Archives for December 2010

Out With The Old In With The Hues!

December 31, 2010 by Flower Shop Network 2 Comments

Florist Color Trends For 2011

Bright and Bold

2011 is citing exotic elements of luxurious artistry in foreign lands like Africa, India, Peru and Turkey as inspiration for this years color trends. These color pallets are BRIGHT and bold! As shown below, tropical, fun and whimsical sets the overall tone for a year of color indulgence. The intense and radiant colors like apple green or clementine orange are best showcased when in contrast with the neutral colors of these selections like slate gray or smokey navy blue.

Colors shown above from left to right*: apple green, mauve, lilac, hot pink, slate gray, celadon, aged gold, coral, red, violet purple, mocha or chocolate brown, navy, pine green, clementine orange, and yellow.

Masculine and Earthy

If your design calls for something a little more masculine then these vintage, earthy and sun-washed colors are sure to provide a solution.
Gray is the “it” color, but mocha is sure to return to one of the top favorites, along with orange and triad hues of green for an eco-nomic/urban color scheme.

However you choose to combine these palettes, they are sure to add visual interest and creative value to all your floral arrangements and designs.

Masculine & Earthy Hues
Colors above shown from left to right*: dark chocolate, dark charcoal gray, sangria/brick red, myrtle (dark) green, dark tangerine, dark chestnut, asparagus, Tyrian purple, dark midnight green, deep blue, Persian green, mocha taupe, agate blue, amazon green, scallop shell, moccasin, olivine green, khaki, carrot orange, oyster gray, gray taupe, and antique white.

* color names may differ per source.

This post is brought to you by local Bloomington, MN florists.
Not in Minnesota? No worries, use Flower Shop Network’s handy online directory of local florists.

Flower Shop Network’s Best of the Best 2010

December 30, 2010 by Mandy Maxwell 2 Comments

Best of the Best 2010

We post a TON of great articles here on the Bloomin’ Blog, and we realize it might be a little hard to keep up. That is why we’ve created this post — the Best of the Best articles from 2010! (Just in case you missed one!) And if you’re not one of our great subscribers, then do it now! You won’t be sorry!

FLOWER FUN AND FLORAL TRENDS

Matching Corsage To Prom Dress
(April) The hottest trend in prom fashion, wild and crazy corsages that show off the teen’s fun and funky dresses. Check out great prom corsage pics along with the dress they go with from a REAL high school prom. (Good ideas for next year moms & teens!) Probably my favorite post of last year, definitely a must see!

Design Inspiration Challenge
(September) We had SO MUCH FUN this summer with our Design Inspiration Challenge. How it worked: we selected an ‘inspiration’ or brilliant photo of art, architecture, butterflies… all sorts of things, and florists created an amazing flower arrangement ‘inspired’ by each photo. We got some very interesting submissions! Check them ALL out in this post, including our winner!

Floral Pocket Squares Trend
(October) This was a fun post because many people have never heard of a floral pocket square or how they are used. We made several designs in our studio to share with you. Floral pocket squares make perfect accessories to grooms who just can’t do boutonnieres.

Trend Alert: Sushi Flowers
(September) For those who know me, know I had to choose this as a favorite. I love sushi! When I saw the sushi designs from this summer’s floral conventions, I couldn’t help but create this post!

BEST HOLIDAY POSTS

The Romance of Flowers (Valentines Day)
(February) Sure, the title may sound a little cheesy, but this loaded with GREAT info on romantic flowers.. and not just roses! This article will guide you through selecting flowers for your honey based on [Read more…]

Filed Under: Floral Resources, FSN Announcements Tagged With: Floral Design, Floral Industry, Flower Suggestions, Funeral Flowers

