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Flower Spotlight: Heather

Summer is here and so are this season’s flowers! Heather is a beautiful and versatile evergreen shrub whose blooms look great in any arrangement. Here is a brief history about this lovely plant.

Origins and Symbolism

Colluna vulgaris, better known as Heather, is native to Scotland, Ireland, Scandinavia, Russia, and northern North America. In Scotland, however, Heather is one of the national flowers, growing across an estimate of five million acres of moorland and hills. Legend has it that Heather only grows on land where blood hasn’t been shed.

Heather is the flower of unbridled passion and protection. White Calluna is a symbol of luck and known to be very effective. Often it is said that Heather opens portals to the faery world and that Fae of this flower are attracted mostly to shy people.

Medicinal Properties

Heather isn’t just beautiful to the eye, but a very effective herbal medicine too! Here are some of its benefits:

  • Add the flowering tips to a bath to tone muscles and soothe rheumatic pain.
  • Heather has antiseptic and diuretic properties.
  • Treats nervousness and anxiety, cardiac palpitations, migraines, digestive issues, poisoning, blindness, arthritis, coughs and problems associated with menstruation.
  • Because of the diuretic properties, it serves as an internal cleanser and detoxifier.
Availability

Heather blooms in pink, white, lavender, magenta, purple, amethyst, red and many shades of green. Tones of copper, gold and silvery gray are not too common, but are also available. This shrub gives a boost of color to any wedding centerpiece. White Heather is commonly used by brides on their bouquets as a token for good luck.

Heather is one of those plants that does a little bit of everything! Head to your local florist and fall in love with the beautiful tiny blooms on this delicate plant.

Pinterest for Florists

When it comes to promoting your shop, social media does a fantastic job of growing your viewership through content sharing. But one social media platform that increases viewership well past your initial post is Pinterest. Here are three ways to incorporate Pinterest into your marketing strategy.

Pinterest + You

Pinterest is a huge content sharing social platform used for sharing ideas and tips. Linked heavily to blogs, this is the perfect way to promote your shop’s blog. What makes Pinterest really unique is that your posts can resurface on Pinterest periodically, long after you published them on your blog or Facebook.

Photo Op

Similar to Instagram, Pinterest heavily depends on photos for their sharing platform. This works perfectly because photos are the best way to promote your arrangements. During prom season, take a few pictures from customers or even within your display case  of your corsage and boutonniere designs. If you have a unique design, customers will flock to your store wanting a creation they saw on Pinterest.

Social Promotions

Offer customers a discount for following your shop on Pinterest. During holiday seasons, promote your Pinterest by offering a giveaway to a random customer who shares a holiday pin from your page.

Don’t hesitate to use different social media platforms to get your business name out there! Check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for more great marketing ideas!

FSN at SAF Mini Conference

We had a fantastic time at Society of American Florists’ mini conference “Retail Growth Solutions.” Our FSN Account Manager Irving Casiano Flores enjoyed the conference immensely. Here are some pictures from the wonderful weekend.

Irving Casiano Flores with FSN Member Anne Siu from Abigail’s Flowers of San Francisco, California.

A great turn out to a very informative mini session.

A lovely design for the competition.

A beautiful arrangement with pops of color.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth! We also want to thank all who made it a great weekend! Check back with the Bloomin’ Blog to see where we go next!

Card Messages: June 2015

 

It is often that we find ourselves unable to transcribe feelings. It is easier to let others know the way we feel with actions rather than written words. If this is the case for you, below are a few things to say for different occasions in June.

Birthday Wishes

For Mom: You are the sunshine that brightens our lives. The light that shows us the way. Happy Birthday Mom!

For Dad: Mom is the core of the flower, we are the petals and you are the stem. Always supporting and providing our needs with the most loving care. Happy Birthday Dad!

For a Friend: A year older, a year wiser! Happy Birthday!

Wedding Notes

To Both: New beginnings are always good, especially when that new beginning is the one you love. Congratulations!

For Her: Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness with the luckiest man in the world!

For Him: Some people spend their entire lives looking for love. Today, you are forever with yours. Congratulations!

Sympathy Thoughts

This is the beginning of immortality for she/he will forever live in our hearts.

Let the joyful moments of yesterday be a reason for smiling today, tomorrow and always.

Thinking about sending flowers? Head to your local florist and use one of the messages above. Let the lovely people in your life know how much you care!

