Flower Suggestions

Flower Spotlight – Ranunculus

February 18, 2015 by Miroslava Casiano Leave a Comment

There is beauty in everything coming from nature, but Ranunculus flowers simply go above and beyond expectations. With their incredibly radiant colors, it is true to say that they will brighten anyone’s day!

Origins and Symbolism
Ranunculus are best known as Buttercup Flowers, but some may also know them as Coyote’s Eyes. Legend has it that the Native American mythological figure “Coyote” was throwing his eyes up in the air and catching them every time, when suddenly “Eagle” snatched them. Coyote not being able to see grabbed two buttercups creating a pair of new eyes, allowing him to see the beauty of this world once again.

This isn’t the only legend surrounding this beautiful flower. Another legend tells of a shy, handsome Persian prince who lived longing to declare his love for a nymph. Not being able to do so, he died of heartbreak and turned into a giant Ranunculus flower.

Turban Buttercup is another alternative name for this flower. It derives from a species that originated in the Middle East. The Victorian meaning of Ranunculus is “you are rich in attractions,” making this a very romantic flower choice.

To Consider
Ranunculus use a lot of energy for they produce complex, multi-petal flowers. Make sure to add all purpose fertilizer when you plant them and every two weeks supplement with half strength fertilizer while the plants are growing.

Also note that these flowers are poisonous when eaten fresh by cats, dogs, horses and cows. They contain juices that can irritate or damage their digestive systems. So, make sure to keep you little friends away from these blooms.

Avalability
Ranunculus come in a variety of vibrant colors such as yellow, red, pink, orange, copper, and white with dark or yellow centers. Once cut, these flowers last for a week. This makes them perfect for bridal bouquets or centerpieces. They are most popular in the mild-winter regions of the South and West.

If you want to put your hands on these beautiful flowers, head to your local florist today! Check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for more tips on flowers!

Photo by iMarly

Filed Under: Flower Identification, Flower Suggestions Tagged With: Flower Identification, Flower Spotlight, Flower Suggestions, Ranunculcus

5 Best Reasons to Send Flowers in August

July 31, 2014 by Ed Belly 2 Comments

August is a month of lesser known holidays, and that makes it a great month for flowers. Imagine the look on your friend, sister or favorite senior citizen’s face when you show up at their house with a gorgeous arrangement to honor them on a day they weren’t even aware existed? Priceless! They will be overcome with joy, and really, isn’t that what giving flowers is all about? So get ready to buy some blooms and spread some smiles!

#1 – Friendship Day – August 3rd

What’s this? A day to celebrate all the friends who help us get through life with a smile on our faces and a laugh on our lips? Yes, please! Friendship is a priceless gift and is much deserving of its own holiday. And hey, they even made Winnie the Pooh the Ambassador of Friendship. What’s not to love? Buy a beautiful bouquet or arrangement for your friend(s) and let them know just how much they mean to you!

#2 – Sister’s Day – August 3rd

If you have a sister then you know just how much they deserve this day and these flowers. Sisters put up with a lot, and yet they love you in spite of your sibling shenanigans. (Be honest. You know you engaged in some shenanigans.) And is there anything better than surprising your sister? Sure, in the past it was jumping on her bed to wake her up or putting a lizard in her sock drawer, but for today at least, flowers will better fit the bill. And a lovely arrangement from your local florist will clearly say all the things that might have gotten confused by that whole lizard incident.

#3 – Senior Citizens Day – August 21st

This is the day to honor your favorite senior citizen through support and recognition of their achievements. What better way to do those things than with some heartwarming flowers? Don’t forget those people who supported you throughout your life, give them a smile!

#4 – Back to School

This is an exciting time for students and teachers alike. A new year brings new opportunities, new challenges and new successes. Kick off their epic journey with a lovely arrangement straight from your local florist. After all, nothing says, “Welcome to your first day of school!” like some beautiful blooms.

#5 – August Birthdays

Say, “Happy Birthday” with flowers! When someone’s birthday is in August, they already get to have pool parties and any other outdoor activity they might enjoy, but even though they won the birth-month jackpot, their day can still be made brighter by some gorgeous flowers from your local florist. Help make their big day perfect!

We’ve listed a few good excuses to buy flowers this August, but really, every day is a good day for flowers. Your local florist would welcome your patronage any day of the month, and they’ll make something beautiful you can display or give away. No excuses needed.