Stopping The Spread of Cotton-Like Substance On Lucky Bamboo

December 30, 2010 by Neal Adams 2 Comments

Ask the Expert:> lucky bamboo has white cotton like substance
Hello,

I have had my lucky bamboo for about 2 years now and it was doing great until we suspected it might be the cause of a gnat infestation at my workplace. I took it home changed the water and removed the styrofoam and rocks that were anchoring the plan down. I made the mistake of doing it with sink water and since then it seemed to just be on a slow decline. Recently there seems to be a white cottony substance growing on the stalks similar to those dandelion plants that you blow when you are a kid. Also, some of the lucky bamboos have been turning brown. I also see small white maybe eggs on the stalk, it seems like an empty shell of something but I don\’t see active bugs or anything on it. I have the plant here at the office and I have never fertilized the plant at all. Please help I am removing stalks weekly and soon it won\’t be a lucky bamboo tree. I have attached a photo showing the white substance in question. Lindy

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:
The cottony substance on lucky bamboo usually indicates a spider mite or cottony scale problem. To get rid of the insects you need to wash the stalks and the container with warm soapy water. If the cotton like substance persists an insecticide will be needed.

After looking at the picture, you may also have a case of bacterial leaf spot. The only way to keep bacterial leaf spot from spreading is to remove the infected stalks. Then wash the remaining stalks and container with warm soapy water. Refill the container with distilled water. Watch the stalks for the next couple of weeks to make sure the bacteria has stop spreading

Filed Under: Lucky Bamboo Tagged With: Cottony Scale, Disease Identification, Lucky Bamboo, Lucky Bamboo Diseases, Spider Mites

Big Thank You To ‘Because You’re Special’ in Indianapolis

December 30, 2010 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

Yummy Gifts From Because You’re Special

We had to give a shout out to Because You’re Special, an Indianapolis florist and FSN member, for sending us all of these delicious goodies! They were actually sent to our Order Transfer department to acknowledge their hard work throughout the Christmas rush. Thanks so very much, guys! We will put them to good use!

Use Flower Shop Network to find a real local florist in your area today!

Filed Under: FSN Announcements Tagged With: Christmas Gifts

Ring In The New Year With Flowers

December 29, 2010 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

Your New Years Eve party is not complete with out a gorgeous bouquet of flowers. Flowers remind us of bright and happier times ahead, and will set your New Year off on the right foot! Choose a New Years flower arrangement to match your party theme, or go with the traditional New Years colors of silver and gold.

Circles are also a traditional New Years symbol, signifying the year has come full circle. Use this theme while planning your party decor and food. Hang up wreaths with fresh flowers, silver and gold ribbon. Stars are also a great symbol to use at New Years. For one, it’s a midnight celebration and what better represents night than stars? But also stars have traditionally symbolized guidance, and more recently hopes and wishes.

If you are attending a New Years Eve party, stop by your local florists and pick up a beautiful New Years themed centerpiece for your hostess. She will be tickled pink, and you will all reap the benefits of having fresh flowers at your New Years party.

So here at FSN we WISH you a HAPPY NEW YEAR! May the next year bring you happiness and fortune!

Filed Under: Holiday Info Tagged With: Hostess Gift Ideas, New Years, New Years Eve, New Years Flowers

Predicting For What’s Hot In 2011

December 28, 2010 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

What's Hot For 2011???

2011 is looking to be a HOT year. Last summer’s trends were all about bright, BOLD colors and dynamic patterns. Do you think this will change in the upcoming year, or stay the same? Here are a few of my predictions for 2011.

Hottest Colors? I think the fab colors for 2011 are going to be light and airy, especially in spring. With Pantone selecting a honeysuckle pink for their color of the year, and 2010’s fall being so dark, I think we will all be popping for pastels! However, I don’t see them being straight hue, they will be slightly muted.

Hottest Flowers? I think, this year, it’s going to be all about great textures! It began in 2010 and I think we will see even more in 2011. The ‘Barbatus Green Ball’ Dianthus and the uniquely colored carnations are going to be a hit! Also unique focal flowers like ranunculus, protea and anemones will be a hit with chic flower fans.

