Find Your Local Florist:Everything you want to know about flowers!
Flowers for Mother’s Day are a no brainer. Flowers for Father’s Day? Not so much. Why is that? Flowers adorn a man’s lapel when he gets married. They are often sent to the family (not just the mom) when a new baby is born, and flowers will accompany a man when he is laid to rest. These shouldn’t be the only times it is acceptable for a man to receive flowers. [Read more…]
Millennials often get a bad rap. We are a generation that has traditional marketers scratching their heads wondering how to reach us. We generally know what we want, and tend to want things based on their value to our lives. We are also one of the most socially conscious generations to date.
What does all that have to do with buying flowers? More than you may think. [Read more…]
Ready for spring to arrive? Enjoy a little slice of nature with some flowers from your local florist. Add an extra calming element to your arrangements with flowers in these colors! [Read more…]
Valentine’s day is known for gorgeous bouquets of roses and giant heart-shaped boxes of chocolates. Love is everywhere and many may not know what is the best way to go about ordering their special someone those flowers and chocolates. Here are a few Valentine’s flowers do’s and don’ts to help you order the perfect gift for your special someone! [Read more…]
January brings the beginning of a new year. These card messages are sure to get you off to a great start! [Read more…]
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.
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!
While we like to say every day is a perfect day to make someone happy with flowers, here are our absolute favorite reasons to spread love and kindness this month.
#1. Veteran’s Day – November 11thCelebrating the dedication of the men and women who fight to keep our country safe, Veteran’s Day is a federal holiday and the perfect time to honor those you know who have served in the U.S. military. Nothing will warm the heart like the thoughtful gesture of some patriotic flowers for this holiday.
#2. Hanukkah (first day) – November 28thThis is a very special year for the first day of Hanukkah. This is the first and last time Hanukkah will ever overlap with Thanksgiving! People are having fun coining terms like “Thanksgivukkah” and “Hanugivingkkah” just for the occasion. And there are so many beautiful blooms to help you celebrate. White, silver, and blue combinations are the most popular and are a perfect addition to the celebration table.
#3.Thanksgiving – November 28thTime to feast and give thanks with our families! And probably watch some football too. Make your celebration special with a fall-inspired centerpiece. Also, centerpieces make a wonderful gift to send to family and friends unable to come together for the occasion. Show gratitude for love and friendship with flowers!
#4. Forget-Me-Not Day – November 10thThis is a day for remembering family, friends, and loved ones. Individuals celebrate this day by getting in touch with their loved ones, especially any who they haven’t seen in awhile so sending flowers is perfect for this holiday! With our busy lives, it is difficult to keep in touch with everyone who is important to us. Show someone you care about that they are unforgettable in your book!
#5. November BirthdaysNovember’s birthday flower is the chrysanthemum. Available in so many different varieties and colors, chrysanthemums will let someone with a special birthday know that you considered their gift carefully. A red chrysanthemum means “I love you” while white chrysanthemums mean innocence, purity, and pure love. Yellow chrysanthemums mean “slighted love.” Ask your local florist to include the beautiful and colorful chrysanthemum in a fresh cut arrangement or to deliver a gorgeous long-lasting blooming plant.
What are your favorite reasons to send flowers this month?
Let us know in the comments!
Summer is starting to wind down and Fall begins this month. So it is last hurrahs and back to school. Cold rainy days will be be here before you know it so make every day count!
Here are our top 5 reasons to send flowers this month.
1. Labor Day – September 1stNo white after Labor Day! But you still have time to order fresh beautiful flowers for that hard-working person in your life. An all-white arrangement makes a charming hostess gift. However you are celebrating this well-earned day off, let someone know how much your appreciate them. This is an especially nice gesture if you know anyone who actually has to work on Labor Day!
In 1978, President Jimmy Carter dedicated the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. This is a day to celebrate the love and kindness that only grandparents give. Show some of your very special family members how much they mean to you and your family but sending flowers and listening to a few stories.
It will officially be Fall and what better way to get ready for fuzzy scarf weather, turning leaves and hot chocolate cravings than to send someone a gorgeous fall bouquet. Pick from fiery reds, blazing oranges, warm yellows and deep purples for the perfect welcome to the season.
