Search Results for “”

When are supermarket flowers ok to give?

In Praise of Supermarket Flowers

March 22, 2023

When is it ok to bring or give supermarket flowers? Is it ever ok to show up with supermarket flowers? Is it ever not ok? We actually love supermarket flowers – they’ve got our back when we’re in a pinch, and they’re often the unsung heroes of our last-minute gifting endeavors. Who hasn’t dashed into the grocery store on their way to a dinner party or a birthday celebration, seeking a bouquet that says “I care” without breaking the bank? Let’s explore the charm of supermarket flowers and why they deserve a little more love.

The Unexpected Delights of Supermarket Flowers

Hidden Gems: Let’s be honest – supermarkets can surprise us with their floral offerings. Amid the rows of pre-packaged bouquets, you might even discover a stunning arrangement with unique blooms that rival any florist’s creation. These hidden gems can be a delightful find, brightening someone’s day without emptying your wallet.

The Joy of Customization: For the more artistically inclined, supermarket flowers present a fantastic opportunity to unleash your inner florist. Pick up a few different bouquets and mix and match them to create a personalized arrangement that reflects your recipient’s taste and personality. You might even discover your hidden talent for floral design!

The Ultimate Icebreaker: Bringing supermarket flowers to a gathering can break the ice, and shows your host that you are thinking of them and appreciative of the invitation.

The ‘Last Minute’ Oopsie: Sometimes an occasion almost demands flowers, and in such cases when you’ve forgotten only to remember at the last minute (such as flowers for Valentine’s Day), supermarket flowers can save the day!

The ‘Good Enough’ Factor: Let’s face it – sometimes all we need is a gift that says “I thought of you,” without the pressure of finding the perfect item. Supermarket flowers fit the bill perfectly. They’re a step above showing up empty-handed and can be the perfect way to express your sentiments without the fear of overdoing it.

The Supermarket Flower Challenge

Want to add a touch of excitement to your supermarket flower shopping? Consider making a game of it! Here’s how:

Before heading to the supermarket, set a budget for your bouquet. This adds an element of challenge, as you’ll need to find the best flowers within your price range.

Next, give yourself a time limit to find the perfect bouquet. This will add a sense of urgency and excitement to the experience.

Presentation matters! Once you’ve selected your flowers, get creative with the presentation. Use ribbon, tissue paper, or any other decorative elements you have on hand to elevate the appearance of your supermarket bouquet. Or, if you want to get supermarket flower arranging tips from an expert, you just know that Martha Stewart has supermarket flower arrangement tips!

Once your creation is done take a picture of it for posterity, along with a picture of it once it has been gifted and placed on display!

Supermarket flowers may not always be the first choice for a gift, but they certainly have their charms and a convenience rating of “wow!” From hidden gems to the joy of customization, these budget-friendly bouquets can save the day on more than one occasion. So next time you find yourself in need of a last-minute gift, don’t underestimate the power of supermarket flowers. Embrace their casual, fun nature and see how they can brighten someone’s day in ways you never thought possible.

And while you’re at it, treat yourself to a nice bouquet to brighten up your own home!

Comments: 0 Posted by: The Right Flowers Categories: Anniversaries, Any Time, Holidays, Mother's Day, New Baby, Saying Get Well Soon, Saying I'm Sorry, Saying Thank You

Flowers to Honor Those Who Have Served Their Country

November 11, 2019

Flowers can be used to send many messages to our friends and loved ones. An important sentiment that we shouldn’t overlook is appreciation for members of the armed services.

In the United States, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May. This holiday reminds us of those brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in serving their country.

We also observe Veterans’ Day on November 11. This corresponds with Remembrance Day or Armistice Day in other parts of the world, marking the end of the first World War. Veterans’ Day gives us an opportunity to thank all of those who have served their nation.

We often see people wearing red poppies in their lapel on patriotic holidays. This is because red poppies have been symbolic of remembrance since World War One.

While much destruction was caused by the war in Europe, red poppies began to grow spontaneously in the rubble. It is thought that the poppies thrived on the lime from the wreckage of damaged buildings. It should be noted that the red color of the poppy should not be used to represent blood.

In the US we often see a combination of red, white, and blue flowers to celebrate patriotic holidays. Reflecting the colors of the American flag, these flowers are appropriate to express our appreciation to veterans and to those who are currently serving.

Red flowers are often used to convey courage and admiration. They also signify respect for the recipient. Red flowers can show passion, but it doesn’t only have to be romantic. Red can express a passion for service and justice as well.

White flowers are symbolic of purity and innocence. They also represent honesty and humility. This reflects the principles and ideals that our servicemembers are defending.

The color blue or indigo represents loyalty, a common trait found in our service men and women. Blue flowers are also appropriate to give to first responders.

While many people think that blue flowers are rare, there are several options that are available at a well-stocked florist. Examples of indigo and blue blossoms include hydrangeas, irises, and delphinium. Cornflowers and some types of violets also have a blue hue.

Flowers are a small but meaningful gesture to express our appreciation to those who serve. Whether it’s a holiday or not, please take the opportunity to thank a veteran for their service. They have risked their own safety so that we may enjoy a better way of life.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Florist Margarette Categories: Memorial Day, Poppies, Saying Thank You

Flowers to Give When You’re Dating

December 17, 2015

Dating provides endless opportunities to give flowers. Throughout the course of a relationship, you can offer flowers for a first meeting, an anniversary, a birthday, and dozens of other occasions.

If you’re dating someone and want to give gorgeous flowers to brighten a day, a home, or a special moment, consider the following:

For a First Date

You can set a tone of generosity on a first date by giving flowers. When you give flowers on a first date, you don’t need to focus on a particular flower or color meaning if you don’t want to. Simply choose something that speaks of your sentiments at the time, such as joy, sincerity, or gratitude. Keep things light or dive right into your deepest thoughts. It’s up to you how you use flowers to express your thoughts on a first date, because everyone’s circumstance will be different.

It is fun to choose flowers like cheery sunflowers or colorful anemone, though. White roses can signify innocence and forsythia can show excitement.

After the First Date

When you give flowers after the first date, consider keeping it simple and going with blooms that offer a sincere “thank you” or a genuine “I enjoy your company.” Some flowers to express these thoughts include the beautiful calla lily and elegant lilac (opt for purple if you want to display your first sensations of love).

Valentine’s Day

If you’re dating on Valentines Day, there are many floral options that would make a great gift. Depending on how long you’ve been together, and the strength of your feelings, you could choose pink camellias to show you’ve been waiting to connect deeply, red carnations to offer your heart, or tulips to say “you’re an incredible lover.”

In addition to these occasions, you can send flowers while dating for a birthday (consider a stunning orchid), anniversary (maybe a forget-me-not), or no reason at all (possibly an aster, which offers the code of love).

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: Anniversaries, Occasions, Saying Thank You, Valentine's Day

The Most Popular Occasions to Give Flowers

December 15, 2015

There are many occasions that make people want to give flowers, such as birthdays, graduations, holidays, and successful artistic or job performances. We love that men and women, young and old, enjoy the beauty of flowers so much that they want to share them with those who are special to them.

Flowers make perfect gifts to express the feelings of the heart because they’re beautiful, just like the thoughts that go with them.

If you’ve ever wondered why most people give flowers, you’re going to find out. We’ve put together a list of the most popular occasions to give flowers in case you’re looking for a reason to brighten someone’s day with a lovely bloom (or two or three).

Saying “Thank You”

We can think of more than a handful of reasons one might want to say “thank you” to another, including “thanks” for babysitting, a ride home, lunch, or a job recommendation. Some nice flowers to give if you want to say “thank you” include roses, chrysanthemums, irises, and sweet peas.

A Wedding Anniversary

Giving flowers for a wedding anniversary is a tradition that many married people take part in. It can be all kinds of fun to see your spouse’s beautiful face light up when receiving beautiful flowers. Offering flowers for a wedding anniversary, as a symbol of your ongoing love, is a sweet and caring gesture that shows you want to continue to give from your heart to a marriage that’s so important to you.

Sending Sympathy

It can be difficult to see someone in pain, so many people like to do what they can to cheer up another by sending flowers for sympathy. The hope is that the recipient might focus on the beauty of the flowers for just a bit and find joy in their heart, for at least a moment, even if they’re dealing with something horrible. You could send sympathy flowers to someone who has lost a loved one or a beloved pet, or who is grieving for another reason.