Filed Under: Gift Ideas Tagged With: August Birth Month Flowers, Birthday Flowers, Birthday Gift Ideas, Flower Suggestions, Sisters Day

May Newsletter: Mothers Day Magnificence

May 8, 2014 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

It’s Mothers Day once again. The day we all set aside to say, “Thank You” to the woman who stood by our side and supported us from day one. She picked us up when we needed help, let us do it ourselves when necessary and always looked out for our well-being. She cheered us on during the game, applauded our performance on the stage and swelled with pride at every achievement. She was tough when she had to be, comforting when we needed her to be and loving through it all.

This woman should receive all your love this Mothers Day. And she’d probably also enjoy some lovely flowers. And doesn’t she deserve it? After all, she’s Mom.

Choose Local for Mother’s Day Flowers Before Time Runs Out!

Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 11th, and if you have yet to order flowers for your mom, time is running out! But don’t worry, you can still pick up a gorgeous corsage or breath-taking arrangement from your local florist. Just call or come by the shop and they will have everything you need to make your mother’s special day one to remember!

April Blog Spotlight: Lavender Hill Florals

This month we are showcasing a wonderful and classic take on the florist blog. The comments under the photos are mine, and I’m only going to use some of the photos here. If you’d like to see the entire post, click below!

Continue reading Blog Spotlight: Lavender Hill Florals

Facebook Friday: April 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:

Gorgeous piece by Hobby Hill Florist in Sebring, FL

Hobby Hill Florist, Sebring, FL

Petals in Thyme, Wasaga Beach, ON

BlueShores, Wasaga Beach, ON

Michele’s Floral, Copperas Cove, TX

Mabel Flowers, Mabel, MN

Wilma’s Flowers, Jasper, TN

See all Facebook Recap pictures in these posts:

DIY Pressed Flower Phone Case

We are always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to use flowers, and any time we find an idea that is “outside the box”, we like to highlight it. That’s the case today as we ran across this excellent DIY post on Etsy from author Clare McGibbon detailing how to decorate a phone case with dried and pressed flowers! The process is simple, though not without need for a steady hand. Still, Mrs. McGibbon includes a method for clean-up if you get a little wild with the resin.

Best Reasons to Send Flowers in May

#1. Mother’s Day – May 11th – This really is the mother of all flower-sending holidays and that’s because nothing shows love and unconditional affection like fresh-cut flowers. Have your mom’s flowers delivered during the week to her office so she can show them off to her friends. Or have flowers arrive on the weekend to help her enjoy her special day.

#2. Armed Forces Day – May 17th and Memorial Day – May 26th – That’s 2 chances you have this month to show your love for the red, white and blue! Armed Forces Day salutes soldiers currently serving in the military while Memorial Day is set aside to honor those fallen heroes who gave their life in service. Send a beautiful patriotic themed bouquet to a special friend or family member who serves or served their country through military service.

#3. May Birthdays – Have family or friends with a May birthday coming up soon? Show them just how thoughtful you are with a lovely arrangement.

Continue Reading Best Reasons to Send Flowers in May!

FLOWER CARE TIP Most flowers will last longer under cool conditions. Keep this in mind as we head toward warmer climes!
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!

Mother’s Day and Flowers: A Time-Honored Tradition Mother’s Day has long been synonymous with flowers. In fact, the tradition of giving carnations, and then eventually wearing them as corsages, began all the way back at the inception of the American version of the holiday. Why? Well, carnations were the favorite flower of founder Anna Jarvis’ mother. Anna Jarvis arrived at the first Mother’s Day celebration in 1908 with 500 of these gorgeous flowers!

April Flower Spotlight: Lily When thinking about which flower to spotlight for April, there could only ever be one choice. Which flower is most synonymous with April? Like Valentine’s Day is to the rose so Easter is to the Lily.

5 Heartfelt Mother’s Day Card Messages This Mother’s Day, as your mom receives the flowers you had delivered to her from your local florist, (because you are buying your mom flowers, right? Right?) you want the card to say something special, something that lets her know exactly what she means to you. Here are 5 card messages sure to brighten her day and convey your love.

Forget Mom On Mother’s Day? It’s Never Too Late To Send Mom Flowers! If you somehow let Mother’s Day pass you by without sending Mom anything special, don’t fret — it’s never too late to send Mom flowers!

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: Facebook Friday, Florist Spotlights, Flower Meanings, Flower Suggestions, Mothers Day, Mothers Day Card Messages, Mothers Day Flowers, Mothers Day Gifts

Suggest an Article: Hydrating Hydrangeas!

March 19, 2014 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

In this edition of Suggest an Article, we have a fantastic tip from Jo Ann Evans of JoAnn’s Flowers and Gifts in Indian Trail, NC. Take it away, Jo Ann!

