Bloomin' Blog

Stephanie Devine Runner-Up in Canadian Florist Inspired Design Bridal Bouquet Contest

February 19, 2014 by Ed Belly 1 Comment

Stephannie Devine is the newest designer at College Park Flowers. She has been working at the shop the last five years but until recently only in a part time capacity. Why was her time limited? Because when she started, she was still in high school.

Stephannie worked during the summer and through the year as part of a co-op placement. (For the non-Canadians among us, that’s a work program where you receive high school credit for dipping your toes into your chosen career. How cool is that?) But although her experience has been short, she was excited for the opportunity to show off her design skills in the Canadian Florist Inspired Design Bridal Bouquet Contest.

The Design Contest

Held at this year’s Canadian Florist Business Forum in Toronto, Canada, the design contest allowed contestants to bring a finished product without restricting the materials they could use. Stephannie was a bit hesitant to compete at first, but some heartfelt encouragement from shop owner Anne Cao and manager Carys Cao bolstered her confidence.

Because of the last minute decision to enter the contest, Stephannie didn’t have time to order anything special for the competition. She instead used flowers the shop had readily available. In her talented hands, it was more than enough. Stephannie designed and created her bouquet using orchids, eryngium and carnations. The resulting arrangement speaks for itself. Beautiful job, Stephannie.

Looking Ahead

Please join us in congratulating Stephannie on her second place finish. FSN is excited for what the future holds for Stephannie and the floral industry as a whole. If this talented young designer is any indication, the next generation of florists are going to take the industry to new heights.

Filed Under: FSN Announcements Tagged With: Canada, Floral Design, Florist Spotlights, flowers

What’s in a Name? FSN’s Pinterest Picks

February 18, 2014 by Juli Jackson Leave a Comment

This week, we found some beautiful floral inspiration that reminds us the fresh air of Spring is just around the corner. Soon, Winter will be a distant memory as the lovely colors of a new season start bursting forth.

And because they color our world, we wanted to highlight some special and memorable flower shop names that are such fun!

Shake off chilly days and bask in a sunny smile while you enjoy the work of these skilled florists.

DeVine Design – Fulton, NY
“Our “Lasting Love” Arrangement”

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Back to the Fuchsia – Saugatuck, MI

“A piece for the buffet table….”

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My Fleur Lady Floral Design – Philadelphia, PA
“A bouquet with pink hydrangeas, pale pink and lavender roses, purple carnations”

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Follow us on Pinterest for more floral inspiration.

Hey FSN Florists! Want your pins to be featured on our blog? Add your Pinterest info in fsnF2F.com. Just use ‘Edit Social Media’ under the Marketing section of the orange side bar.

Filed Under: Floral Design Tagged With: Pinterest Picks

Suggest an Article: Florists Honoring the Arizona Hotshots

February 17, 2014 by Ed Belly 1 Comment

Florists are amazing people, and if any of us ever forget that fact, this story should serve as a powerful reminder. This week’s suggest an article comes from Rakini Chinery of Allan’s Flowers & Prescott Valley Florist!

In order to get to the heart-warming story of local florists banding together to do something selfless and beautiful, we first have to recount a terrible tragedy.

This past June, 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots lost their lives while battling an Arizona wildfire. These brave individuals died serving and protecting their community, keeping it safe from harm.

In an overwhelming response to this horrific event, the floral community in Arizona clamored to do their part to honor the noble sacrifice of these fallen heroes. Over 30 Arizona florists donated both their time and their talents to arranging and sculpting flowers provided by contributions from wholesalers for the Hotshot Memorial Service.

These tireless florists worked hard for three full days to do what they do best: provide artistic beauty and love in an effort to provide whatever comfort could be found for the inconsolable family and friends of those who were lost.

I hope you will join me in sending a heartfelt “Thank You” to the Arizona florists who did all they could for those who died so tragically on that fateful June day. It is that giving spirit which does the floral community proud. Good job, folks!

If you have an idea for Suggest an Article, leave it in the comments below.

Filed Under: Floral Industry News, Florists Only, FSN Announcements Tagged With: Arizona Florists, Florists Achievements

Friday Florist Recap 2/8 – 2/14: Feeling the Love

February 14, 2014 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

We’ve got a short one for you this week, folks. Our florists are, as you might imagine, a little covered up with Valentine’s Day activities, but that doesn’t impact the beauty and quality of the pictures! Scroll down for some gorgeous floral talent and let them feel the love!