Other popular occasions that call for sending flowers include a baby’s arrival, a date, and Mother’s Day. Do you regularly send flowers for any other events or special times in life? We’d love to hear about your experiences and what types of flowers you send.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: Anniversaries, Expressing Sympathy, Graduation, Mother's Day, New Baby, Occasions, Saying Get Well Soon, Saying I'm Sorry, Saying Thank You

Flowers to Say “Thank You”

December 15, 2015

Saying “thank you” with flowers can be an easy, creative, and unexpected way to say “Thank you.” It’s easy for the giver, and it’s always a delight for the recipient.

If you’re looking for the perfect flowers to say “thank you,” we have a few suggestions. Whether you want to offer your appreciation to your child’s teacher, a neighbor who house sat for you, or a friend who took care of you when you were ill, you have many beautiful choices for “thank you” flowers to give.

The following are some flowers for saying “thank you” that we especially love:

Sweet Peas

What better way to say “thank you” for doing something sweet than sending sweet peas. Sweet peas can say “thank you” for concert tickets, a job referral, excellent ongoing service, or help with an event. These beauties smell just as sweet and wonderful as they look.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are flowers given to say “thank you for understanding.” They’re ideal to send to someone who has helped you through a tough time physically, emotionally, or financially. These blossoms come in pink, blue, peach, and white. They’re economical if you’re on a budget because you only need one or two blooms to fill up a vase.

Chrysanthemums

To say “thank you” to a friend, choose chrysanthemums. These flowers are cheerful and they represent joy. To show how joyful and thankful you are for a special friendship, give these blooms.

In addition to the flowers we’ve mentioned, you can say “thank you” by offering bellflowers, irises, or roses. Of course, any flower that you give with your whole heart will be a beautiful sentiment of gratitude.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: Chrysanthemum, Irises, Roses, Saying Thank You, Sweet Pea

Flowers to Send After a Breakup

November 20, 2015

Unlike the song says, we don’t believe breaking up is always hard to do. It can be difficult, for sure. But, it can be a relief and a blessing.

Something that does ring true for us, though, is that breakups are often best done with closure. And, sending flowers after a breakup could offer just the finality you need to strengthen your heart.

Sometimes, letting go by sending flowers may be the selfless act that actually heals a relationship.

Whether you find yourself wanting to say farewell in a respectful way, offer your generosity to mend a broken bond, or even celebrate your newfound singleness, there are flowers that are just right for the situation.

Here are a few good choices…

If you’re trying to be an upstanding person, even when you know a relationship is over for good, you can send these flowers:

Purple Carnation – These flowers say “I’ll never forget you.”
Striped Carnation – Send striped carnations to say “Sorry, I can’t be with you.”
Cattail – To wish your ex partner peace and prosperity, send cattail.

If you know that selfish acts on your part have contributed to your breakup, you might want to send the following flowers to show you’ve changed:

Roses – Roses are flowers that say “I Love You” in a way that’s hard to ignore.
Gladiolus – These flowers offer thoughts of “I’m Really Sincere.”
Hyacinth – To say “I’m sorry, please forgive me,” send hyacinth.

Maybe you feel the need to send flowers to yourself so you can cheer up or move on with courage. Perhaps you’re just darn happy with yourself for doing the right thing for your heart. Choose these flowers.

Agrimony – Agrimony helps you put on a happy and bright face to move away from heartbreak.
Sunflowers – It’s hard to get much more cheerful than a sunflower. Treat yourself to a few.
Chestnut Bud – These flowers assist in learning lessons and making better choices.

For any of these circumstances, you can always send a yellow tulip. They speak of the importance of a smile.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: Flowers Generally, Saying I'm Sorry, Saying Thank You

Celebrate National Dentist’s Day with Pearly Everlasting

March 3, 2015

In a poll of what people hate doing the most, going to the dentist often falls somewhere between shopping for swimsuits and filing taxes. While the dentist’s chair is not our favorite place to be, it is somewhere we should find ourselves at least twice a year. For all those (sometimes dreaded) visits and repeated reminders to floss, March 6th is National Dentist Day. If you know a dentist who sometimes feels like their job is thankless, consider a bouquet of pearly everlasting. This gorgeous flower is the perfect way to say how much you appreciate their efforts taking care of your pearly whites.

Native to the United States and Canada, pearly everlasting (known by the Latin name (Anaphalis margaritacea)is a perennial plant with small white blooms gathered together in a cluster. Technically, the actual flowers are the small, yellow centers, surrounded by white, fuzzy bracts that form a symmetrical circle around the center about the size of a nickel. Arranged together in groups of 10 to 20, these delicate flowers make a big statement arranged in a vase with other wildflowers such as blue delphiniums or yellow solidago.

In the Victorian language of flowers, pearly everlasting is said to send the message “I think of thee” and “always remembered,” which is great for a dentist who always seems to remember your name, even when you’re only coming in every six months.

This plant can be grown and given as either a cut flower or a perennial for the landscape. In flower gardens, it is an important food for butterfly larvae and can tolerate dry, sandy soil as well as partial shade. They require very little care once established- unlike your teeth, which should be brushed and flossed daily.

As a cut flower, pearly everlasting looks great mixed in with flowering branches or colorful form flowers like gerber daisies or lilies. They will last longer than average stems in a vase.
Pearly everlasting gets its unique name from the pearl-like color of the blooms as well as its wonderful ability to preserve itself when dried. Hung upside down, this flower keeps both its shape and color one dry and can be used in other arrangements in the future. The plant is very hardy to cold temperature and all parts are completely edible (and low in sugar- so they won’t cause tooth decay:)

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: By Month, Mother's Day, Saying Thank You

Stock Up on Flowering Stock for Spouse’s Day

January 18, 2015

Mother’s get a day. Father’s get a day. Why not a day just to appreciate your partner for the long term loving and support they bring to your life? January 26th is just such an occasion. Sure, some may say, there’s Valentine’s Day, a day already dedicated to lovers and romance. Isn’t that enough? Spouse’s Day allows us to look at the person we’re growing old with, however, and not pine for the passion that came along with the start of our relationship, but to admire it for the steadfastness and loyalty it has offered us throughout the years. While red roses may be the V-day favorite, celebrate spouse’s day with flowering stock. Not only are they more economical (a quality a spouse can appreciate) but they smell amazing, look fabulous and will stick around a lot longer. The bloom might be off the rose of your relationship, but a good spouse is worth their weight in gold. Bring them home some flowers that will cost just a fraction of that.

Flowering stock (Mattiola incana) are sometimes called night-flowering stock or evening-scented stock. More fragrant than most commercially sold roses nowadays, these blooms have become widely available in the last few years at local florists. Much like a great spouse at times, these stems are wildly underappreciated at the moment because they are not as well known. They have thickened stems with soft, velvety leaves that are topped by a spire of individual flowers that can range in every color from white, pink, purple and all the hues in between. They have been selectively bred to have double blooms, giving these flowers a wide, fluffy look that fills out a vase beautifully. Just one bunch will look lovely by itself in a tall class container or paired with some daintier flowers like Monte Casino daisies or a few sprigs of hypericum berries. Be sure to pull the lower leaves off the bottom of the stem that rests in water. This well help add several days to stems of any kind by keeping the water cleaner.

The blooms of flowering stock open from the bottom to the top, so choose stems that have a few buds still closed towards the tip. As flowers fade, simply pick them off, keeping the stems tidy as the last few blooms open. While they won’t last as long as your awesome relationship, these flowers can certainly let someone know that you’re glad they are in it for the long haul.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: By Month, Saying Thank You, Valentine's Day

Plants with Medicinal Properties to Celebrate National Pharmacist Day

January 4, 2015

Medicinal plants have been helping humans heal for centuries, providing everything from pain relief to palliative care. Some of the strongest medicines on Earth are still derived from plant sources, such as drugs used in chemotherapy to ones that regulate heartbeat. Dispensing these potent treatments carefully and accurately are dedicated pharmacists around the world, whom we celebrate each year on January 12th. National Pharmacist Day recognizes the knowledge and attention that goes into this important role by honoring pharmacists for their efforts towards medical care. If you have a pharmacist that’s important in your life, celebrate the day with a fresh bouquet of some of these fabulous pharmacological flowers.