This U.S. tradition is held on the last Sunday of September each year. This is a day for people to recognize and honor those who have lost a son or daughter while serving the United States Armed Forces. If you want to participate in a wreath laying ceremony, check with a local florist to have a gold star incorporated into a floral wreath. Sending flowers to the family is also a thoughtful remembrance.
5. September BirthdaysFor all those Fall babies out there, the flower of the month is the lovely aster in so many colors like pink, red, white, lilac and mauve. This flower has long symbolized faith, wisdom and love. In Victorian times this flower conveyed love and patience. The name “aster” comes from the Greek word for “star.” Help a bright and shining star in your life celebrate their birthday this month with a beautiful arrangement on their special day.
The lazy hazy days of summer are in full bloom. August brings 31 days of heat waves and air conditioning worship. Take a refreshing dip into flowers this month and send a tall, cool vase of flowers to someone special.
Here’s our favorite reasons to call up a local florist in August.
#1. August 4th – National Sister’s DayThis is a day to recognize your sister for the role she has played in your life. Even if she stole your favorite clothes or always made fun of your haircut, your sister shaped who you are in a big way. Say “I love you, Sis” with a bright bunch of flowers.
Whether she lives down the street or across the country, flowers are the perfect way to tell her how special and appreciated she is without going to a lot of fuss. Give her a reason to say, “You shouldn’t have!”
Not to be confused with Grandparents’ Day, this holiday honors all individuals who have reached the ripe old age of 65 and beyond. Fresh flowers can be a beautiful and thoughtful way to acknowledge the gifts of wisdom, friendship and support the elderly have given to you and your family over the years.
Think of your favorite neighbor, professor, or family member who could use some cheer. If a parent or friend has only recently hit “qualifying age” this could be a fun opportunity to let them know what they have to look forward to in coming years.
Depending on where you live, August means back to the schoolhouse for many students and teachers. If you have a reluctant teen starting a new high school, surprise them with an arrangement sent to the school. Sign the card “From Your Secret Admirer” to give a chance for some good-natured bragging rights. Do you know a hardworking teacher that deserves some motivation? Potted plants delivered by your florist are a great option for teachers to add some life to their new class.
Get the school year started on the right foot by sending flowers to school. This is a fantastic surprise the recipient will never forget.
#4. August Birth Flower: GladiolusPerfect for those August birthdays, gladiolus has long been the flower associated with the 8th month of the year. The gladiolus represents sincerity and strong character. The hidden meaning of the gladiolus, adapted in the Victorian era, is “love at first sight.” Gladiolus are tall stately stalks with multiple gorgeous blooms of ruffly petals available in many different colors including orange, red, white, yellow, and pink.
No matter what color you select for your special someone, gladiolus will make a bright bold statement and a memorable birthday wish.
This is the time of year where rain is scarce, grass turns brown, and the whole outdoors can really become unbearable on certain days. But before you know it, fall with be here. So enjoy all the hot colors and summer fun that is possible. No matter who you are, there is someone near and dear to you that could use some thoughtful cheer. Offer a lush oasis to enjoy in the middle of a summertime desert.
Have you ever seen the commercial that makes fun of bad Christmas gifts? It shows bad sweaters and a few other gift items, but not flowers. After watching it, I realized that flowers are the one gift that people don’t make fun of, roll their eye at, re-gift or exchange.
Oh critics will complain that flowers don’t last forever, but that is also the beauty of them. Think about it — you get that tinge of excitement when the flower delivery person hands you the bouquet. You spend several days enjoying the scent and sight of the lovely flowers. And,when they are gone you still carry with you the warm and the fond memory of them.
You wouldn’t want a kiss to last forever. What fun would that be? But the memory — oh the memory — that is the value of the flowers, just as it is with a kiss.
Some critics would argue that flowers are frivolous; I feel for these critics. I suspect for them a good meal is frivolous, too. Life is full of have-tos, stress and sacrifices. We all work hard to provide for our families. Often sacrificing our own wants and desires. So every now and then being a little frivolous is something we should embrace for ourselves and those we love and value.
It is kind of ironic that most people who would never buy flowers for themselves are the very people who are the most excited to receive them? If you don’t believe me, send that self-sacrificing person flowers and watch their expression when the delivery person arrives with the flowers. If you can’t be there, have the delivery person take their picture with the the flowers. I have never delivered flowers that weren’t followed by a smile, even a subtle one.
