

Dividing the peace lily did not kill the ability of the plant to flower. The natural cycle of a peace lily is a 3 to 4 month blooming period per year. Hybrid varieties may have different blooming cycles that occur more often or they have been chemically manipulated (with a hormone called Gibberellic acid – GA ₃) to bloom.

Light and humidity are the natural factors that inhibit or stimulate the blooming of a peace lily. In your case, another factor maybe a contributing factor – maturity. One of the reasons peace lilies have been hybridized is that the original Spathiphyllum needed maturity and size before it would bloom. This often meant more than a year’s growth before the plant would bloom. You plant may simply lack maturity. You didn’t say how long it has been since you divided the peace lily. If it has only been a few months give it a little more time. When the plant has “matured”, it should bloom.

In the mean time, I would make sure the plant is receiving the right amount of humidity and light. You can find more Peace Lily Care information on the Peace Lily page on FSN. If you want to learn more about peace lily blooming, read Making Peace Lilies Bloom.

Good Luck and keep me posted.

Filed Under: Peace Lily Tagged With: Blooming Problems, Peace Lily, Spathiphyllum

Sending Funeral Flowers? Your Florist Needs This Info

November 16, 2009 by Flower Shop Network 1 Comment

When the sad occasion comes and it is time to send flowers to a funeral home, no one wants to be bothered with more details. The passing of a friend or loved one is a burden which is hard to bear, so juggling phone calls from businesses providing a service to the grieving can be equally exhausting. Don’t put yourself through that when sending funeral flowers.

There are a few bits of information that your florist needs to ensure that your sympathy and funeral flower arrangements are delivered promptly with little or no hassle to anyone else. To make sure that all goes smoothly on the day of the service, include these details when talking with your local florist. You’ll find the process easier and your load remarkably lighter.

When sending funeral flowers, include this information:

The deceased’s name — The funeral home keeps up with services based on the name of the deceased. This way, there is no confusion when deciphering which arrangement goes where. For example, perhaps you were friends with the deceased’s daughter who has since married and changed her name. Instead of piling through paperwork to figure out whose daughter she is, the funeral director can quickly place your arrangement with the right service based on deceased’s name.

The funeral home where the service will be held — This is particularly important when sending flowers for a funeral service instead of sympathy arrangements to the home. Florists who do not have this information must call each funeral home and inquire about the services. Though this is only a minor inconvenience, it is a time-consuming one for all involved. Knowing the name of the funeral home will help prevent any late or missed deliveries.

The address of the funeral home — If you know this, you’re golden. Though most florists are familiar with the funeral homes in their area, including an address will help the delivery person in the event that their is a different error in the information. For example, if the name of the funeral home is incorrect, having the address will prove beneficial to the driver who can then verify the service times upon arrival.

Funeral service time — If possible, always include the service times. This will help prevent any missed or late deliveries.

Once your florist has this information, your hands are free and clear to tend to the grieving. If you are among them, you will not have to worry with what seems rather trivial at the time. Our deepest condolences to anyone having lost a friend or family member. My the following days find you with smiles instead of sadness.

Filed Under: Funeral Flowers, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Flower Sending Tip, Funeral Flowers, Sympathy Flowers

Benjamin Fig – Not Tasty But Beautiful

November 15, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

If you’d asked me just over a year ago what I thought a Benjamin fig was, you’d have received a blank stare and then some sort of foodie response. Unfortunately, Benjamin fig (also known as Weeping Fig) is not the newest way to spice up your figgy pudding but it is an awesome houseplant to have in view.

Benjamin Fig (Ficus benjamina)

Benjamin fig (Ficus benjamina) is an incredible thing of beauty. It’s your typical ficus, i.e. shrub-looking houseplant. In fact, Benjamin fig IS the leading ficus found in most homes. It’s popularity has been noted for years and continues to scale onward and upward. Being of a curious nature, I wondered why. I browsed the Flower Shop Network plant care information for Benjamin fig and found out very quickly why everyone loves this ficus.

It’s not hard. It’s not easy. Benjamin Fig plant care is just right. Benjamin fig requires a lot of attention but the payoff is great. Also a popular bonsai tree, Benjamin fig is perfect for practicing discipline and attention to detail. It is great for home-bound people who enjoy a hobby in which they can literally watch themselves reap the benefit of their effort. Benjamin fig houseplants are also the perfect gift for plant care experts who need a challenge but don’t want a time-consuming project.

Here’s a heads up about Benjamin fig plant care. Treat Benjamin fig houseplants much like you would treat yourself or a person living in your home. That’s not to say you should talk to your plant or invite it out to dinner but keeping the “house guest” notion in mind will help remember how to properly care for your plant. For example:

Benjamin fig houseplants require very moist but well drained environments. (i.e. They can’t be thirsty or waterlogged.)
Benjamin fig plants need an area of indirect sunlight without direct heat or drafty cold. (i.e. They want to live in a comfortable environment. Not too hot or cold. Keep the thermostat on “comfy”.)
Benjamin fig requires a varying fertilizer regimen over its lifetime. (i.e. Tastes change from birth to adulthood. Vary meals accordingly.)

See? This is one house guest that you won’t mind having around. They don’t talk back. They don’t steal all of your food. They don’t invite friends over without notice. They simply sit in the corner and look beautiful for you so long as you pay them a little attention every few days. Why wouldn’t someone want a houseplant like that? Now if they only made Benjamin fig in human form…

Filed Under: Plant Suggestions Tagged With: Benjamin Fig (Ficus benjamina), Gift Ideas, Houseplants

What Flowers Should You Send For Your Anniversary?

November 14, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Ready to wow your sweetheart? Want to dazzle her with your charm? Want to floor him with your beauty? It all starts with flowers. Whether planning a romantic weekend or enjoying the same routine night as usual, add a dose of different to your anniversary. Flowers are a girl’s true BFF; diamonds are just their playmates. Here’s how you can eavesdrop on the chatter and get away with it:

Listen to the flower meanings. That’s right! Almost every flower has a particular meaning. The anniversary bouquet you send will have more significance if you take the time to pick out flower meanings that are right for your relationship. We’re going to go ahead and cut out the research time. Here’s a list of popular flowers and their meanings. Choose these and your sweetheart will be yours for the rest of the night.

Lilac – First Love
Orchid – Delicate Beauty
Pansy – Loving Thoughts
Passion Flower – Passion
Red Rose – Passionate Love
Red & White Rose – Unity
Sunflower – Adoration
Tuberose – Pleasure
Red Tulip – Declaration of Love
Yellow Tulip – Hopelessly In Love
Holly – Domestic Happiness
Gardenia – Joy

Your local florist will have an incredible amount of ideas for how to make these anniverary flowers extra special using flowers with a certain meaning. If you have thoughts of your own, contact your local florist and let the magic begin. With a little explanation on the enclosure card, your sweetheart will be swooning as soon as these flowers grace the doorway. Happy anniversary!

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: Anniversary Flowers, Flower Suggestions, Gift Ideas