Foxglove
Digitalis purpurea is a tall flower made popular in English cottage gardens. Straight stems reach several feet and are topped with lovely layers of pendulous blooms that droop daintily downwards. Each individual, bell-shaped bloom has a a throat that is lighter in color and spotted with intricate patterns inside. Coming in colors of pinks, purples and sometimes whites, these gorgeous flowers are one of the strongest heart medicines in the world. A cardiac glycoside, the powerful chemicals in foxglove are commonly prescribed to help a heart beat more strongly. Help your pharmacist’s heart beat a little faster with a few fresh stems of foxglove.

Madagascar Periwinkle
Sometimes known as vinca, this pretty annual commonly grown in flower beds is one of the leading treatments for leukemia and lymphomas. Shiny green leaves stand upright from the short, straight stems and are topped by pretty pink or white flowers that often had a darker center. In the Victorian language of flowers, vinca is said to represent love and the pleasures of memories. Make a memorable impression on a pharmacist who is dear to you with these potently pretty flowers.

Poppy
Perhaps one of the more chemically active plants cultivated by humans, the colorful poppy, Papaver somniferum, is the main ingredient in morphine and codeine, as well as the narcotic heroin. Tall, slender stems hold up fuzzy, perfectly-formed buds that open up to reveal papery petals in a variety of flashy colors. There are several different species of poppies available from florists that will delight on National Pharmacist Day.

These medically-important flowers may be ones that your pharmacist recognizes in milligram pill, but may have never seen in bloom. Surprise them this January 12th with a healthy does of flowers.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: By Month, Poppies, Saying Thank You

Be a Great Guest with a Gift of Gardenias

December 4, 2014

Traveling during the holidays can be stressful and we often arrive with arms full of packages and not quite enough patience. After a whole lot of hassle dealing with weather, crowds and not quite enough time, however, being with friends and family is well worth the trouble. Whether you’re arriving for a party or staying the week during the holidays, it’s always nice to bring a little gift for your hosts. While the holiday season is full of thoughtful little baubles and stocking stuffers, a plant is the perfect present to bring pleasure the whole year through. The glossy leaves and gorgeous flowers of the gardenia plant will be beautiful on the table or windowsill long after other presents have been regifted.

The evergreen leaves of the gardenia plant are similar in size and shape, and just as shiny, as the holly- but are soft instead of prickly. The new, more compact varieties being sold this time of year look amazing on the table as part of a centerpiece, but rather than berries, the plant wields the purest white of blossoms. The fragrance is unmistakable and practically indescribably; sort of floral, a little spicy, sweet- without being cloying. In the Victorian language of flowers, the gardenia is said to represent purity and secret longing- words which perhaps come the closest to describing the alluring scent of this flower.

A relative of the coffee plant, the gardenia is native to tropical climates, but loves short days with less light than darkness, so even though they prefer warm temperatures, they won’t flower until the days are at their shortest in the dark months of winter. For this reason, they are often available and at their finest this time of year. There are over 200 different species of gardenias and in warm, southern climates, they are grown outside as shrubs. New cultivars, and more compact species, such as Gardenia jasminoides, make great houseplants and are able to grow year round in a bright, sunny window. Lovers of high humidity, it is helpful to add a little moisture by spritzing them from time to time with a squirt bottle, especially in the winter months when air is a little drier. Another strategy that requires little hassle is to put a bit of pea gravel or small pebbles in the bottom of the saucer and add a bit of water to it each time you water to increase humidity around the plant without having it sit in water.

Even if your hosts aren’t green thumbs, the gift of a gardenia, with its intoxicating smell, is the perfect hostess plant. Consider serving this southern beauty with a bit of Southern Comfort mixed with eggnog.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: Holidays, Saying Thank You, Seasonal

Paperwhites are the Perfect Hostess Gift for Thanksgiving

November 23, 2014

Being invited to the Thanksgiving meal is a gesture of welcome and inclusion in American homes far richer than any giblet gravy- so don’t arrive empty handed. After asking the hostess what you can bring (and picking up an extra bottle of Riesling when they say “just yourself”), be sure to include a small gift to thank the hosts for including you in this special tradition. On a day that’s already filled with delicious foods and bordered by a holiday steeped in gift-giving, it is hard to find just the right thing to thank someone for all the thawing, brining, roasting and washing up they’ll be doing. Make it easy by choosing flowers that will not only be lovely on Thanksgiving day, but will continue to have your hosts thankful through the coming weeks. Paperwhite bulbs (Narcissus papyraceus) are the perfect plant to present on this day of gratitude and stuffing yourself.

A close relative of the daffodil, paperwhite flowers grow from small, teardrop-shaped bulbs. Easy to grow and available from florists and garden centers beginning in November, these beautiful and fragrant flowers can be grown from bulb to white, willowy blooms within about 3 to 4 weeks time. You can purchase a pot already planted or easily make one on your own with a low, glass dish and a bit of gravel. Simply choose a container and fill it half full with clean, loose rocks or pebbles. Place the bulbs, pointy side up, and cover with more gravel until only the very tips of the bulbs are visible. Add water until in comes almost to the top of the bulbs and wait just a day or two. When they come in contact with the water, the round, brown bulbs begin to awaken and send up the tender, green shoots of leaves. This is the perfect time to present them as a hostess gift. Over the next few weeks the leaves and stems of the plant will grow just a bit each day until the buds burst open to reveal the dainty, white flowers. Bring them over when they’ve just started to emerge from the bulbs and your hosts will have the pleasure of watching them grow and develop over the next month.

Paperwhites are prized for their fragrance, which has a powdery, fresh smell. Each stem is topped with a cluster of miniature, daffodil-like flowers which will last for more than a week. During this time, their scent will fill a room with fond memories of you and your thoughtful gift. Want to make an even longer-lasting good impression? Be sure to help with the dishes.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: By Month, Daffodils, Saying Thank You

Camellias Can Help Express Gratitude

November 8, 2014

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the reflection on all that we have to be grateful for is hopefully turning your thoughts to more than just the long lines at the grocery store and a sink full of dirty dishes. Along with thawing the turkey, put a trip to the local florist on your “to do” list in the coming weeks and find yourself standing with flowers at the front door of a friend or family member in your life for whom you are thankful. You’ll be surprised how much this simple gesture can put you in the spirit of the holiday and leave you feeling more fortunate than ever. In the Victorian language of flowers, there are many blossoms that represent gratitude and graciousness, but few that will be lovelier this month than the camellia.

Native to parts of eastern and southern Asia, there are hundreds of different species of camellias. This medium-sized, evergreen plant is actually a woody shrub with glossy, green leaves that stay green and fresh through the cold winter months. Several different varieties bloom in the late fall through very early spring in the warmer, southern regions, where many different hybrids exist.

Selectively bred for centuries for their large, round blooms, most have an almost rose-like look with their double sets of petals opening up to a cluster of yellow stamens. White, pink and deep magenta blooms form along the woody stem of the plant and open from perfectly round buds. The blooms themselves can be over 2 to 3 inches across in diameter and are often framed by the glossy leaves for a look that is stunning floated in a glass vase like a votive. A single stem with several bloom are a sweet gift to leave on a doorstep, but the leaves themselves are an excellent way to dress up a table as well.

Highly prized as an ornamental, the camellia has another very important commercial use. One species, the Camellia sinensis, is the source for tea. The plant is grown around the world in tropical climates where the top few leaves of the branching shrub are picked and dried for use in black and green tea. Both types of teas can be produced from the same camellia plant, but the young leaves of green tea are typically steamed, while black tea is left out to dry and fully oxidize.

Why not bring some camellias over for tea with someone you’ve been meaning to thank this season.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: By Month, Occasions, Saying Thank You

A Touching Bouquet for International Teacher’s Day

September 16, 2014

Falling on October 5th this year, World Teacher’s Day has been held annually since 1994 to commemorate education professionals around the world for their contribution in preparing future generations for success. Few professions touch as many lives as teaching, though this time of year is often so busy it is hard for many teachers to remember why, exactly, they decided to go into education in the first place. Teaching takes patience, creativity, a thick skin, and a whole lot of love. Return the love this October 5th by planning a very special flower delivery for your child’s homeroom teacher or the educator in your life. By bringing in a flower for each student to walk into the classroom with to hand to the teacher, you will help create a bouquet they will never forget. Here are 3 different stems that are hardy, affordable and easy to create a lovely bouquet with- one flower at a time.