 

 

Summer 2015 Floral Wedding Trends

FSN-Summer Wedding 2015

The season of weddings is upon us and that means summer brides are out in full force to take advantage of this year’s hottest styles. Take a look at what we believe will be the five most popular trends for brides’ 2015 summer affairs.

Large-Blossomed Flowers

To create a romantic and luxurious atmosphere, large-blossomed flowers will be trending. Blooms such as hydrangeas, peonies and garden roses will be used to make bold statements in a variety of wedding decor, from bouquets to the table centerpieces. Blossoms are versatile for many occasions and can fit right in with a variety of wedding styles.

Lush Greenery

Inspired by the natural essence of a garden, many are opting to bring in lush greenery, such as mixes of herbs or garlands often made from varieties of ferns or leafy foliage, to complement to center piece wedding day blooms. Herbs like rosemary and mint are used primarily for their shape and rich aromas, while ferns are taken for their lacy delicate textures. Consider bringing in greenery for a more natural feel to any wedding theme.

Cascading and Teardrop Bouquets

Cascading bouquets have a 100-year history. Seen as a very classic arrangement, the style has come and gone several times throughout the last century. The height of its popularity occurred when Princess Diana walked down the aisle with her own cascading bouquet, the teardrop bouquet is much more streamlined with its shorter drop. Both styles are perfect for the classic bride.

Heirloom Elegance

Another trend you can expect to see in summer 2015 will be heirloom and vintage incorporated into many bridal styles. “Bejeweled accents” will be strategically blended into bridal bouquets and on bouquet handles. Other approaches for adding “bling” into a wedding include family jewelry, such as earrings necklaces, crowns or brooches, which gives the event a personal touch and a twist of modern sophistication.

Re-purposed and Up-cycled

Suggested for weddings with a more rustic ambiance, re-purposed and up-cycled elements bring a simple, natural feel to a couple’s big day. Not only budget-friendly, wedding decor like centerpieces, signs and vases created to accentuate floral arrangements mix well into a natural atmosphere. Mix-and-match pieces also give the perfect “homey” feel to an intimate affair while maintaining a strong theme throughout the event.

Check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for more great wedding flower trends and ideas!

A Floral Milestone

In the flower shop business, it’s hard to lose sense of time. Each season brings in new decorations and new floral occasions, but sometimes one can realize out of the blue that time really goes by fast. This is the case with Bloomingtons Flower Shop in Universal City, Texas who are celebrating 10 years with Flower Shop Network this year.

Experience in Design

As a full service flower shop, Bloomingtons has experience in a variety of design types, but specializes in funeral flowers.

With 25 years of combined experience, this team has designed for weddings, special events, and has created wonderful works of art for sympathy tributes and funerals.

Their creative talents definitely show through their intricate memorial designs and this shop also carries a variety of gift options to pair with a bouquet.

A Shop To Count On

While their design is easy to admire from their many pictures on their website and Facebook page, what makes Bloomingtons really stand out is their phenomenal customer service and attention to delivery. One customer was amazed their flowers were delivered just in time for the holiday.

“This was the first year in a long time that a florist actually delivered, on time, what they promised. The arrangement was big and beautiful and full of excellent quality flowers. The driver actually called before delivery and was very polite. I could not have been more happy with the flowers that were delivered.”

With great service and a talent for design, Bloomingtons Flower Shop will continue to provide Universal City, Texas with quality arrangements for many years to come!

Shop Talk: Marketing On Wheels

Marketing is an important aspect of flower shop sales. It’s what gets your name out there as a business and what keeps customers coming in and remaining life-long friends. Lora’s Flowers and Gifts of Muenster, Texas has taken their marketing to the streets as a van wrap advertisement on their delivery truck.

Wrapped Delivery

Just as it is important to have your employees look presentable when delivering blooms, that should also go for the delivery truck. Making an impression and looking professional is also an important marketing tactic. The more a customer sees the business logo on the vehicle, the more excited they will be when it pulls up on their driveway for a special delivery.

Marketing To A Huge Audience

It’s no surprise that wrapping the delivery truck is an easy way to market your business. It makes deliveries look professional and everyone within sight of the van will see the business name and the phone number. Also, if you add your website URL, prospective customers will know where to find you easily from their phone. You can reach an enormous audience with a variety of ages and what’s more, they won’t be able to miss a beautiful bouquet during heavy traffic.

There are many different types of marketing and the limits are endless when you have a big surface to present your business name. Don’t hesitate to showcase your business on any and every surface. Check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for more great marketing tips and ideas!

