Home Shop Flowers Bloomin' Blog Find Florists About FSN Contact FSN Florists Only!
Find Your Local Florist:
Home Shop Flowers Bloomin' Blog Find Florists About FSN Contact FSN Florists Only!

Saying Goodbye to an Industry Great

Sad GoodbyeWe are so very sad to announce that Linda Reiling, owner of The Watering Can Florist in Churubusco and Columbia City, Indiana and a beloved member florist with Flower Shop Network, passed away Tuesday morning, August 27th.

Linda had been an FSN member for 5 years, and always maintained a friendly, working relationship with her FSN representative, Joe Hays. Upon hearing of her passing, Joe said, “She was a wonderful, sweet lady to work with, always happy when we talked. I will miss her.”

Lover of Flowers

Linda was a lifelong lover of flowers and the floral industry. She first developed her love for all things floral while in 4-H where she won regional and state awards. Linda attended the internationally renowned Hickson’s Floral Design School in Ohio and held a Design Master’s Certification in wedding floral arrangements and an American International Floral Design degree. Linda had more than 40 years of experience in the floral industry and her loss will be felt among the members of her local and professional community.

All of us here at Flower Shop Network offer our deepest condolences to Linda’s family in this difficult time.

FSN at the Tennessee State Floral Association 2013 Convention

Flower Shop Network was out and about once again this past weekend at the Tennessee State Florists Association Convention! We hobnobbed with the locals, touched base with a few old friends and made a number of new ones. If you missed this year’s fair, have no fear, FSN is here! We took an unofficial poll, of ourselves, and the group consensus was that a great time was had by all. Apparently those Tennessee folks know how to put on a party so whatever you do, don’t miss out on next year.

FSN Booth

Here we have a nice shot of the FSN booth. We always try to do our part to beautify the vendor floor.

FSN Members

We are always happy to see our members stop by the ole booth and say hello. Hello, ladies! Looks like they’ve been stocking up on some freebies, eh? Wait, why didn’t anyone bring me some freebies? Man …

Regina Berryman Arrangement

This was a gorgeous arrangement, created by Regina Berryman, and presented at the FSN booth. I think the picture pretty much speaks for itself. Amazing! That Berryman lady sure is talented! [Read more…]

TSFA Convention and Texas Cup Competition

The Texas State Florists’ Association held its 99th annual Convention and Trade Show July 12-14 in Mesquite, TX located just east of Dallas. That’s right, the 99th annual convention, and you know what that means, folks. If you missed this year, there’s no way you can let next year slip by as it will be the annual Convention and Trade Show’s centennial celebration! If you were looking for the right year to go, next year is definitely the one! As usual, Flower Shop Network will be there and is always excited to bring you the highlights! Here are some pics from this year’s show.

Flower Shop Network Booth

 

First off, a photo of our booth. Isn’t that awesome? We’re so organized with our little gift bags in a line around the tables. Good job, Joe Hays! It looks like he’s done this before, doesn’t it?

As with any convention, booths were a big part of the main floor, but it was the amazing classes on offer that really got people excited. With instruction in everything from how to increase business, to Texas-style designs and even how to grow your revenue stream, there was a lot of great information to be had! Still, the free loot you could rack up on booth row was pretty impressive too.

Texas Cup Competition

The event no florist worth her pruning shears would dare miss was the Texas Cup competition. This is an annual part of the show where florists from across the state are given a certain period of time to design and create an arrangement worthy to be crowned the Texas Cup winner! Flower Shop Network slipped in and snapped some candid shots of the top three designs!

Third Place

Third place was claimed by Flower Shop Network member Martha Wiggs-Aaron of Clear Lake Flowers in Houston, TX. As you can see, she made a beautiful arrangement using sunflowers and yellow roses to give a nod to the rustic roots of Texas. The basket is an excellent touch, and the bird’s nest as well as the wire formed into the state of Texas add all the accent needed. Gorgeous Martha!