Mini Gerber Daisies
Bright, colorful and cheery, these stems are a little sturdier than they look and cost less than a dollar each. In flashy yellows, pinks, reds and oranges, these delightful daisies have a dark or yellow center and pretty petals that radiate outwards. Students will have an easy time with these leafless stems and a good florist can add a clear piece of a straw to reenforce the flower heads so they stay upright for many days after the special delivery. They look great in a vase of water on their own or you can add leatherleaf fern or other greens for your teacher’s desk.

Carnations
With new colors like purple and yellow, carnations are a long- lasting and lovely flower that hold up well in tiny hands. Along with the traditional pink, white and red, carnations can also come in stripped and two-toned colors these days as well. Consider handing the students all sorts of colors for a rainbow that is sure to delight. Alternatively, using all white carnations, the teacher can add a bit of food coloring for an impromptu science experiment later on in the week.

Chrysanthemums
With thick, sturdy stems and plenty of colors to choose from, these flowers are also at their prime in the fall. Sold in bunches of 5-10 stems for less than $5, chrysanthemums are extremely economical and will last for more than a week in a vase. Choose several bunches in different colors and pass out to students at the start of the day to hand to teacher when they walk in a room to make a bouquet that will absolutely make their World Teacher’s Day.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: By Month, Carnations, Chrysanthemum, Daisies, Saying Thank You

Fabulous Fall Flowers for September

August 27, 2014

The pastel blossoms of May and the big, showy blooms of June are all lovely and fragrant, but the deep colors and unusual shapes of fall flowers have exactly what is needed to stand out as more than just “pretty” in a bouquet or floral arrangement- character. When the days start getting shorter and the nights a little crisper, the following 3 flowers are at their prime. They may be late bloomers, but all of them are well worth waiting for and, along with warm sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes and the sound of leaves crunching underfoot as you walk, are a part of autumn to look forward to every year.

Amaranthus
This ancient grain has many ornamental varieties that are starting to make their pilgrimage from Central and South America to the florist’s cooler. Many local growers have started planting this fabulous fall flower for both its ornamental as we as edible properties. Tall and lanky, the unusual flower is plume-like, with feathery seed heads that can be upright or droopy and highly pigmented leaves. In colors such as deep, blood red and coppery bronze or a perfectly puce green, these tall stems can be draped throughout a bouquet or vase like a well placed scarf and add both vibrant fall color as well as an elegance of natural ease that’s hard to imitate. A favorite at farmer’s markets and florists alike, choose stems that have a firm base and a few leaves to determine freshness. In the language of flowers, the amaranthus represents immortality, but expect them to last only about a week or two as a cut flower. Save the tiny black seeds once the flower is spent and plant them next spring if you want them to actually live forever.

Dahlia
In the language of flowers, dahlias represent dignity, gratitude and good taste. While it’s true that these showy blooms are available all summer long, there are several cultivars that are stunningly autumnal in their color. Deep oranges and chocolatey browns can be mixed with green hypericum berries for an earthy look, or gold or burgundy ones tucked into the plumes of amaranthus for a fall arrangement that is dripping with class. Ranging in size from a silver dollar to a dinner plate, dahlias are diverse and dazzling in both their shapes and color. Choose stems with both opened blooms and unopened buds for a more natural look.

Fiddleheads
Technically not flowers at all, these unfurled fronds of ferns are the tall boots of fall flower arrangements. Tuck them in with their curled tops sticking up about 2 to 3 inches about the other flowers for a touch of whimsy. In both green and darker browns and blacks, fiddlehead fronds are a perfect accent to any arrangement and add a certain reminder of the changing natural beauty that fall brings every year.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: Anniversaries, By Month, Dahlia, Saying Thank You

Calla Lilies for a Classy Broad

August 18, 2014

Chic, charming and always in style, calla lilies are the perfect flower for the classy lady in your life. Be it a birthday, anniversary, thank you or yoo-hoo sort of occasion, these elegant blooms have panache and character that make them stand out from the rest of the bunch. When you just can’t seem to think of a good gift, the gift of flowers is always one she’ll be sure to use.

Native to parts of southern Africa, the calla lily is known for its single, iconic petal that swirls around a central axis. This type of flower is called a spadix and is similar to the one on a peace lily, with which it shares a family. With only a handful of different species, all in the genus Zantedeschia, all of them have showy flowers that come in a range of colors from white to yellow, purple or shades of red and orange. While found growing originally in only a small geographical region, the alluring beauty of the calla lily has lead to it being cultivated on every continent on Earth except Antarctica.

Prized for both their pretty petals as well as their fabulous foliage, calla lilies are popular garden plants in warm, tropical climates, but most of us will have to enjoy them with a little help from our florist as a cut flower. Cultivated extensively in California, Colombia, Kenya and New Zealand, plant breeders have been introducing a variety of new colors and sizes, so try out a little something different with new non-white cultivars. Smaller in size, but full of color, the cultivar “Red Mango” or “Pot of Gold” come in red and gold and look amazing in a bouquet or arrangement mixed with torch gingers or dendrobium orchids. Sultry colors, such as the deep purple “Night Cap” or fabulous fuchsia one, “Pillow Talk,” go well with orange roses or red hypericum berries. Try paring a medium or large one of any color with the exotic bird of paradise for a tropical, but simple look or all white with a bit of silvery dusty miller or seeded eucalyptus for an elegant occasion.

With bare stems without any distracting leaves, let calla lilies strut their stuff without any distracting greens. One of the best ways to show off this very feminine flower is in a clear glass vase with several different shades of just calla lilies. This flower doesn’t like to share the spotlight.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: Anniversaries, Mother's Day, Saying Thank You, Secretary's (Admin Professional's) Day

Ferns for a New Client

July 23, 2014

Before there were flowers or even bees and butterflies to pollinate them, ferns ruled the planet. A primordial plant that carpets the Earth to this day, ferns represent tenacity and abundance while filling a room with a lush sense of vivacity. Through twists and turns of evolutionary adaptations, ferns have feathered the world’s biomes for more than a 100 million years and have diverged into more than 12,000 different species that inhabit 6 out of the 7 continents. Unlike lovely bouquets of flowers that bloom brightly and then fade, a potted fern shows a sense of longevity and stoicism without seaming stodgy. Show a new client that you and your company have staying power with the symbolic gift of one of these choice ferns.

Boston Fern
A southern comfort on porches next to rocking chairs or in a north-facing office window in a heirloom urn, the Boston Fern is the classy older uncle of houseplants. The uniformly pale green fronds of this hearty plant cascade out and over, reaching lengths of 1 to 3 feet in a showy circular arrangements. Easy to grow, the Boston fern is a great houseplant, needing regular watering and medium light. As a gift, this plant represents confidence and will instill a sense of both security and expectation in a new client’s office or home. Much like the bow tie, this fern is both elegant and manly, and absolutely timeless.

Maidenhair Fern
Few things in life shimmer and drip with ephemeral awe quite like the maidenhair fern. Slender black stalks unfurl bright green showers of leaflets on fronds that seem to be floating in air. This is the perfect fern for creative jobs and creative types to get, give or gawk at and do much to set the mood at an artsy occasion. The natural loveliness of this dainty fern make it a perfect plant for gifting new clients with your creative contributions.

Staghorn Fern
A good florist or garden and nursery center will have this strange and unusual fern mounted on a flat piece of wood to hang on the wall of an office or home. One flat vegetative leaf lies flat mounted on a surface while larger, antler-shaped fronds trail downward over time. Odd? Perhaps. You were hired because you stand out from the rest, so why get a new client the same old flowers. Show them you are an innovator with this anything but cookie-cutter plant.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: Greenery, Occasions, Saying Thank You

DIY Fairy Gardens with these Fabulous Plants

June 19, 2014

Add a bit of magic to your house or garden by creating your own miniature landscape for sprites, fairies, nymphs or other otherworldly creatures. Choosing plants that stay small while adding color and texture to a terrarium, container or dish is the key to putting together a garden any fairy would be proud to call home. Great gifts for a child’s birthday or retirement party, these do-it-yourself tips will help you get started building your very own fairy garden.