Wedding Flowers

A gorgeous bouquet from Petals in Thyme of Wasaga Beach, ON

“Rustic Valentine’s theme wedding bouquet with Tillandsia Xerographica, ‘Sweetness’ roses, hypericum berries, vibernum berries, spray roses and a sugar pine cone.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: Floral Design Tagged With: Facebook Friday, Floral Design, Flower Pictures, Sympathy Flowers, Wedding Flowers

Nothing Like The Last Minute. Still Time To Order For Valentine’s Day!

February 14, 2014 by Juli Jackson Leave a Comment

Maybe you had great intentions. Maybe you forgot completely. But if you haven’t decided on a Valentine’s Day gift by now – what are you waiting for?!

Order Valentine’s Day Flowers Now

Don’t tell me you thought you could just pick something up at the drug store and be done with it. Your sweetheart deserves to feel special and pampered on this day of love. Nothing does that better than a thoughtful, perfectly selected gift from your local flower shop. Spend a lot or spend a little – whatever your budget florists can work with you to create something that will warm her heart and make her feel like the luckiest girl alive.

It’s Not Too Late!

So you waited until late in the game. That doesn’t mean forfeit! Our best suggestion is to go directly to your local floral expert. Take a look at what they have in stock and bring it home with you. Some shops might still be able to work in your delivery (because they are amazing like that.) But going in person at this zero hour is sure to get the fastest results and that warm smile you love to see when you walk in the door.

No idea what florist to use? No problem.
Check out our florist finder to locate the very best in your area!

Filed Under: Gift Ideas Tagged With: Valentines Day

FSN February Newsletter: Feeling the Love

February 13, 2014 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

February is a month for fun, family and flowers. From love and relationships on Valentine’s Day to the birth of George Washington on President’s Day, the focus is on celebration. But you don’t have to wait for a holiday to appreciate those you love, and you don’t have to stop loving them once that holiday has passed. It’s a daily undertaking.

And is there a better way to spread happiness than with a beautiful bouquet of flowers? Don’t allow another day to pass without letting your family and friends feel the love. Contact your local florist today!

Best Reasons to Send Flowers in February

February is the winter month that works so hard to shake the chill and celebrate love. Maybe you have noticed the endless seas of red and pink at local stores or watched as people find little ways to enjoy themselves and help others during a harsh winter. With your help, we can spread the warmth and bring a smile. Here are the reasons you should be sending flowers this month:

#1. Valentine’s Day – Feb 14th – As if you couldn’t see this one coming from a mile away! Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest flower-sending holidays of the entire year. That’s because beautiful fresh-cut flowers are the very best way to say what’s on your mind! Whether it is “I love you!” or “I’m trying my best for you.” or simply “You are special!” – flowers can mean anything you want them to mean. And that special person who got flowers? They won’t forget it.

#2. American Heart Month – The CDC made the natural choice to bring about heart health awareness during the very month we associate with love. Most people know that heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women but the surprising news is heart disease is preventable and controllable. This is information worth sharing. If you know a loved with who is at risk, sending red-themed flowers for Amercian Heart Month can be a gentle reminder that they can take control of their heart health.

#3. Winter Olympic Games – Feb 7th – 23rd – It is an exciting time in the world of sports as the XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia begins! Arrangements featuring the classic blue, yellow, black, green, and red can be custom designed for some 5 ring inspiration. This type of flower creation would be a thoughtful and exciting gift for your avid Olympic follower or, best of all, a bit of encouragement for a young athlete with big dreams. Ask your local florist to get in the spirit of the games today!

Continue Reading Best Reasons to Send Flowers in February!

Blog Spotlight: Monday Morning Flower and Balloon Co.

Florists are the authority on all things floral. For most it is their passion as well as their job. These men and women overflow with knowledge about flowers and share that information on their websites every day. They describe events they’ve decorated, arrangements they’ve designed and even classes they offer. There’s no end to the information you can glean when reading blogs by local florists.

Because of that fact, the Bloomin’ Blog is choosing the blog of one florist each month to spotlight. If you need floral ideas for a wedding, a party or just for your home, there’s no better place to go than the source, your local florist!

Continue reading Blog Spotlight: Monday Morning Flower and Balloon Co.