Hottest Centerpiece Trends? Because we are all used to customizing everything to fit ME ME ME, I see centerpieces going the same direction. I predict medium-high centerpieces that are very organic. Perhaps even use a bit of wood or a branch from the hostess yard. For weddings, bring in even more personal items: textures from grandma’s quilt, an antique brooch of your mothers. Also things from the garden are going to continue to be popular in 2011, and not just veggies. Bring in herbs, fruit, etc. — especially if they are from your own garden.

Hottest Wedding Colors? Again, 2011 is all about bright, beautiful wedding colors. Expect to see lots of pinks, corals, oranges, blue-green to greens and purples — with gray as a neutral accent. For dark colors: navy blood, deep reds, hunter green, chocolate browns.

Hottest Wedding Bouquet Styles? Again, it’s all about texture. I think the hand-tied clutch bouquets and Juliet nosegays are what the brides will be looking for. Also unique arm bouquets and cascading bouquets are not far behind! Do keep and eye on the cuff bouquets and even the tight pomander!

So… those are MY predictions… now it’s time for you to share YOURS!

Answer 1 or all of the trends questions in the comments below. Be sure to include a link to your flower shop’s website! Also somewhere in the comment, let us know where you are from. We all know styles and trends in southern Louisiana are going to be totally different from those in upstate New York…

What colors are going to be HOT in 2011?
What are the hottest flowers of 2011?
What centerpiece trends are you foreseeing this upcoming year?
Hottest wedding colors of 2011?
Hottest wedding bouquet styles of 2011?

You can answer these as brief or as detailed as you want! There is also no sign up required to comment, so there are no excuses!

Can’t wait to hear from you!

This post is brought to you by local Ithaca, NY florists.
Not in New York? No worries, Flower Shop Network’s handy directory connects you to your real local city florist.

Filed Under: Floral Design Tagged With: 2011 Trends, Color Trends, Flower Trends

Lucky Bamboo Yellowing From Bottom Up

December 28, 2010 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

Ask the Expert: Lucky Bamboo

Lucky Bamboo Yellowing From Bottom Up

I’ve only had my Lucky Bamboo for 2 weeks, and they already seem to be taking a bad turn on me. A pet knocked it over, spilling the original water, and I mistakenly used tap water to refill it. I’m assuming that’s what’s causing the yellowing, so I’m going to try refilling it with distilled water.

My question is, how would you suggest I handle each of the stalks? I’ve attached a photo here. The curled stalk seems to be the healthiest with green ends, so I wasn’t sure if I should wait and see if it survives. The tall stalk seems to be mostly yellow with almost no green on either end, besides the bigger leaves at the top. The short stalk still has some green at the top, but is mostly yellow and wrinkly throughout the middle, and the leaves look a bit faded.

Thanks for your help! Pat

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply: Unfortunately when stalks turn yellow from the bottom up there is little you can do. You did the right thing by changing the water and there is a slim chance that the stalks will be ok. I suspect that since you have only had the stalks for 2 weeks, the damage was done before you got them. They were probably over fertilized.

I recommend starting new stalks from the green healthy parts of the lucky bamboo.

To propagate your lucky bamboo cut the stalk off about an inch above one of the nodes. The nodes are the raised rings that grow on the stalk. Let the cut part of the stalk (on the stalk with the roots) dry for a couple of days; then mist the top to encourage new growth. Take the top of the stalk (the part you cut-off) and dip it in rooting hormone (garden centers carry this product) and let it dry over night. Then set the stalk in one or two inches of water and in a week or two you will have roots.

The blog has several posts that explain in further detail how to do this:
Turn Your Lucky Bamboo Top Into New Plant
We Are not always Lucky With Lucky Bamboo

Filed Under: Lucky Bamboo Tagged With: Lucky Bamboo, Yellowing Lucky Bamboo

Winter Romance: Create Some Heat With a Radiant Bouquet!