Containers
Fairies are remarkably flexible as to the choice of container they will inhabit. A long, low terracotta pot (or even the large saucer of a pot) can be used. While you would never normally pot up any plant in a container without drainage holes on the bottom, if you find an old cooking dish or other container you like that doesn’t have holes (and you don’t want to bother drilling them), simply line the dish with gravel and then a bit of sand before adding potting soil to allow pore space for water to drain. This works great for fairy gardens you will bring indoors, but if you can’t regulate the flow of water (for example, if you put it outside and it gets watered by rain), it’s best to use something with drainage holes.

Soil
Add a bit of rocks or gravel to the bottom and a bit of sand, if it’s handy. You can usually find this at a garden shop, but it’s also fine to just scoop some up from outside and give them a quick rinse. Top off your container with a good potting soil mix that is light and fluffy.

Plants
Here’s the fun part! The best plant choices for fairy gardens tend to come from several families of tropical houseplants which are easy to grow and do well in a crowded space. Here are several good choices:
Pink-polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)– is a short, small-leafed plant with splashed of white and pink.
Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)– has crinkly-textured leaves in bright greens.
Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)- almost looks like moss with tiny little leaves and occasional white flowers.
Aluminum Plant (Pilea cadierei)- adds a bit of bling to your fairy garden with silvery-stripped leaves

Furniture
After a long day of flying around, your fairies will want a place to relax and unwind. The best way to quickly furnish your garden is to pick up some dollhouse furniture at your local thrift store or toy store. Add a garden path with pretty rocks or shells or a water feature with some shiny sea glass. With the growing popularity of these whimsical gardens, many florist and garden shops now have areas in their store with everything you need to create these magical landscapes. Just be sure to check references before letting any fairies move in.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: Flower Keeping Tips, Greenery, Saying Thank You

3 Ways to Say Thank you With Flowers

May 28, 2014

Gracias, merci beaucoup, dumo agrigato, danke: there are hundreds of ways to say “thank you”, but few have the quite the heartfelt sentiment as a handful of flowers. Whether you are grateful for someone’s time, someone’s effort or simply their understanding, a wrapped bouquet or vase of blooms is a great way to express gratitude when words just don’t seem like enough. Here are three fabulous flowers for saying grazie that are sure to please.

Hydrangea
There are many different meanings attached to this large and lush cluster of blooms, first discovered growing in Japan. Now a popular garden and landscape planting, this herbaceous shrub produces small blue, pink or white flowers that bloom in large groupings that can be larger than a hand width. On strong stems that will last for a week or more, these lovely flowers are said to symbolize gratitude for a person’s understanding in the traditional language of flowers. A unique characteristic of this plant is that the color of the petals can change based on the acidity or alkalinity of the soil it is grown it, so the exact hue can be quite distinct and unique. Consider mixing several different ones in a vase with seeded eucalyptus or other delicate green.

African Violets
Associated with faithfulness and modesty in the language of flowers, these darling potted plants are sure to please anyone with even the brownest of thumbs. Soft velvety leaves and dainty purple, pink or white flowers make this an excellent houseplant for the home or office and will be a constant reminder of your thoughtful gift. They are an excellent way to thank a person who always has your back or rose to the occasion when you needed them the most. Easy to find and easy to care for, this plant is a fun gift for friends and neighbors.

Rose
Appreciation is a sentiment that rewards both the giver and the receiver. Consider giving a coral, peach or deep pink colored rose the next time you wish to express yours. In the language of flowers, also known as floriography in Victorian times, these colors of roses were said to represent heartfelt appreciation for a friend or admirer. Available year-round at your local florist, consider paring with light green hypericum berries for a bit of fun or green Kermit mums for a touch of class the next time you want to say gracias.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: Roses, Saying Thank You, Violet

Poppies are the Perfect Flower for Honoring Memorial Day

May 18, 2014

In World War I, soldiers from all over the world came home weary from a war they hoped soon to forget. As veterans, many brought with them the memory of wild poppies growing in the fields where fallen comrades lay; an image that was captured in a famous poem by Lt. Col. John McCrae, “In Flanders Fields.” Taken up by the American Legion and recognized all over the world, the image of a poppy pinned to the lapel served to remind us of the service and sacrifice of soldiers everywhere. On the last Monday in May, what better way to commemorate the lives lost and honor those living than with a vase of beautiful, red poppies.

With hundreds of different species, the poppy has its own botanical family and comes in a wide variety of colors with a broad geographical distribution. The poppy associated with wartime remembrance is the red corn poppy, Papaver rhoeas, which grow wild in open fields and meadows. With a typical bloom time of late spring and early summer, it is possible to find them at your local florists. A great substitute, which is often in stock, is the large, red oriental poppy. Lovely in a vase on their own or mixed with hypericum berries or lilies, a live poppy will last for a week in a vase with water and can easily be turned into a boutonniere in lieu of one made of paper. Traditionally worn on the left side, the poppy is the perfect flower to help us remember those who serve and sacrifice in wars; lest we forget.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
the torch; be yours to hold it high
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

-Lt. Col. John McCrae

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: Memorial Day, Poppies, Saying Thank You

A Peace Lily in Honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day

May 10, 2014

It is said that the price of peace is eternal vigilance. If this is true, then the constant lookout of any community can be found in the tireless efforts of their local peace officers. Sheriffs, deputies, troopers and officers put their lives at risk every day just going to work to help maintain the peace and enforce the justice needed to keep our lives and laws in order. Unfortunately, in America each year, more than 150 peace officers are killed in the line of duty. Honor their memory and the service of their peers by sending a peace lily this year in their honor to the station.

The perfect houseplant for a busy precinct, the peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.), has glossy green leaves and a tall, white flower. Available year round at florists and local garden centers, this potted plant is both easy to find and easy to care for. Tall and stately, the blooms of a peace lily are a hooded white spadix that last for weeks and occur frequently. Tolerant to low light conditions, this unfussy plant will droop when it is thirsty and perk right back up after a watering. A room with indirect sunlight and an occasional watering is all this plant needs to grow and flower. With broad, flat leaves, studies have shown that the peace lily can improve indoor air quality by filtering pollutants through its leaves. Given a large enough container, many peace lilies can grow to a size of 2 to 3 feet, though their roots don’t mind crowding and can go a long time in a smaller pot before needing to transplant. An evergreen perennial, this plant will flower on and off throughout the year without too much effort while reminding peace officers that you appreciate all of theirs.

Peace Officers Memorial Day was established in 1961 by Congress and falls each year on May 15th. The day is set aside to remember and observe the sacrifice of comrades fallen in duty. It is also an opportunity to recognize the efforts of peace officers, who include police officers, court bailiffs, special investigators, state troopers and other law enforcement agents. Often a thankless job, these public sector employees are charged with keeping the peace in sometimes troubling times and may not see a lot of delicate, beautiful things during the course of a typical day at work. Give them an arresting view with a beautiful peace lily this year for Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: By Month, Lilies, Occasions, Saying Thank You

Cyclamen are the Perfect Flower for Teacher Appreciation Day

May 5, 2014

It’s no mistake that the first week in May is the time set aside to celebrate teachers. With summer vacation right around the corner, it’s hard not to appreciate all the time and patience it takes to spend all day long with children and not strangle one. Celebrate a special teacher with cyclamen this year to let them know you recognize and value the work that they do from bell to bell. A potted cyclamen looks great on a desk, but even better on the back porch during their summer vacation.

Native to the Mediterranean, these unusual flowers grow from a single bulb-like corm. The leaves are heart-shaped with a dark, almost bluish-green, color that has a silvery stripe following the slightly scalloped edge. The flowers emerge from the center and grow up and above the foliage. The petals are upswept, reaching backwards almost like a shooting star and come in white, pink, purple and red. The center, which often angles downward, is usually a deeper color, giving the entire bloom a sort of inside-out look that is both fun and fascinating.

Like teachers, the leaves of the cyclamen really come to life in autumn with blooms forming throughout the winter and spring. Cool season lovers, cyclamen growing in their native areas actually go dormant in the summer, recharging themselves through the hot months to emerge again in the fall. A cyclamen bought from a florist will have a slightly different lifecycle and can be expected to bloom for several weeks after it is purchased. As a houseplant, it likes indirect light or direct light from an eastern window that isn’t too strong. Average water and a bit of fertilizer each year should have these lovely perennials blooming every year, usually around spring time.

Planted outside, cyclamen are a great alternative to impatiens and begonias for your shady spots. Mixed in with a few sweet alyssum along a border or planted in a group with other cyclamen, these pretty plants can be enjoyed all summer long while a teacher recharges and plans ahead for the school year to come.

