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Giving Flowers a Second Life

Flowers are a wonderful thing.  They add beauty to any situation and are an integral part of weddings and many other occasions.  But what happens after the “I do’s” and events?  

Flower donation is a growing phenomenon.  There are several organizations now who “recycle” gently used flowers from weddings and large events.  They use every part of the designs including the ribbons and vases.  New arrangements are crafted from deconstructing the bouquets and centerpieces. These new arrangements are then delivered to hospitals, assisted living facilities, hospice houses, and nursing homes.  Many times they are also tax deductible depending on what organization you work with.

Random Acts of Flowers is a privately-funded organization that has a vision to improve the emotional health of the community with flowers.

In July 2007, Random Acts of Flowers’ founder, Larsen Jay, was in a near-fatal accident. While confined to his hospital room, the outpouring of support that Larsen received in the form of daily visitors and dozens of floral arrangements immediately aided in his long recovery.

When Larsen was capable of leaving his room he noticed how many of his fellow patients did not have visitors or flowers – the very thing that helped him so much in those early and difficult days. Within moments the first “random act of flowers” delivery was made, repurposing his flowers and delivering them to patients in nearby hospital rooms. The memories of how a simple gesture touched his fellow patients compelled Larsen to form Random Acts of Flowers in 2008.

Random Acts of Flowers recycles and repurposes flowers by engaging dedicated volunteer teams to deliver beautiful bouquets and moments of kindness to individuals in healthcare facilities across the country.

As a recycling “green” nonprofit organization run almost entirely by volunteers, Random Acts of Flowers is committed to nourishing the health of the environment, individuals, and the community.

Are you interested in donating?  If there aren’t any organizations in your region, work with your florist or wedding planner to find a local facility in your area that would be interested in taking the flowers.  We all know flowers have a positive effect on mood, so why not share the joy? Visit your florist today to talk to them about flower donation!


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Wedding Trend: Getting Back to Nature

Wedding Trend: Getting Back to Nature

Getting back to nature is a growing movement.  We live in a fast paced world and many people have begun to see the beauty in slowing down.  This is also true for the wedding world.  Couples are choosing a more relaxed, natural atmosphere opposed to the old standard wedding structure of perfection.  

Out with the old, and in with the…old?  Brides are discovering “new” flowers that are actually heirloom flowers.  There are older varieties of mums, zinnias, and carnations (among others) that are making a comeback.  These older versions come in different shapes and more pastel colors that are a great match for the softer look many brides are trying to achieve.

With the rise of free seating and movement towards longer, rectangular tables, multiple centerpieces will take the stage.  These centerpieces are likely to include flowering branches and layers of greenery.  There will also be variations in centerpieces to create a loosely connected vibe, rather than identical pieces across the board.

Photo Courtesy of: Com-Patt-Ibles Flowers and Gifts

Photo Courtesy of: Com-Patt-Ibles Flowers and Gifts

Locally grown flowers native to the region where a couple will be getting married are becoming more popular.  Brides are choosing to have a free-flowing bouquet with a more organic look.  This also brings the introduction of other elements of nature, like sprigs of lavender or edibles.

Whether you decide to stick with a more traditional style or go au naturel, flowers add beauty to any venue.  For help discovering which flowers will make your day perfect, contact one of our local florists!


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4 Tips When Sending Him Flowers

Should you send him flowers for Valentine’s Day? Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. What are you getting for the special man in your life? Why not flowers?

Traditionally, flowers were considered a gift for women, but times are changing. With such a variety of options available, you just have to find the right fit for your man. There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting flowers for men:

1. When selecting colors think vibrant and high-energy, or green and natural, instead of pastels and pinks.

2. When choosing a style, opt for an arrangement that looks a bit more edgy, like modern art, for the contemporary man. Is he a nature lover? Select a more natural and earthy arrangement. Find a style that suits his personality.