Facebook Friday: January Favorites

We provide a Friday recap of all the wonderful posts and pictures from active florists on our Facebook Page. It’s been so much fun seeing all the completely different designs every day. We hope you enjoy these favorites and continue through to see more from each Friday this month:

Special Order from Divine Ideas and Flowers For You in Edinburg, TX

Divine Ideas and Flowers For You, Edingburg, TX

Winning bouquet from Cary's Designs Floral in Spanish Fork, UT

Cary’s Designs Floral, Spanish Fork, UT

Showing off their creativity at Petals in Thyme of Wasaga Beach, ON

Petals in Thyme, Wasaga Beach, ON

A taste of awesome from Helen's Flowers & Gifts in Greenville, OH

Helen’s Flowers & Gifts, Greenville, OH

Wonderland by Tom Kenison AIFD of Crossroads Florist in Mahwah, NJ

Crossroads Florist, Mahwah, NJ

Beautiful sympathy arrangement by Paradise Valley Florist in Scottsdale, AZ

Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, AZ

See all Facebook Recap pictures in these posts:

Lasting Florals in Vogue!

If you’ve ever wondered how to get your work into Vogue magazine, Deborah Mooney’s path is probably an accurate, if difficult to emulate, blueprint. In essence: be talented, work with talented people and have a heaping helping of good luck!

FSN Annual Meeting and Award Ceremony

Flower Shop Network just celebrated its annual meeting and awards ceremony! We received a few hours of team-building training, and standouts from our sales staff also received awards for personal achievements. Join me as I show you the faces behind the voices you’ve grown to know and love.

FLOWER CARE TIP Keep fresh flowers away from drafts and extreme temperatures.
More Flower Care Tips

WE’RE SOCIAL!

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!

Valentine’s Day Flower Meanings Flowers are not only beautiful, they also have a lot to say. With Valentine’s Day coming up fast, we are here to let you know the message you’re sending along with that gorgeous arrangement.

Presidents Day with Flowers Presidents Day began as a day to celebrate the birth of George Washington, 1st President of the United States. Abraham Lincoln was added as a later honoree as his birthday was also in late February, but in recent years the holiday is often seen as a celebration of the office of the President in general and all the men who have held it.

Get Colorful This Valentine’s Day Think Valentine’s Day is all about the red and pink? Well, it doesn’t have to be! Surprise your special someone with beautiful fresh-cut flowers in unexpected colors that will really knock ‘em for a loop.

Valentines from Instagram Using Instagram is more than just sharing your photos. It is about being part of an awesome online community. This is readily apparent while scrolling through great inspiration in the well over 4,000 posts from all over the world and all on this one hashtag!

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!

Filed Under: Newsletters Tagged With: Newsletters

Flower Spotlight: The Rose

February 13, 2014 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

You’re probably familiar with the red rose as it’s one of the most popular and most recognizable flowers in the world. It’s used as a symbol of passionate love and given as a precursor to countless first dates, by husbands to angry wives and as a staple gift for Valentine’s Day, but red is not the only color nor is passionate love the only meaning a rose possesses.

Rose Colors and Meanings

Red Rose – Romantic love. As a gift, they tell the receiver “I love you,” and “I desire you,” but they also stand for beauty and perfection. With those inherent meanings, it’s no wonder that this color rose is the perfect gift for a lover.
Dark Red Rose – This color means unconscious beauty. It also means that the giver is ready for a commitment. A bouquet of these flowers should come with a ring.
Pink Rose – A symbol of grace and elegance, the pink rose is commonly given as an expression of admiration, appreciation or joyfulness. These flowers are much less serious a gift than their red counterparts.
Yellow Rose – This flower elicits the feelings of joy, friendship, warmth and happiness. Perfect for a close companion.
Lavender Rose – A gift that means enchantment and love at first sight. In many ways, the lavender rose is as appropriate for Valentine’s Day and lovers as its red sibling.
Orange Rose – Another perfect rose for your lover, the orange rose symbolizes desire, passion, excitement and enthusiasm.
White Rose – Often used for marriages and new beginnings, the white rose stands for purity, innocence, honor and reverence.

The rose, like all flowers, is multi-faceted in meaning. Flowers are a language all their own, and one can tell any story they choose with a handful of the right blooms. This Valentine’s Day, don’t just buy the standard rose merely because it’s traditional. Contact your local florist and buy the rose that expresses your feelings most completely.

Filed Under: Flower Meanings Tagged With: Flower Meanings, Red Roses, Rose, White Roses

Get Colorful This Valentine’s Day

February 12, 2014 by Juli Jackson Leave a Comment

Think Valentine’s Day is all about the red and pink? Well, it doesn’t have to be! Surprise your special someone with beautiful fresh-cut flowers in unexpected colors that will really knock ’em for a loop.