“To keep Hydrangeas hydrated:

Wet tip of stem and place in alum powder, then put the flower in the water bucket. You can also put a small amount of alum powder in the water bucket itself. This simple application keeps the flower fresh. It really works!!”

Discovering Alum

If you aren’t big into cooking, pickling in particular, you may not be familiar with alum powder. It’s a primary ingredient in the pickling of fruits and vegetables to help maintain freshness. It would stand to reason that if it can keep these items fresh through the pickling process, it could help prolong the life of your freshly cut hydrangeas!

Because alum powder is used in cooking, it can easily be located on the spice aisle of your local grocer. It’s a cheap additive to keep Hydrangeas happy, so there’s no excuse not to use it.

I hope you enjoyed this edition of Suggest an Article, and I can’t wait to see what kinds of ideas we’ll find in our comments section. Remember, your ideas do not have to be limited to flower care tips or marketing techniques. If you think something is happening in your local community deserving of an article by Flower Shop Network, let us know!

Filed Under: Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Flower Suggestions, Hydrangeas, Tips & Tricks

Spring Forward With Flowers!

March 6, 2014 by Juli Jackson Leave a Comment

Here is a reminder to set those clocks forward one hour this Sunday.

Daylight saving time begins this year on March 9th, 2014 at 2:00am.

So those blissfully longer days you have been dreaming of all winter will cost you an extra hour of sleep. Unless you happen to live in locations that ignore Daylight Saving Time all together. Then you don’t have to worry about it. Hawaii anyone?

With spring on the way, it is time to shake off the dust of last season. Sure, maybe you’ll get started on all that spring cleaning now, but don’t forget to actively enjoy nature a little more.

Welcome Spring In Right Now!

Here’s how:

Send a cheery spring arrangement to your spouse or best friend! Flowers bring instant smiles and sunshine into a room.
Select a healthy new house plant for your home or office. They look beautiful, lift your mood, help purify the air!
Think outdoors! Check out what great seasonal items are available like potted tulips, garden flags, spring-themed wreaths and more at your local flower shop.

You might be losing a little sleep but with some extra daylight hours, you can enjoy the welcome sight of spring when you give the gift of fresh cut flowers and living plants. It’s a fantastic chance to show someone special that you are thinking about them or a perfect way to treat yourself.

Find your real local florist today and order lovely flowers to spring forward with this season.

Butterfly Garden Bouquet

Filed Under: Seasonal Ideas Tagged With: Flower Suggestions, Seasonal Flowers

Flowers and the Colors of Mardi Gras

February 26, 2014 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

Mardi Gras is coming, and celebrations will be ramping up soon. But the festivities are not merely restricted to New Orleans. People celebrate Mardi Gras with family and friends all over the country. If you’re looking for tips to see you through this Mardi Gras season, let me show you the perfect decoration for any Mardi Gras themed get-together. That’s right, I’m talking about flowers!

The Colors of Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras decoration is all about the colors. Look at any picture of Mardi Gras floats and you’ll quickly see the theme. But why those colors? In 1872, the Krewe of Rex was founded. The organization was created to put on a spectacle for visiting Duke Alexei Alexandrovich of Russia and to entice tourists to visit a post-civil war New Orleans.

The krewe designed elaborate floats and quickly became a fixture in the Mardi Gras parade. An individual is chosen annually to represent the krewe as their Rex (the latin word for king) as the self proclaimed “King of Carnival”. The first reigning Rex chose the colors and assigned them meanings. Many of its traditions, not just the colors, were adapted by other krewes and are a traditional part of the Mardi Gras celebration to this day.

The colors and their meanings are as follows:

Purple – Justice
Gold – Power
Green – Faith

A Floral Tradition

Flowers are a long-standing tradition in Mardi Gras decoration. Almost every float has some variation of floral accent. And for those who can’t make it to New Orleans this year, flowers mark one of the easiest and most attractive ways to decorate for your party. The colors of Mardi Gras could not have been more perfectly chosen. Purples, greens and golds are prevalent in the floral world, and some of the most popular flowers come in those hues.

So don’t let Mardi Gras pass unremarked, contact your local florist and get ready for a PARTY!

Filed Under: Holiday Info Tagged With: Flower Suggestions, Mardi Gras

Introducing Radiant Orchid – The Color of the Year!

January 22, 2014 by Juli Jackson Leave a Comment

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!

Filed Under: Trends Tagged With: Flower Suggestions, Pantone Color of the Year

Valentine’s Day: It’s Never Too Early to Plan for Love!