3. Does he have a hobby or special interest? Ask your florist about ways to incorporate that into the arrangement.

4. Still not sure your guy would enjoy flowers? Consider a plant. Something that can add a little nature to his work space. Let him know that having plants in the office is good for the air quality, and that you want to improve the quality of his life, because he improves the quality of yours.

If you carefully select an arrangement with him in mind, he will feel the same way you do when he sends you flowers – special and loved.

 

Bloom Trends: What The Kale?

Kale has become quite popular in the “Health and Wellness” world, but did you know that it is also a rising star in the flower world too? This yummy veggie is turning heads in flower arrangements and wedding bouquets! We talked to Debbie Green of The Cottage at Queen Creek in Queen Creek, Arizona to give us the details!

Here is a pretty kale flower in an arrangement. Photo courtesy of The Cottage at Queen Creek.

Here is a pretty kale flower in an arrangement. Photo courtesy of The Cottage at Queen Creek.

This pretty bloom, Green says, is so popular because it is a big focal flower. Unlike hydrangeas, who are difficult to work with, Kale holds up no matter what!

“It’s beautiful year round,” Green said. “It comes in a variety of colors like purple, white, and deep greens.”

Green says she always suggests Kale to her brides because of how versatile and easy it is to work with. “I always suggest it to them and once they see it, they are blown away that this veggie can look so beautiful!”

Don’t knock it until you see it! The hues of purple really make this flower pop and, hey, maybe you can have it as a snack after the wedding!

Air-Filtering Plants For Your Home

As we head into a new season, a lot of us start preparing for allergies. However, did you know that there are plants that can purify the air you breathe and help during allergy season?

In our air, we have many toxins that mostly derive from products we may use in our household. NASA conducted a Clean Air Study to determine which indoor plants are the best for air filtering. As it turns out, many are commonly found at local flower shops!

 

Here is part of an infographic by Love The Garden that outlines the 18 air-filtering plants that NASA recommends for improving your air quality. Click the photo to read the full infographic! Once you have determined which plant is right for you, contact your local florist to find your perfect air-purifying plant!

Introducing Radiant Orchid – The Color of the Year!

Radiant Orchid

Pantone, the global authority on color and issuer of professional color standards for the design industry for over 50 years, has been selecting a Color of the Year since 2000. They base their selection on expert color-sampling from the world of design and fashion, often predicting those hot trends you’ll soon be seeing everywhere.

For 2014, Pantone: Radiant Orchid was declared the Color of the Year!

“Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination. An invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society. An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.” -Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute

Captivate With Radiant Orchid

This “it” hue is going to be seen all over – from women’s dresses to men’s ties to throw pillows to accent walls. And, of course, in our favorite flower designs everywhere.

Want to brighten someone’s office with this trend-setting color?  Ask your florist to include roses, matsumoto asters, chrysanthemums or stock in lovely shades of this pinkish purple.

Planning your wedding? Feature radiant orchid as your accent color with gerbera, orchids, callas or roses for stunning bouquets, boutineers, alter flowers and centerpieces.

And what could celebrate this color better than orchids themselves! Purple cymbidium orchids and phalaenopsis orchids come in dazzling arrangements and as graceful, long-lasting potted plants.

Injecting this vibrant color into your day is sure to inspire a wonderful freedom and happiness that comes from appreciating, and reveling in, all life has to offer!

Need help from a knowledgeable florist? That’s no problem! Use our florist search to find a skilled florist near you!

 

Winter Wedding Flowers, Foliages & Accessories

White Winter Wedding CenterpieceWhen most people think of a wedding bouquet, they instantly think of red roses or brightly colored flowers bunched together. You might even think of white lilies or callas. But what about a winter wedding? What flowers come to your mind? Sure, with today’s technology, most flowers are available year-round, but if you’re planning a wedding for the winter, why not add a touch of the season (as well as traditions) to your wedding decor?