Let’s assume if you found this article you have already had the brilliant idea to send your sweetheart some flowers. Congratulations! You are going to make someone very happy because that’s what flowers do. Sending V-Day flowers should be fun and exciting so don’t think plain red roses are your only choice. I mean, if those are her favorite, then by all means, don’t disappoint. But maybe she likes variety. Maybe she sees herself a trend-setter. Maybe she just likes surprises!

If she doesn’t have her heart set on something specific, a colorful expertly arranged bouquet of unique flowers might be just the ticket to her heart this year. Your local florist can help!

Ask A Florist For Something Special

Shopping online for flowers is a great tool for finding something you are looking for. And that’s the way of savvy tech folks after all. Add to cart and you are done! But for something extra special, go a step further. Talk to your florist in person or on the phone. Why? Because florists can tell you what flowers they have in stock right now, what is looking the freshest and brightest and tell you about more unusual varieties that might not be listed online. So you’ll probably be spending the same amount of money but are more likely to get something as unique as your love for your main squeeze.

Link Color to a Memory

Valentine’s Day is about showing someone you care. Guys often lament they don’t know what girls want but a sure-fire way to impress a lady is to give a gift that shows that you notice things about her. This goes beyond knowing her favorite color, although that is certainly not a bad choice if you know it already. (Don’t ask. Really. Not this close to the holiday. Dead giveaway, man.) Think of a detail about your favorite person. This is really easier than it sounds.

It could be her favorite sweater. Or a bright colored dress you remember her wearing last summer. Did she drag you shopping and model some crazy outfit or shoes that she just loved. This is valuable information! Pick flowers in one of those colors. On the card, you can mention the memory if you want – “For you on Valentine’s Day. These flowers reminded me of how beautiful you look in your purple dress.” Or leave her guessing for a little added mystery.

For Your Radiant Love

Want a color that is charming with a spark of imagination? One that inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health? These are all qualities claimed by Radiant Orchid, Pantone’s official color of the year. By picking flowers in this hue you will be exactly on trend for the season and any fashion lover or design-conscious girl will notice!

Pick Something Unexpected!

Go for a different design that includes a bright vase, cascading blooms or twisting vines. Feathers, beads, glitter, natural seed pods and hand-sculpted wire picks are some more exciting elements that can be added to any arrangement for more color and texture. If you haven’t seen it before she probably hasn’t either! And with a talented florist at the helm you can’t go wrong.

While there is nothing at all wrong with more traditional red and pink fare, you might be looking to mix it up for a real surprise. Different colors like vibrant yellows, perfect peaches, passionate purples, delicious oranges, snappy greens and more will make this Valentine’s Day pop!

Filed Under: Gift Ideas Tagged With: Gift Ideas, Valentines Day Flowers

Valentines from Instagram

February 11, 2014 by Juli Jackson Leave a Comment

This week, we have selected some beautiful and unique Valentine’s Day floral arrangements from Instagram by utilizing the popular hashtag #floristsofinstagram.

Using Instagram is more than just sharing your photos. It is about being part of an awesome online community. This is readily apparent while scrolling through great inspiration in the well over 4,000 posts from all over the world and all on this one hashtag!

Take a look at the creativity and flair florists are getting out there this Valentine’s Day. Don’t forget you can always call up your local florist and work one-on-one to create something similar for a special someone.

Slender pink callas are framed by red reeds formed into a heart. Lush moss and dark pinks make this arrangement beautifully original.

Celine Fleurs – creating smiles through arts and flowers [Read more…]

Filed Under: Floral Design Tagged With: Instagram Inspiration

Ask the Plant Expert: What Kind of Houseplant is This?

February 11, 2014 by Ed Belly 4 Comments

Dear Plant Expert:

What kind of houseplant is this?

Bri

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Plant Expert Reply:

Bri,

It is always difficult for me to identify a plant strictly from a picture, but I believe what you have is a Peperomia Obtusifolia. This plant is sometimes called a baby rubber plant – not to be confused with the commonly known rubber plant (Ficus elastica).

The baby rubber plant is grown as a low shrub in zones 10-11. For most of the U.S. it is grown as a houseplant. This Peperomia likes high humidity and moisture. However, wet feet are a deal breaker that will cause the plant’s roots to rot. Since it likes bright filter light or medium shade, exposure to an east window is preferred.

Hope this information is helpful.

Sincerely,

Jamie Jamison Adams

Filed Under: Plant Identification Tagged With: Ask The Plant Expert