Second Place

Second place was also snagged by a Flower Shop Network member! Man, are our members talented or what? Alan Masters of Compton’s Florist in La Porte, TX submitted this elegant arrangement that almost looks good enough to eat! Are those mushrooms? Wow!

So, who won first place? Drum roll please …

Texas Cup Winner

First place was claimed by none other than Flower Shop Network member Rebecca Sherman AIFD of The Blooming Idea in The Woodlands, TX. Rebecca also chose to go with sunflowers, and her creative arrangement turned out wonderfully! Amazing job Rebecca, and congrats on winning the Texas Cup!

Is it just me, or was that a Flower Shop Network trifecta?! Wowza! If you went to the TSFA convention, let us know all about it in the comments below. If not, there’s always next year!

 

FSN Relays for Life 2013

The FSN Tiger Lily Tamers' Relay for Life Booth

Flower Shop Network participated in our local Relay For Life event over the weekend to raise money to fight and find a cure for cancer. This is a cause very special to us, and most of us have been personally affected by cancer in some way.

The theme of this year’s relay was Cirque De Relay. For our booth, we thought wayyyy outside the box and chose to go with a hot-pink and black theme. Our owner and talented quilter, Loranne Atwill, donated a beautiful, pink and black quilt to be raffled off at the event. That was our primary inspiration for our theme.

[Read more…]

Top 10 Best Smelling Flowers According To Florists

When was the last time you stopped and smelled the roses? Or the lilacs? Or the hyacinth? With spring ushering in all these beautiful blooms, we wanted to know what fresh-cut flowers are the best for filling a room with a heavenly aroma. So we asked those who would know best – our FSN florists! We had quite a response, but compiled a list of the top ten.Poetric Peonies

Top 10 Best Smelling Flowers

 

  • 1. Stock

Click here to order a fresh flower arrangement with stock!

 

  • 2. Freesia

Click here to order a fresh flower arrangement with freesia!

 

  • 3. Lilacs

Looking for lilacs? Find a florist near you to order a beautiful arrangement! 

 

  • 4. Gardenia 

Order a fresh flower arrangement with gardenias from your local florist today!

 

  • 5. Rose – Garden & Rainbow 

Click here to order a fresh flower arrangement with roses!

 

  • 6. Lilies – Asian & Stargazer

Click here to order a fresh flower arrangement with lilies!


  • 7. Boronia

Order a fresh flower arrangement with boronia from your local florist today!

 

  • 8. Jasmine

Order a fresh flower arrangement with jasmine from your local florist today!

 

  • 9. Peony

Order a fresh flower arrangement with peonies from your local florist today!

 

  • 10. Hyacinth

Order a fresh flower arrangement with hyacinth from your local florist today!

So if you want to walk in your home and be transported to a lush garden or know someone needing a bit of scent-inspired pick-me-up, contact your real local florist today. Ask for your favorites from this list for a scent-sational arrangement. You can’t go wrong!


Find a Local Florist

This list was generated from responses received on our Facebook page. Join in the fun!

 

FSN Spring Cookout 2013

Jenna at the FSN Spring Cookout 2013

Today was the annual Spring Cookout here at FSN headquarters. Brock and Jason cooked the most delicious burgers, chicken and more for all of our employees.

Brock & Jason cooking out for everyone. Flipping burgers out on the patio.

[Read more…]

Even Florists Need Inspiration

Re-energize Your Life, Business and Relationships

Ever have a day when life feels like a concrete block attached to your leg? For most of us, this feeling occurs not just once, but several times through-out life.

Gift of Flowers QuoteFlowers often help me defeat this overwhelming and unproductive feeling. While there are other things that can restore my energy and positive outlook, flowers just seem to be my go-to. I know I can turn to Judith, my local florist, for a pick-me-up anytime I need to re-engerize my life. I am not the only one who turns to their local florist for inspiration, motivation or restoration.