Winter Wedding Flowers

  • Agapanthus – firework-like flower available in a wide range of colors.
  • Amaryllis – very large, winter-blooming flower.
  • Anemone – unique flower with dark center disks.
  • Brunia – ball-like flower; beautiful in silver.
  • Calla Lily – elegant flower available in almost any color.
  • Carnation – the new variations of carnations are absolutely beautiful.
  • Dahlia – available in many sizes and colors.
  • Eryngium – also known as Sea Holly, is a blue, star-like flower.
  • Freesia – heavenly fragrance and wide range of colors.
  • Hyacinth – highly fragrant; symbol of spring.
  • Hydrangea – very large flowers full of texture; available in many color variations.
  • Kale – beautiful with flowers, this out-of-the-garden bloom is available in purple, white and green.
  • Lily – traditional wedding flower; available in many colors.
  • Narcissus – beautiful spring flower, means luck.
  • Star of Bethlehem – beautiful flower with unique spike at the tip.
  • Waxflower – small, unique flower adds texture to any arrangement.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to flowers available in the winter. Your local florist will be able to help you choose the perfect flowers for the style and theme of your wedding. [Read more…]

Wave Goodbye To Summer With Flowers In Your Hair

With the last days of summer fast approaching, you better be soaking up all the bright sunny days you can stand.  And what a better send off for summer than embracing the year’s hot trend of flower crowns!

Celebrity Flower Crowns

Flower crowns have been very popular lately. From Pixie Lott showing off giant yellow flowers, to Kristen Dunst wearing a tiny crown of rosettes, and even Lady Gaga sporting rainbow roses has made the trend of flower crowns fun, flirty, causal or classy. Whatever you want it to be!

From big and bold, to tiny and delicate, women from so many different cultures have been wearing flowers in their hair for ages. Always popular at weddings and special outdoor events, flower crowns have recently become a fashion accessory for any day. And the end of summer is the best time to show your nature-loving, carefree side.

How To Wear Flowers in Your Hair

Go simple with a single statement flower, like a bright spray mum, clipped into your basic up-do or braid. Nestle a ring of eye-catching orchids with mixed greenery into your loose locks. Gypsophila, often called baby’s breath (or gyp in the flower shop) is always available and has a wonderful vintage chic quality when used all on its own, with just some ribbons or greenery for accents

Flower Crown by A Towne Lake Florist

Your local florist will have a ton of ideas. They can create a stunning flower crown or hairpiece that will be sturdy, long-lasting and perfect for any of your end of summer parties and gatherings.  What are you waiting for? Rain and snow will be here before you know it. Go live it up while the weather lasts!

Photos provided by A Towne Lake Florist and Lauren Farrell Floral LLC

Florists Share 2013 Wedding Color Trend Secrets

Our florists are definitely the top experts of what is happening this year when it comes to wedding color trends. With every new client comes a little insight into what brides are asking for, and that translates into what’s hot for 2013 weddings.

When asked to divulge the most popular colors seen this summer, florists responded with popular trends happening in their area. Here is a detailed list of hot color palettes designers, and brides alike, can’t seem to get enough.

#1. coral

(with mint blue) – most votes!
With refreshing sea hues, this combination recalls the soft coral color of shells and fond dreams of the beach.

coral

#2. shades of blue

Proof that calm soothing colors can be exciting and eye-catching as well.

blues

#3. purple

Purple is the meeting place between red and blue; combinations of this hue lend a perfect mix to a happy day.

purples

[Read more…]

Houseplants for Modern Design

While many people do not associate plants with modern interior design, you might be surprised how many are available with the sleek and sophisticated look fans of this look crave.
Red-Margined Dracaena - Modern Houseplant
Modern design is generally characterized by simplification of form and creation. We see this daily, from new tech gadgets, to appliances to even modern cars, but mostly we see it in architecture and interior design.

Characteristics of Houseplants for Modern Design

  • Strong lines, especially horizontal or vertical
  • Unified or solid colors
  • Simple; elimination of unnecessary detail or texture
  • Minimal accessories or extra frills, (ribbons, garden picks, etc.)
  • Sharp angles
  • Low profile
  • Airy and open
  • Neutral, subtle color shades

[Read more…]