In the language of flowers, cyclamen are symbolic of goodbyes. They are a great way to wish a teacher who has made the grade a fond farewell as your student moves on to the next grade.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: By Month, Graduation, Saying Thank You

Thank a Nurse with Sunflowers on National Nurse’s Day

April 26, 2014

Between the busy schedule and bodily fluids, a nurse’s day can be anything but sunny; why not brighten it up a little with a bouquet of sunflowers this May on National Nurse’s Day. There are almost 4 million licensed or registered nurses in America and chances are at least one of them has touched your life with their compassion, patience and comfort. Perhaps you know a nurse who works long hours in tough situations, but is always willing to lend a hand to help you out with a medical question or concern. Reward their often thankless work on this day set aside to honor their efforts at healing the sick and comforting those in need with the bright, bold faces of sunflowers.

As one of the largest plant families on Earth, sunflowers come in a surprising variety of colors and sizes. The traditional black-centered, yellow-petaled sunflower is a symbol of warmth and happiness all around the world with many cultures adopting its image of sun-following, head-held-highness as an emblem of optimism and hope: characteristics needed in spades to make it in the nursing profession. New cultivars are on the market these days, such as the rich reds of the “Moulin Rouge” or the melting golds of the “Autumn Sunset.” The “Chocolate Cherry” or “Italian Wine” cultivars have shades of ripe burgundy and can come in large and more miniature sizes.

Generally, sunflowers look best placed together in a bunch on their own. Cut them tall and put in a narrow vase or trim them short and arrange them in a rounded one for a bright and sunny arrangement. With greens, sunflowers really shine with a background of sky-blue Dutch irises or delphiniums.

Sunflowers last for a surprisingly long time if one takes the time to change the water in their vase. Every few days, dump out the old and fill with fresh, cool water making sure to keep any leaves out of the water. Blooms can still remain fresh even after stems begin to turn and you can simply trim off the lower parts and place in a shorter vase. Just like with people, a little care and attention can really go a long way. Thank a nurse for their care and attention with sunny sunflowers today.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: Saying Thank You, Sunflowers

Primrose is the Perfect Plant for National Nurse’s Day

April 26, 2014

Whether we’re at the doctor’s office for tests or at the hospital concerned about a loved one, the times we’re interacting with nurses are not always our best. Despite this, their presence seems to make everything a little bit better while helping us heal and handle situations that can be scary on our own. With compassion, empathy and a lot of long hours, nurses are the human hands that hold our health and wellness paramount to anything else they might do all day. Putting a beautiful pot of primroses in those hands is the perfect way to express gratitude for all they do on National Nurse’s Day this May.

Primroses, identified by the Latin name, Primula, are native to Europe and sold as small, potted plants similar in size to an African violet. Broad flat leaves are arranged in a rosette, from which a large cluster of flowers emerges. The individual flowers are delicately scented and about 1 inch across. Many have a white or bright yellow center, while the outer petal can be a deep red, bright purple, true pink or rich, buttery gold. The blooms can last for several weeks and look amazing in a terra-cotta pot lined with sphagnum moss and ribbon. The evergreen leaves are a lush shade of green and are actually edible, with a look and flavor similar to lettuce.

In the language of flowers, primrose are said to convey the message “I can’t live without you,” which can be interpreted quite literally in the case of nurses, whose quick actions and careful considerations save lives every day. Additionally, it is said to symbolize unappreciated merit, which won’t feel unappreciated for long with these beautiful blooms and a kind card from you.

As perennials, primrose will make an excellent houseplant in a window with indirect light and will bloom again each spring given care and a bit of fertilizer. Additionally, though small, primrose are quite hardy and will grow well planted outside in a garden even in colder climates. Considered a staple in “cottage garden,” they look great planted next to hollyhock and foxglove and prefer well draining soil and full to partial shade. One of the first flowers to bloom each spring, these small but splendid plants are surprisingly easy to care for. They are the perfect plant for someone who spends their time caring for others.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: By Month, Primrose, Saying Thank You

Thanking a Teacher is Easy with Irises

April 14, 2014

Few jobs in this world are more challenging or more rewarding than teaching, so why not reward that special teacher in your life with fresh flowers. Whether they’ve made a lasting impact on the learning of your child or helped you as a student through a tough semester, a vase full of irises is the perfect way to thank a teacher who has gone the extra mile to make your life, and your community, a little bit better.

Named after the Greek goddess, Iris, who carried messages from Olympus to the Earth along the arc of a rainbow, this flower signifies the connection between wisdom and hope- both of which are traits absolutely necessary to make it as a teacher. Iris was seen as a messenger between the heavens and the earth and is symbolic of wisdom and valor in the language of flowers.

A tall, straight-stemmed perennial, iris make up a genus of well over 200 different species. There are three main varieties available through a florist; bearded iris, Dutch iris and Siberian iris.

Bearded iris are the types that are typically grown in landscapes and feature heavily in art. They are late spring to early summer bloomers and have large flowers with three upright and three drooping petals. Each bloom can be over 6 inches tall and half as wide. They get the name “bearded” from the tufted fuzz on the inside of one of the lower petals. Flowers come in purples, reds, yellows, whites- any color of the rainbow, really. The graceful look and absolutely mesmerizing scent of these iris make them a lovely gift that can be picked from your own yard in May, which is perfect for the end of the school year.

Growing bearded iris is extremely easy, as they can be planted from a rhizome (a thickened, underground stem) that has been divided from a larger clump of irises or purchased at a garden center in the fall similar to tulips. Most florists will have them in stock from April-June, but expect to pay about $3 a stem.

For a slightly more economical choice that is available year-round, consider the Dutch iris. These slightly smaller irises come in different shades of purple and usually have a bit of yellow in the center. Opening up slowly over the course of a week, these 1-2 foot tall stems will brighten up a classroom for only around $2 each and look amazing mixed in with a bit of alstroemeria or asters.

A teacher’s job is filled with many thankless tasks, so send them your thanks with fresh irises and let them know they’re an A+ in your book!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: By Month, Iris, Saying Thank You

The Right Same Day Flowers

September 14, 2012

Needing same day flowers happens to all of us. We suddenly remember that it is a dear friend’s birthday, Father’s Day, or, God forbid, your anniversary! Fear not, a same day flower bouquet does not mean that you will have to pick through a sad collection of limp gas station flowers. There are many beautiful options for same day flowers through reputable flower companies, and often for a minimal extra fee as low as $1.99. Here are a few of our favorite flower bouquets that are available to be delivered the same day:

Last Minute Anniversary Flowers

Uh oh – you were just sipping your morning coffee when it hit you – it is your anniversary! Not to worry, you can have a gorgeous bouquet of long stem red roses delivered to your love in just a few hours! The beautiful roses arrive arranged with seeded eucalyptus in a classic glass vase. They are available in 12, 18 or 24 stems, and are also a perfect same day option for saying “I’m sorry” to the love in your life.

Same Day Birthday Arrangement

With as busy as life can get sometimes, it is not uncommon to suddenly realize that it is the birthday of someone special in your life. FTD offers one of the most creative solutions you will ever see to this conundrum, the flower cake. This whimsical arrangement comes seated on top of a white cake plate, and is made from white chrysanthemums, pale yellow carnations, green button poms and magenta mini carnations. With an arrangement as creative as this, it will look like you were planning it for ages.

Multi-purpose Flower Arrangements

While there are certain flowers that are best in some situations, such as red roses for anniversaries, there are a multitude of occasions in which one may find themselves in need of sending same day flowers. Whether you just realized that it is Administrative Assistant’s day, or a dear friend is sick and needs some cheering up, there are several mixed bouquets that are appropriate for just about any occasion. This vibrant bouquet is sure to be adored by anyone lucky enough to receive it. This bouquet is full of gorgeous flowers such as orange Asiatic Lilies, fuchsia carnations, red Peruvian Lilies and lavender chrysanthemums. They come arranged in a beautiful clear glass bubble bowl to show off the flowers in their entirety. For something even more cheerful, this dazzling bouquet offers a sunny mix of orange spray roses, yellow mini carnations and white traditional daisies. Perfect for a cheering up, a “get well soon,” or for that especially perky person in your life.

