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Bright Hues Cure Winter Blues

Beat The Winter Blues With Colorful Flowers!

Lack energy? Feeling unmotivated? Sounds like you have a case of the Winter Blues! The winter blues tends to get everyone this time of year. With the short, gray days, frigid cold weather, and lack of flowers outside, it’s easy to fall into a slump.

But wait, there’s a cure!

The best and only way to remedy the winter blues is with bright hues! Don’t believe me? Check out this quote from one of our favorite 2010 articles, Our Get Well Flowers Have Healing Powers:

What exactly is this flower energy?

Light is a nutrient to living things, just like food. Our bodies need light (the sunshine vitamin), just like plants need sunshine to grow. Well, we all know light is energy, but did you know color is light? That’s right! Color is simply light vibrating at different frequencies. So, if light is energy, and color is light, than that means color = energy!

There is growing evidence that humans respond, both physiologically, mentally and emotionally to different colors. Simply seeing these different colors can be therapeutic, also known as chromotherapy.

As you can see, color really can help, especially against the winter blues. And what’s the best way to add some color to your routine? Why, flowers of course!! Have a big bouquet of beautifully colored blooms delivered to your home, office or anywhere you are going to be spending most of your time.

Flower Shop Network is an advocate of all local florists. If you order flowers to beat the winter blues, always always always order from a real local florist!! If you don’t know your local florist, use our handy florist finder to find yours today!

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Help! What Is This Slime On My Peace Lily?

Ask The Plant Expert:

Hi, I recently read a response of yours to a comment on a blog regarding the sticky white substance, and I have the same problem with mine. I’d been away over xmas and with no one around to water the plant. All the leaves have wilted over the edge of the pot and there’s this residue. I’m currently watering it regularly to try and save it, but I don’t know what to do about this white stuff. I’ve attached a photo for you to see. -Mathew

White Residue on Peace Lily

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:

What you have is plasmodial slime mold. It isn’t harmful to you or your plant. You can just let it be unless it starts to take over then you can get a fungicide from your local garden center.

To keep this mold from occurring, be sure to keep a good watering and care-taking routine for your plant. Check out this article on How To Care For A Peace Lily Plant for more information on Peace Lily Care.

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Winter Networker 2012 Is Out!

Flower Shop Network Winter Networker

Watch your mailboxes! Flower Shop Network’s Networker for winter 2012 just mailed out! The Networker is chocked full of great ideas for florists to use, including: Marketing in 2012, Florist Photography Tips, Stay in the Spotlight, and much, much more!

Can’t wait!? Here’s a sneak peak of the Winter Networker 2012.

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

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

Get A Jumpstart on Romance This Valentines Day!

Jumpstart This Year's Tuesday Valentines Day

Valentines Day this year (2012) is on a Tuesday! I know what you’re thinking, “Tuesday? How can I be romantic on a Tuesday??” With our busy schedules, trying to find time on a Tuesday to breath, much less be romantic, is hard enough. However, with just a little thought and planning, you can have the most romantic Tuesday Valentines ever!

This is where your local florist comes in handy! Not only do they deliver the most beautiful and creatively designed flowers, but in addition, most florists offer uniquely personal gifts.

Getting a Jumpstart on Valentines Day

  • Plan to stop by your local flower shop early to pick out gifts/personalized arrangement. Talk to your florist about your sweetie: her favorite colors, flowers, style, etc. Sometimes it really is the thought that counts! A flower shop will have lots of gifts to add, in addition to sending Valentines Day flowers.
  • Schedule a Monday or Valentines Day (Tuesday) delivery. Surprise her on Monday or have them delivered on Tuesday, either way she’ll be thinking of you all week, every time she peeks up at her beautiful blooms. [Read more…]

Spring Flower Shows & Conventions

Have you started planning your schedule for the 2012 flower shows and florist conventions?? It’s only January, but the list of great shows this year is filling up! If you want to see the most incredible floral ART possible, learn edge-winning design techniques, have a whole lot of fun and fill up on inspiration, attending a floral convention is a MUST!

Take a look at these great upcoming shows!