5 Reasons To Send Flowers: June ’15

June is the sixth month of the year and the first month of summer–one of the most anticipated seasons! This month, not only do we celebrate the beginning of summer, but many other very special occasions too. Here is a list of five reasons to celebrate and send flowers in June!

1. Best Friends Day – June 8th

We all have friends but only a handful of those friends fit in the category of “best friends”. Our besties are always there to console us when we need it most. A yellow rose represents friendship and nothing surprises a friend more than a bouquet of yellow roses to represent such an incredible bond.

2. Red Rose Day – June 12th

A red rose is most known for representing love and romance, but also respect, courage and beauty. To this day, the red rose has kept its meaning and continues to delight us with its beautiful petals and aroma. A single-stemmed red rose is more than enough to remind the special people in your life how truly loved they are.

3. Smile Power Day – June 15th

A smile has the power to transform our day in just a matter of seconds. Sometimes a coworker or a friend needs a little pick-me-up. A bright bouquet of flowers, such as gerbers, are sure to turn any frown upside down!

4. Father’s Day – June 21st

Father’s day is an important holiday in June. It’s always meaningful to thank our father’s for all their hard work. We never really think about sending men flowers, but why not? Maybe not roses, but exotic flowers that are more masculine in a linear or natural design makes for a great gift. Not too sure about sending him flowers? Go for a plant such as a bonsai or bamboo–great for the office!

5.Hug Holiday Day – June 29th

This holiday was created by Hugs for Health Foundation to remind us of hugging those in need of cheer and love. Today, along with flowers, go to the nearest hospice, hospital or just walk down the street and give love to those in need.

If you are thinking about sending flowers, for any occasion, contact your local florist and ask for their professional advice. Don’t know what flowers to choose? A “designer’s choice” arrangement is always the best option. Your florist will make something beautiful for your loved one!

FSN May 2015 Newsletter

As we head into the summer season, we wanted to recap the best May 2015 posts that can make your summer one of the best! Check out these top posts from the Bloomin’ Blog!

Home Arrangement Guide

An arrangement can be part of your home decor or a beautiful piece of design for your Sunday brunch table. Check out this quick guide!
Read More


Instagram For Florists

You may be wondering  “what the heck is Instagram?”  and how can you market yourself through this platform when you aren’t much of a photographer? We have the answers and more!
Read More


Wedding Trends: Bridesmaid Bouquets 2015

When choosing the bridesmaids blooms, there are many options to choose from.
Here are some trending bridesmaid bouquets for 2015:

Rustic Garden– fairytale, hanging blooms.

Just Picked– wildflower look with mixed greens.

Bridal Mini– miniature version of bridal bouquet.

Single Stems– modern shapes with long stems.

Read More


Facebook Do’s and Don’ts

Facebook has become a universal social media platform for many flower shops. Here are the top Do’s and Don’ts for Facebook!
Read More


Flower Spotlight: Chamelacium

While single blooms are very popular, flower clusters make beautiful bouquets. Chamelaucium is a great example of these flowering shrubs!
Read More


To Look Forward To Next Month:

  • Card Messages
  • 5 Reasons To Send
  • Pinterest for Florists

WE’RE SOCIAL!

Flower Shop Network on Pinterest!

Love flowers? Follow us on the above Social Networks! We are always sharing the latest articles from our Bloomin’ Blog, as well as the most fascinating news on the net!

Help make Flower Shop Network‘s monthly newsletter even better! Got questions? Have an idea for a story? With your help, we can make the FSN newsletter just what you want and need. You can drop us a note in the comment section on the blog or email us at social@flowershopnetwork.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!

 

Top 3 Alternative Gift Bouquets

There are times where a loved needs a different sort of gift. Maybe the recipient is allergic to flowers, or it’s a special occasion and you want to do something a bit different. Well, your florist can help with that too! Here are 3 alternative gift bouquets.

Top 3 Alternative Gift Bouquets

Candy Basket

Perfect for a young one or a kid at heart, a candy basket gives that sweet tooth in your life a huge smile. Consider this bouquet for a graduation or a job well done for a student or coworker!

Spa Kit

After a long day at the office, make someone smile with a spa kit. Deliciously scented candles and soothing lotion is the perfect gift to sit down and relax after a hard day’s work.

Fruit Gift

Need a house warming gift? This fruit basket will fill a new kitchen for newlyweds or long-time friends. This basket also works as a great get well soon or just because gift.

Always check with your florist first for all your gifting needs. For more great ideas, visit the Bloomin’ Blog.