Just because a special day almost slipped by you doesn’t mean you can’t make the best of it! A gorgeous same day bouquet delivery will be the perfect way to mark any special day in an expedient way.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Florist Jessica Categories: Anniversaries, Any Time, Easter, Father's Day, Funerals, Graduation, Holidays, Memorial Day, Mother's Day, New Baby, Occasions, Saying Get Well Soon, Saying I'm Sorry, Saying Thank You, Secretary's (Admin Professional's) Day, St. Patricks Day, Valentine's Day

All About Stargazer Lilies

September 4, 2012

Lilies are a beautiful and versatile, and a perfect flower to give for so many different occasions. Calla lilies, Lily of the Valley, and the Casa Blanca lily, are just a few examples of the dozens of lily varieties that make beautiful bouquet additions. The Stargazer lily is a beautiful lily that has become wildly popular as additions to floral arrangements, or even as the main attraction.

Created in 1978 by California lily breeder, Leslie Woodriff, the Stargazer lily is a relatively new kid on the block in terms of lily history. Stargazers were given their name because their blooms look up towards the sky. The Stargazer lily is known for its pink, red and white petals and a beautiful scent. The Stargazer lily is so new that it doesn’t have its own specific meaning, but it is typically used in a celebratory manner. Lilies in general are typically looked at as a symbol of love and purity, especially the white lilies, such as Calla lilies and Easter lilies.

With their vibrant and exotic looking petals, the Stargazer lily is an excellent option for celebrations such as graduations, engagements, new babies, housewarming gifts, and birthdays. A word of caution: lilies are toxic to cats, so be sure to keep lilies out of reach of feline friends. Here are a few of our favorite Stargazer lily arrangements:

If you are looking for a simple and elegant look, then a bouquet of all Stargazer lilies makes a stunning impact. They also look gorgeous with other flowers, such as roses, and are a great look for a significant other. For the bride who loves Stargazer lilies, or loves pink and red, they are a perfect flower for a wedding bouquet. Their broad blooms make for a full and lush arrangement that will beautifully complement the brides attire, without competing with it.

For a flower that is all at once beautiful, vibrant and elegant, you cannot go wrong with the Stargazer lily.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Florist Jessica Categories: Anniversaries, Any Time, Easter, Expressing Sympathy, Flowers by Type, Funerals, Graduation, Holidays, Lilies, Lily of the Valley, Mother's Day, New Baby, Peace Lily, Saying Get Well Soon, Saying I'm Sorry, Saying Thank You, Valentine's Day, Weddings

The Right Summer Flowers: Mokara and Dendrobium Orchids

August 22, 2012

The great thing about summer flowers is that, because they are in season, you can often snag them up for a bargain! One fantastic bargain to grab are orchids, specifically, mokara and dendrobium orchids. Unlike their planted counterparts, mokara and dendrobium orchids are spectacular for a perfect summertime bouquet.

Mokara orchids come in a stunning array of shapes and colors, including pink, orange, purple, red, yellow and burgundy. Mokara orchids are hybrid orchids, and boast anywhere from 8-12 blooms on each stem. Dendrobium is a large genus of orchids that was established in 1799 and contains almost 1,200 species of flowers. The Dendrobium name comes from the Greek words for tree and life, and translates to “one who lives on trees.”

There are currently between 21,000 and 27,000 different accepted species of orchids, and so there are many different symbolic meanings of orchids as a whole. Generally, orchids are considered a symbol of love, beauty or royalty. In Ancient Greece, orchids were symbols of virility and fertility, and during the Victorian era in Europe, the orchid symbolized elegance and luxury. Pink orchids symbolize love and affection and are typically given on the 14th wedding anniversary.

Orchids are a perfect gift to give to a loved one in just about any situation – a birthday, anniversary, congratulations, or just because! Because summertime is when they bloom, it is a perfect time to snap up some of the best pricing available!

A bouquet of mokara orchids, such as this one, features a vibrant array of gold, orange and hot pink mokara orchids. This bouquet of in-season orchids is normally about $40 and is now only $30.

If you tend towards dendrobium orchids, a beautiful bouquet such as this one, which features jade green, white, and bi-colored purple and white blooms, is a gorgeous option. Like the mokara orchid arrangement, dendrobium orchid bouquets are running about $10 cheaper than their usual price.

And if you can’t decide between the mokara and dendrobium orchid, there are lovely bouquets that blend both, so that you can have the best of both worlds!

Orchids are a timeless and universal flower that are perfect for just about any person, and any situation. Summertime is the perfect time to snap these beauties up for a bargain!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Florist Jessica Categories: Anniversaries, Easter, Expressing Sympathy, Father's Day, Flowers by Type, Funerals, Graduation, Holidays, Memorial Day, Mother's Day, New Baby, Occasions, Orchids, Saying Get Well Soon, Saying I'm Sorry, Saying Thank You, Secretary's (Admin Professional's) Day, Valentine's Day, Weddings

The Right Flowers for Everyone and Anyone

July 18, 2012

You may know the perfect flower for your child, your spouse and your best friend, but picking out flowers for someone you don’t know well can be tough. The right flowers for one person may not be the right flowers for everyone. What happens when you want to send a flower bouquet to someone you don’t know very well? Perhaps a congratulatory flower bouquet or a sympathy flower bouquet is needed for someone you know, but don’t know well enough to know their taste. Here are a few bouquet options that are universally appropriate:

Yellow Roses and Peruvian Lilies

This bouquet is the perfect universal bouquet for several reasons! For starters, the cheerful yellow color is appropriate for a man or a woman. Yellow roses signify friendship, but some may still feel uncomfortable sending a bouquet of strictly roses to someone who is just an acquaintance. Because this bouquet is cut with Peruvian lilies, it gives this bouquet a more casual feel and is appropriate for just about anyone.

The Peace and Prosperity Money Tree

No, not a tree covered with dollars, this is an actual plant called a “Money Tree”. Sending this money tree also sends wishes for good fortune and positive outcomes to the recipient. A plant is not only universal for men or women, it is also universal for anyone you know, no matter what the relationship. The message of good fortune and positive outcome is also a great message for anyone, in just about any situation. This tree comes having grown for 4 years and has a beautiful braided trunk, topped off with a red bow and a lucky Sacagawea Dollar coin.

A Bouquet of Orchids

This stunning bouquet features orchids, whose iconic shape is universal. Long stems of orchids are elegant and would be appreciated by anyone. The orange Mokara Orchids symbolize warmth, while the jade Dendrobium orchids symbolize peace and tranquility. The juxtaposition of the warm orange hues with the cool green hues is an excellent choice for anyone, and will have a sensational impact on anyone who receives them.

With a little creativity, you can find flowers for everyone and anyone, no matter male or female, coworker or other acquaintance. Any one of these bouquets will convey appropriate well wishes, regardless of event. Make someone’s day special!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Florist Jessica Categories: Funerals, Graduation, Holidays, New Baby, Occasions, Saying Get Well Soon, Saying I'm Sorry, Saying Thank You, Secretary's (Admin Professional's) Day

Vera Wang Mixed Flower Bouquets

May 23, 2012

Yesterday we brought you some of our favorite single flower-type and monochromatic arrangements and hand-held bouquets from acclaimed wedding dress designer, Vera Wang. Vera Wang teamed with FTD to develop a stunning collection of floral arrangements with the elegant touch for which Vera is famous. Today we are going to highlight a few of our favorite mixed flower and color bouquets in the Vera Wang FTD flower collection!

Pretty Pastels

The Sweet Effects bouquet is one of our favorites. In true Vera Wang-style, this arrangement exudes understated elegance. Featuring pink Asiatic Lilies, pink double lisianthus, yellow roses and solidago, the stunning etched-glass vase included in this arrangement is wide-mouthed, allowing the full blooms of this lush bouquet to be spotlighted even further. This is a low-rise bouquet, which makes it ideal for your desk, or as a stunning centerpiece.

Mixed Flower Bouquet

While Vera Wang’s single flower-type bouquets epitomize her style of simple elegance, she still managed to achieve that with her mixed flower bouquets. Featuring two signature vase-arranged bouquets, the mixed flowers are stunning choices that include an assortment of high quality, extravagant flowers. The Graceful Wishes arrangement is comprised of red roses nestled amongst pink Peruvian Lilies and spray roses. To top off this full and dazzling bouquet is an elegant glass champagne bucket. The whole presentation is simply breath-taking.