January 2, 2014 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

Valentine’s Day may be more than a month away, but that’s all the more reason to start planning your big day immediately! When it comes to love, you can never prepare too early. After all, “He who hesitates is lost.” By getting an early start, you’re guaranteed to have everything you need to make your significant other’s day magnificent!

Because I Love You

Finding Fresh Ideas

A successful Valentine’s Day requires thought and effort. You want to impress the one you love, and any attempt to thrill your sweetheart should start with a trip to your local florist! A florist provides unique ideas and creative floral designs, the very things needed to leave your lover breathless. The local florist specializes in creative design. It’s not enough to give the same arrangement everyone else is receiving, you want to give them something that illustrates exactly how you feel.

Talk with your local florist, discuss your ideas and let them help you shape them into something wonderful!

Filed Under: Gift Ideas Tagged With: Flower Suggestions, Valentines Day, Valentines Day Flowers, Valentines Day Gifts

Best 5 Reasons to Send Flowers in December

December 4, 2013 by Juli Jackson 2 Comments

December is certainly the heaviest hitting month for holidays and this list reflects it!

There are so many reasons that flowers make a perfect gift. Through color, texture, shape and fragrance, your local florist can help you discover a genuine way to reach out to those important people in your life. So without delay, here are the best reasons to send flowers this December.

#1. December Birthdays

This reason tops our list because those friends and family who have birthdays during the month of the December always have to compete with so many other festivities. Ask anyone with a December birthday and without fail they will have the experience of receiving birthday gifts wrapped in Christmas paper or getting combo holiday/birthday gifts. A birthday should be the unique celebration of just one person. Make the day truly about your loved one by sending beautiful birthday blooms on their special day.

#2. Winter Solstice – December 21st

In the Northern Hemisphere, this day is often referred to as the “longest night.” Each year, as the world spins, there comes a point where the lengthening of winter days reaches its apex and this has long been celebrated as the Winter Solstice. While sometimes the winter blues can get us down, you can brighten someone’s day with a cheery wintery mix of beautiful flowers. Smiles are sure to lighten up any dark day.

#3. Christmas – December 25th

Flowers are a fantastic way to decorate for Christmas and make a wonderful gift for the entire household. Whether sending deep red roses with bright green stems, a fragrant holiday wreath or a breath-taking centerpiece that ties the dinner table together, you can show your warmest love from afar and be a presence in the home of those you hold near and dear.

#4. Kwanzaa – December 26th – January 1st

The colorful ceremonies of Kwanzaa are an excellent reason to include flowers as part of the 7 day celebration of African cultural and historical heritage. Have a florist create a bright and festive centerpiece around your kinara. Send a Kwanzaa-themed arrangement to relatives out of town to help them honor their traditions and wish those all around a joyous Kwanzaa.

#5. New Year’s Eve – December 31st

The tradition of living it up on New Year’s Eve is always part joy for what the future may bring as well as part remembrance of another year having passed. Ring in the New Year with the elegance and style of a stunning fresh-cut arrangement.

What are your favorite reasons to send flowers this month?
Let us know in the comments!

Filed Under: Gift Ideas Tagged With: Best 5 Reasons, Flower Suggestions, Gift Ideas, Holiday Info, Seasonal Flowers

Fall Back With Flowers!

October 30, 2013 by Juli Jackson Leave a Comment

Just a reminder to turn those clocks back this Sunday.

Daylight saving time ends this year on November 3rd, 2013 . That means you’ll get an extra hour of sleep but those nights which have slowly been creeping closer are about to get much longer!

Even though fall is such a beautiful time of year, days can start to feel rushed when the sun is setting at 5 o’clock. Who likes to miss all the sunshine and changing leaves while being at work all day? And like it or not, if you work a 9 to 5, darkness has settled in by the time you get home!

Brighten your fall afternoons with flowers!

Here’s why:

Flowers bring their own sunshine and smiles. Be an everyday hero and send a cheery fall arrangement to your spouse or best friend!
Potted house plants look beautiful and lift your mood. Plus they help purify the air so they are great for offices and small spaces.
Looking for something new to spruce up your home? Check out seasonal wreaths, swags and more at your local flower shop.

Even though the days are getting shorter, you can still enjoy the bright bounty of nature when you give the gift of fresh cut flowers and living plants. It’s a great way to show someone special that you are thinking about them or a perfect way to treat yourself.

Find your real local florist today and order the great flowers to fall back with this season.

Filed Under: Seasonal Flowers Tagged With: Flower Suggestions, Seasonal Flowers, Sending Flowers

Flower Spotlight – Ranunculus