JANUARY 2012 — Floral Conventions and Flower Shows

January 22, 2012: The Florida State Florists’ Association Design Summit will be held this year at Oscar G. Carlstedts Co. Wholesale, Pensacola, FL. Florists and guests are welcome to attend.

Flower Shop Network at the Texas State Florist Convention 2011FEBRUARY 2012 — Floral Conventions and Flower Shows

February 3 – 5, 2012: The Kentucky Florists’ Association 55th Annual Convention will be held at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Frankfort, KY. Florists and guests are welcome to attend.

February 8 – 12, 2012: The Northwest Flower & Garden Show will be held at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, WA. Florists and guests are welcome to attend.

February 9 – 12, 2012: The Maymont Flower & Garden Show will be held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, VA. Florists and guests are welcome to attend.

February 23 – 26, 2012: The Road Island Spring Flower & Garden Show will be held at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, RI. Florists and guests are welcome to attend.

MARCH 2012 — Floral Conventions and Flower Shows

March 2 – 4, 2012: The Arkansas Flower & Garden Show will be held at the Verizon Arena in North Little Rock, AR. Florists who are members as well as non-member florists are welcome to attend.

March 2 – 4, 2012: The 2012 Great Lakes Expo will be held at the DeVos Center in Grand Rapids, MI. Florists and other industry professionals are welcome to attend.

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Buying & Sending Flowers For All Types of Customers

Sending Flowers: What Type Of Customer Are You?

When ordering flowers, it’s often for a special occasion or well wishing. For romance, birthdays, get well soons and even condolences, flowers are always intended to lifting the spirits of the recipient.

Sending Flowers? What Type of Customer Are You?

  • Customer On-A-Mission

You know exactly what you want and won’t stop until you’ve got it. Perhaps the person you are sending flowers to has a favorite flower that must be used. Maybe you have a specific centerpiece idea in mind and you must have it. Whether you are shopping in store, online or on the phone, make sure to ask about the specific items your arrangement must include.

A florist keeps a good amount of flowers in their cooler at all times. However, they can’t possibly have them all. When ordering flowers from pictures, such as on a florist’s website, sometimes substitutions will be made if the florist doesn’t have a particular flower. Same goes for vase style, ribbon, etc.

How To Get Exactly What You Want:

Call! To make sure the specific flowers/vase/etc you want get used in your arrangement, call and ask if they have them in stock. If they don’t have them in stock, the florist will explain what will be used to substitute, or how long it will take to get your full request in stock. If you are ordering specific flowers for an event, this is why it’s best to order in advance.

 

  • The General-Idea Customer

You have an idea of what you want, but haven’t quite put your finger on it. You know you want flowers, you know what the occasion is, but you don’t know the first thing about floral design, so you’re just browsing. [Read more…]

January Newsletter: Welcome 2012

2012 is Here!

January Flower Arrangement

Favorite Flower Arrangement For January

Can you believe it’s 2012 already? Ring in the new year with Silver Bells — our featured arrangement for January! This beautiful arrangement features flowers in winter colors, accented with unique silver leaves and ornaments.

Everyone’s favorite Gerbera daisies are front and center, reminding us spring is on it’s way! Blue delphiniums really shine when paired with white and silver. Blue flowers are a rare treat, and delphiniums are one of the few naturally blue flowers. Another rare treat featured in this January arrangement, are the uncommon star of Bethlehem flowers. Altogether, Silver Bells shares winter bliss with everyone!



Best Floral Design Trends of 2011

Best of the Best – Trends Edition!

Wow has it been a great year! So many incredible floral design trends — some new, some tried and true. We publish articles daily here at FSN, but today we are looking back through 2011 to find the best of the best in floral design trend posts. Want to see the latest and greatest floral design trends, don’t miss this article!

See the Best of the Best…

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Year Of The Dragon: Welcome 2012

2012 Year of the Dragon

The Chinese New Year is the most celebrated event in Chinese culture. This Year, Chinese New Year starts on January 23rd and lasts 15 days. The festivities end on the 15th day with the Lantern Festival, a celebration of light.