The second mixed flower arrangement is called the Dream’s Reflection bouquet and is an exquisite assortment of white roses, double lisianthus and white limonium. As with the other arrangements, this one is stunningly displayed in a gorgeous decorative glass vase.

Multi-colored Roses

The Vera Wang line features this opulent arrangement, Captivating Color. This vibrant bouquet is all roses, but an assortment of bright hues such as fuchsia, red, pale pink, light lavender and purple. A simple glass vessel vase envelopes the roses to show off the full extent of their beautiful stems, gathering the blooms into a lovely, fragrant bunch.

Whether you send any of these arrangements to a loved one, or use them for your next event, you will be delighted that you chose these unique flower bouquets.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Florist Jessica Categories: Anniversaries, Any Time, Graduation, Mother's Day, Occasions, Saying Get Well Soon, Saying I'm Sorry, Saying Thank You

Beautiful Flower Bouquets by Vera Wang

May 22, 2012

Vera Wang has proven that wedding dresses are not the only stunning pieces of work that she can create; her beautiful flower bouquets are equally breathtaking. Vera Wang is a New York-based fashion designer who is best known for her couture bridal creations. Her simple and elegant designs are favored by celebrities for their weddings including Jessica Simpson, Ivanka Trump, Chelsea Clinton and Alicia Keys. Vera Wang has teamed up with FTD to design a line of breath-taking flower arrangements. Here are a few of our favorite bouquets!

Bouquets Without a Vase

Vera has created three bouquets that come ready-to-carry and while they are not specifically being marketed as wedding bouquets, they are certainly wedding-ready and would be a dazzling addition to any wedding. The Delicate Dreams bouquet looks like someone gathered the most beautiful blooms from an english garden, and will delight the lucky recipient. Lavender roses, pink spray roses, Bells of Ireland, white Asiatic Lilies and green hypericum berries are hand-tied together to present a full, lush arrangement. The Hello Sunshine bouquet is a sunny and cheerful display of yellow tulips, yellow gerbera daisies, pale yellow roses, white double lisianthus, white novelty cushion and crespedia, hand-tied with a beautiful ribbon in several shades of muted green. The Absolute Elegance bouquet is just as the name implies with a collection of white roses, purple Peruvian Lilies and bi-colored white and purple mini calla lilies. This is a stunning arrangement that is perfect for anyone who is a lover of the color purple.

Single Simplicity Elegance

In true Vera Wang style, her line largely consists of bouquets featuring one flower type, and they are beautiful. Whether you prefer lavender roses, white orchids, white calla lilies, or light blue hydrangeas, you are sure to find something that you will love.

The Vera Wang FTD collection also features some gorgeous mixed-flower arrangements that come with vases; stay tuned for more on those in our next article!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Florist Jessica Categories: Anniversaries, Any Time, Funerals, Graduation, Holidays, Mother's Day, New Baby, Saying Get Well Soon, Saying I'm Sorry, Saying Thank You, Secretary's (Admin Professional's) Day, Weddings

The Right Flower for Nurse’s Week

May 7, 2012

Whether you work in a hospital or have a special someone in your life who is a nurse, Nurse’s Week is a great time to let them know how much you appreciate all that they do in helping others. While it may be tempting to go down to the hospital gift shop, take an extra step to let that special nurse know that you are thinking of her. Here are some of our favorite bouquets for Nurse’s Week:

Brighten Up the Nurse’s Station

This Sending a Smile arrangement is so bright and cheerful that it is sure to bring a smile to those special nurses in your life. A great option for sending to a team of nurses for them to keep at the nurses station, it is a bright and sunny plant of yellow mini roses, planted in a yellow smiley face mug. This plant is especially perfect for the nurse or nurses who work with children; it offers a cheerful greeting to all who see it.

A Bright Basket of Colorful Flowers

This is a gorgeous option for the special nurse in your life. A basket full of beautiful, cheerful flowers, with a bright, white-washed basket, will be a stunning way to brighten up the office. To add to the vibrant pop of color are the flowers themselves, this arrangement is full of green button pompons, white daisy pompons, hot pink mini carnations and purple carnations. A bright green ribbon tops off this dazzling arrangement. Whether you have male or female nurses on your team, there are colors in here to please all!

The Low Allergen Option

For some health care professionals, the pollen from flowers is a serious consideration and so a low-pollen option, such as a green plant, is a great option. This peace plant features beautiful, big green leaves with white fanning, single petal blooms. Containing all large leaves and blooms, they are low on the pollen scale. It comes in a beautiful terra cotta ceramic pot, and is nice and hardy, so perfect for indoor placement. For those who need absolutely no pollen, FTD has a stunning collection of silk flowers (link) that are sans pollen, but still beautiful.

This Nurse’s Week, show the nurse or nurses in your life how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Florist Jessica Categories: Occasions, Saying Thank You

The Stock Flower; a New Look at Gilliflowers

May 3, 2012

Stock flowers are an elegant, unassuming flower that often gets overlooked in bouquets for more popular flowers such as roses, daisies and lilies. Stock flowers, also called gilliflower, gillyflower and matthiola, are a lush and fragrant flower, with generous blooms and a variety of color options. Native to the mediterranean, they come in pink, red, white, purple, lilac, yellow, peach and ivory. Their lovely scent is similar to the sweet and airy fragrance of carnations, and they symbolize happiness and contentment. Here are some of our favorite bouquets, featuring Stock flowers:

The Monochromatic Stock Flower Bouquet

One of the best features of the stock flower is the many beautiful colors in which they come. A simple arrangement of pure stock flowers in a uniform color, such as this beautiful bouquet of 15 deep purple stems, offers a beautiful arrangement that looks like it was plucked fresh out of a farmer’s market. A bouquet such as this would be a fantastic gift for that special someone if chosen in their favorite color.

A Mixed Color Bouquet

If you are looking for a more cheerful look, a mix of several of the colors in which Stock flowers come is a great way to brighten someone’s day. As mentioned earlier, stock flowers come in a variety of different colors that, when mixed together, make for a dazzling bunch of full, lush flowers. This stunning bouquet of 15 multi-colored stems features a full range of peach, purple, pink, white, red and yellow. Mixed color stock flower bouquets look like they are straight out of the garden and are a beautiful option if you are looking to send a unique bouquet that shies away from more traditional bouquets.

A Mixed Flower Bouquet

While stock flowers look gorgeous when they are the main attraction of the bouquet, they are also a beautiful option for a mixed-flower bouquet. Because they are both tall, and boast bountiful blooms, they add an exciting depth to bouquets to bring attention to the flowers surrounding them. This eye-catching bouquet mixes lavender stock, lavender roses and pink stock to produce an arrangement that looks like it is straight out of an english garden.

Next time you are looking for a unique and elegant bouquet of flowers, consider the stock flower, its fragrance and beauty will not disappoint!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Florist Jessica Categories: Easter, Holidays, Mother's Day, Occasions, Saying Thank You

Say “Thank You” With Flowers

February 2, 2009

There are many ways to say thank you; merci, danke, takk, arigato, teşekkür, and спасибо are just a few. There’s also an international language to express gratitude and appreciation, and that is to show it with the gift of flowers. But which flowers?

Campanula, or little bells – also called bellflower – has large blue or white bell-shaped flowers, and signifies thankfulness when given as a gift. You could give it as a gift of friendship, or appreciation of a kindness done.

For a large kindness, consider the Japan rose, camellia japonica, of which there are over 3000 varieties, some of which grow to about 20 feet tall. The flowers produced measure up to 5 inches across with yellow centers and rounded overlapping petals, resembling a rose.

A little smaller and more manageable is the sweet pea, always a favorite, with its sweet fragrance and many vivid colors to suit the occasion, or the personality of the person to whom you’re giving them: rose, red, maroon, pink, white, yellow, purple or blue. Some varieties boast two colors, in streaks or flakes. The blooms are long-lasting when cut, to keep reminding the recipient of your gratitude.

If you can find them, cut hydrangeas carry the message “thank you for your understanding” and a bowl of cut hydrangeas, with their large, round blooms is a colorful centerpiece for many situations.

The beauty of giving flowers as a thank you gift is the huge range of variety available. You can go big and bold, or compact and pastel, and who wouldn’t appreciate your thoughtful gesture?

Comments: 0 Posted by: Previous Author Categories: Any Time, Occasions, Saying Thank You