December 27, 2010 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

With the hustle and bustle of Christmas just ending, now is the perfect time for you to surprise your lady with a little winter romance. She probably won’t admit it, but she did a LOT at Christmas: cooking, cleaning, shopping, gift wrapping, kid wrangling, more gift wrapping, fighting the dog off the presents and keeping the cat out of the tree… the list goes on and on.

Now is the PERFECT time to show her just how much you care. Surprise her with romantic flowers either at home or the office. She will be tickled pink to get the love and recognition from you she really.. really deserves. Sure, she probably got a ton of great gifts from you and the family, but that’s what makes sending flowers so romantic — she definitely isn’t expecting it.

Here are a few great Winter Romance ideas to get you started:

Red is always romantic — think roses and tulips.
Pink is a great girl color. Choose hot pink for a the fun and funky girlfriend; soft pink for elegant style.
White flowers are a great choice for winter romance theme.
Favorites — to really go above and beyond, ask your local florist to use her favorite flowers in her favorite colors.
Flowers are also great for January anniversaries! (Especially sent to the office, women love that!)

So guys, start the new year on her GOOD SIDE! Send a little winter romance today!

This post is brought to you by local Jacksonville FL florists.
Not in Jacksonville? No worries, Flower Shop Network makes it easy to find a local florist using their handy online directory.

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: Romance, Sending Flowers, Sending Flowers Online, Winter Flowers

What Plant Has A Long Seed Pod, Tear-shaped Seeds & Yellow Flowers?

December 27, 2010 by Jamie Jamison Adams 2 Comments

Ask the Expert: what type of plant is this
It has a mimosa type leaf system. Yellow flowers.Triangular seeds. see pictures. Tom

: Cassia alata Seed

: Cassia alata Seed Pod

: Seeds & Seed Pod of Cassia alata

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert reply:
From your description and the pictures above, I believe the plant is a type of Cassia. It is probably a Cassia alata – Senna alata, commonly referred to a Emperor’s Candlesticks. This plant is a tropical plant hardy in zone 10-12 and native to Argentina. It requires full-sun and regular to moderate watering and a need for good drainage. It produces golden yellow flowers late summer to autumn followed by seed pods that can range from 6″ to 12″ in length.

Cassia is a genus of over 500 species of annuals and perennials as well as deciduous, semi-evergreen and evergreen shrubs. Most of which have pinnate leaves and loosely bowl-shaped flowers. Most Cassia are tropical and need warmer climates.

This post is brought to you by local Sandy florists. Not in Sandy UT? No worries, use Flower Shop Network’s handy directory of local florists to find a florist near you.

Filed Under: Plant Identification Tagged With: Seed Identification, Seed Pod Identification

Beat The Winter Blues With New Years Flowers

December 25, 2010 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

Can you believe 2011 is just a few weeks away?! It feels like only yesterday I was planting and picking flowers in my garden, enjoying the sounds of backyard song birds, and basking in the warm breeze of summer. All of this cold weather has really got me feeling the winter blues. What’s the best way to beat the winter blues? With a party of course!

New Year’s Eve is just around the corner. Start planning your New Years party now! There’s no better way to brighten up the winter darkness than with fresh flowers. Flowers in the winter remind us that spring is just around the corner. Use beautiful white flowers for your New Year’s centerpiece. Accent with gold or silver to complete your New Year’s look! Favorite New Year’s colors include: white, silver, gold, blue, black, but of course it’s all up to you. Favorite flowers for New Year’s are: white lilys, white calla lilys, white roses, white fuji mums.

Here’s just a little inspiration to get you started:

This post is brought to you by local Columbia, SC florists.
Not in South Carolina? No worries, use Flower Shop Network’s handy directory of local florists to find a florist near you.

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: New Years, New Years Eve, New Years Flowers, Winter Flowers