Florists Are More Than Designers

When you think about it, florists are not just designers, they are inspirationalists. Their creations can, and are used to help people enjoy life and be successful. After all, success in life comes from good perspective and positive attitude.

Re-energizing At FSN

So, why all the talk about inspiration, motivation and re-energizing your life? Recently, all Flower Shop Network employees had the great opportunity to meet Jim Morack, as he shared his wonderful insights about life. His friendly disposition, combined with an uncomplicated approach, created a very stirring sense of revitalized energy for everyone at Flower Shop Network.

Jim Morack’s Tips For Revitalizing Life

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, florists may find themselves overwhelmed and frustrated. Meeting Jim, attending his seminar and reading his book, “Learning From Life – Simple Ideas To Add More Joy To Your Life,” gave me the spark I needed to refocus and revitalize my life. I wanted to share a few of the take-a-ways that gave me an “AHA” moment. Hopefully, you will gain some insight that will motivate and assist you in achieving everything you want, both personally and professionally.

  • We often let day-to-day activities consume us, getting in the way of fulfilling our hopes, dreams, desires and goals. To achieve your goals you must first believe in them. Visualizing the success of your goal can and will strengthen the realization that your goal is attainable. Without a finish-line, the race will be unbearable.
  • No man is an island unto himself: no goal can be realized without the contribution of others. You must build a strong connection with people; whether it’s with family, co-workers, customers or business partners, all are necessary for your success.
  • Goals are not dependent on job titles. Every member of your company is involved in sales and customer service. Teach yourself and lead employees with the attitude “There are no problems only opportunities”.
  • You are the only thing keeping you from accomplishing your goals. You are always one good decision away from achieving any goal. Your attitude is what drives your success.

Florist Marketing Quotes

None of the tidbits above are earth-shattering or breaking news, but sometimes we need a reminder to get us back on track. So as you work to inspire and motivate others with your designs, don’t forget to find time to recharge your own batteries.

2013 Winter Networker 6.1 Sneak Preview

FSN's Networker

Florists, watch your mailboxes! Flower Shop Network’s Networker just mailed out! The Networker is chocked full of great ideas for florists to use, including: Valentines Day Tips, New Year Resolutions You Should Keep, FSN news and much, much more!

Can’t wait!? Here’s a sneak peak of the FSN Winter Networker 6.1.

Are there topics you would like to see in The Networker?

Email your suggestions to TheNetworker@FlowerShopNetwork.com and we’ll send you a Flower Shop Network tote bag.

Merry Christmas 2012 from FSN!

Happy Holidays from FSN!

Happy Holidays from FSN!

Today was our annual Christmas celebration and our first ever Ugly Festive Sweater Day! We had everything from jingle bells, to ornaments to even lights! It was so much fun seeing everyone with so much holiday spirit!

Wedding & Party Network Christmas Tree Sales/Customer Service Dept's Christmas Tree The Front Office's Christmas Tree

[Read more…]

Last Minute Thanksgiving Centerpieces & Flowers

Bountiful CornucopiaWhether Grandma’s house is across town or across the country, thousands of faithful family members make the trek each and every year at this time. No matter how far the journey, don’t show up empty handed!

Your casserole may not hold up for the trip, so stop by the local florists’ for a lush bouquet of fall flowers. From a small centerpiece to a magnificent cornucopia, most local florists will have extras on hand even this close to Thanksgiving! Simply stop by and pick one up! Not only does Grandma get to enjoy them for Thanksgiving, she can keep them long after you and the family have headed back home.

(Learn the differences in Thanksgiving flower styles here.)

Need Help Finding A Florist?

If you are traveling to a town you are unfamiliar with, you can always use Flower Shop Network’s handy florist finder to find a real local florist anywhere in the US and Canada.

Above all else, have a wonderful and SAFE Thanksgiving holiday.