The Chinese calendar is lunar based, so this holiday is often called the Lunar New Year. Chinese New Year’s Eve is known as chú xī (除夕). It literally means “Year-pass Eve,” and is also a festive time just like the New Years Eve we have in the States. 2012 is the year of the dragon according to the Chinese Zodiac.

Chinese dragons are legendary creatures in Chinese mythology and folklore. In contrast to the ‘evil’ European dragons, Chinese dragons traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over water, rainfall, hurricane, and floods. The dragon is also a symbol of power, strength, and good luck. With this, the Emperor of China usually uses the dragon as a symbol of his imperial power.

 
Means Dragon.

Red is also very important to the Chinese New Year because of it’s legendary ability to fight off evil. If you’re throwing a Chinese New Year party, use lots of red decorations. Yellow and gold decorations are also used for this celebration because it symbolizes luck and prosperity. A beautiful and easy way to decorate for Chinese New Year is with flowers! Order a variety of unique flowers in bright red and yellow with gold ribbon.

For more party ideas, check out last year’s article filled with great ideas for your Chinese New Years Celebration!

"Cascading Splendor" Fall Flowers

Cascading Splendor, the arrangement above, is our favorite flower arrangement for Chinese New Years, but your local florist will have tons of great ideas for any size occasion. [Read more…]

Florals End Quarrels!

Florals End Quarrels

In the dog house? With the stress of recent holidays and the new year, it’s understandable many loving couples are finding themselves quarreling during this time. It’s perfectly normal for couples to have disagreements, and sometimes making up can be worth the whole conflict.

Before things get too heated, step back from the situation and ask yourself, “Is all this arguing worth it?” More than likely, it’s not. When we stay mad, it affects our mind, body and more. Being angry makes it hard to stay focused and be productive.

Instead of staying mad at each other, take the higher road and apologize or come to a compromise. Show her she is more important to you than any squabble. Do something extra special and out of the ordinary for her, like sending flowers. Not only will she not be expecting it, flowers show her she means more to you than anything you could ever quarrel about. [Read more…]

Top 5 Houseplants For Fido (Safe For Pets)

House Plants Safe For Pets

When it comes to our pets, like kids, we are very protective. You might have given up growing green plants in your home just to keep them safe. However, you don’t have to abandon all house plants! These 5 house plants are great and safe for Fido!

African Violets Safe For Pets5. The African Violet

African violets (Saintpaulia) are well-known, colorfully blooming plants found in many gardens, or kept as houseplants. With an array of colors including violet, blue, red, white, pink, cream, soft yellow, and bi- or multicolored flowers, it’s easy to see why. Care of African violets is relatively easy and requires an environment of bright to moderate, but consistent light in an evenly moist and humid atmosphere. The African Violet is also safe for cats and dogs!

 

Christmas Cactus - Safe for pets and children.4. Christmas Cactus

Schlumbergera bridgesii or Christmas Cactus is a cactus from the coastal mountains of south-eastern Brazil. Plants grow on trees or rocks in habitats which are generally shady with high humidity and can be quite different in appearance from their desert-dwelling cousins. This flower is usually available in white, pink, yellow, orange, red or purple. This blooming plant is perfect for houses with cats and dogs!

 

Bird Nest Fern3. Birds Nest Fern

Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus) plants are tropical plants native to Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. Very slow-growing, Asplenium nidus plants are excellent for seasoned houseplant growers. Care for Asplenium nidus plants, sometimes known as spleenwort, requires attention to watering and propagation, but does not require as much attention to fertilization and light as many other houseplants. Bird’s Nest Fern plants, though care is not for the faint of heart, make beautiful additions to homes, rock gardens, and patios, in addition to being safe for your pets.

 

Parlor Palm Photo - Safe for children and pets2. Parlor Palm

Parlor Palm (Chamaedora elegans) is a very popular houseplant with rich green, slightly arched and slender leaves. Parlor Palm plants are often passed from generation to generation as they are very slow-growing and live actively for many years. This pet-friendly house plant ranges from a few inches to three feet, making Parlor Palm plants ideal for tabletop decorations, terrariums, and other small spaces inside a house. Care for Parlor Palm plants is moderately easy; they require an evenly moist environment with moderate humidity.


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