Seasonal Flowers

Flowers: The Perfect Gift for Any Occasion

July 16, 2014 by Ed Belly 4 Comments

It’s your mom’s birthday!

The next door neighbor just had a baby!

You’re invited to a backyard barbecue!

These or any number of other life events, celebrations or parties happen everyday. And what do they have in common? What one thread wends through them all? The need to bring a gift, of course! When just showing up isn’t an option, what do you do?

Flowers Always Fit the Bill

There’s no need to wrack your brain to think of the perfect gift when flowers always fit the bill. What makes them perfect for any situation?

Flowers are:

Always in style
Infinitely customizable
Used for home decoration
Worn for personal decoration
The perfect thing to brighten someone’s day

There’s a reason flowers are traditionally used at weddings, on first dates, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, beside hospital beds and at funerals. These gorgeous gifts of nature provide amazing decoration that can’t be matched. They symbolize new love, deep passion and even embody sizzling romance when the occasion calls for it. Flowers can offer comfort and support in a time of emotional distress and provide a ray of sunshine on an otherwise dreary day. In fact, there’s little flowers can’t do!

Support Your Local Florist

And that includes help out the local economy! Every time you walk into your local florist shop to buy that next floral masterpiece, you’re not only getting a beautiful piece of local art, you’re supporting a local business. And the best part? The flowers you get from that local shop are sure to be fresh cut and hand-arranged, and you will have the opportunity to get that arrangement customized to fit your specific need!

So when you find yourself searching for the perfect gift, remember your local florist and the beauty they offer. And it doesn’t matter why you need the gift. Flowers are perfect for any occasion!

Filed Under: Seasonal Flowers Tagged With: Birthday Gift Ideas, Gift Ideas, Gift of Flowers, Gifts For Men, Grandparents Day Gifts, Summer Flowers

15 Hot Summer Flowers

June 5, 2014 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

Summer begins Saturday June 21st. If you enjoy having seasonal blooms on your table or in your home, check out this list of some of the most popular summer flowers available June through August. Your florist may not have all of these on-hand every day, but they should be available if you give her a couple days notice.

Sensational Summer Flowers

Begonia – These are beautiful flowers that come in large variety of colors. They are native to tropical climates, but can be grown in colder regions of the world during the summer months. This flower traditionally means, beware or be cautious. Sound advice if you are planning on giving these flowers as a gift to your significant other.
Chrysanthemum – These flowers have a long and storied history dating back to before the 15th Century BCE. So if you’re looking for blooms with a little gravitas, these are the flowers for you. They traditionally mean joy or optimism.
Orchid – These delicate blooms represent love, luxury, beauty and strength. They have long been coveted flowers because of their fragile beauty and long lives.
Gardenia – The perfect choice for the secret admirer or the smitten would-be lover. This flower traditionally means secret love and is a wonderful way to let someone know you’re thinking of them.
Gerbera – A popular choice, this flower means innocence, purity and cheerfulness. For more information about the Gerbera, check out our March Flower Spotlight!
Hyacinth – A wonderful flower for professing your devotion, the hyacinth traditionally means constancy. Its name comes from an unsurprisingly tragic tale from Greek Mythology, but then what Greek Myth doesn’t end in tragedy?
Hydrangea – These make a wonderful gift to give after you’ve had a sincere apology accepted. The traditional meaning of hydrangea is heartfelt emotion and gratitude for being understood.
Iris – The iris is another flower whose name hails from the Greeks. It stands for faith, hope, wisdom, courage and admiration.
Lily – The lily may be a flower that has grown alongside mankind as long as there has been a thing such as mankind. As such, it has many different meanings depending on the culture you’re coming from. For detailed information on the lily, check out our April Flower Spotlight!
Lilac – Oh, those flower loving Greeks, they named another one! It should come as no surprise that so many summer flowers have names that come from the Greek isles. After all, the Mediterranean climate is sort of … summery. The lilac is perfect as a gift from a student to a teacher or from you to your child as the flower traditionally means youthful innocence.
Magnolia – The magnolia tree is a common site throughout most of the South during the summer. It is a gorgeous white blossom that means splendid beauty and dignity and is perfect for that singular love of your life.
Marigold – The marigold is a gorgeous flower that comes in bright, vibrant oranges and reds. It should then come as no surprise that it traditionally means passion and creativity. This makes it the perfect gift for that relationship in the heat of its life.
Peony – The peony is lovely flower that means good fortune and a happy marriage. It is generally considered synonymous with the 12th wedding anniversary. For more information on peonies, check out the May Flower Spotlight!
Poppy – The poppy has a gorgeous bloom and means beauty, magic, consolation, fertility and eternal life. It makes a good gift for many different situations, and its versatility makes it popular.
Rose – I’m sure you’re more than familiar with this extremely popular flower, but it is a summer flower and it’s popularity makes it impossible to leave off this list. Roses have many different meanings based on their color, but the most commonly known is red which means romantic love. For more information on roses, check out our February Flower Spotlight.

Summer is definitely the season for flowers, and as always, the best place to get those flowers is from your local florist. Don’t neglect yourself this warm summer season, buy some flowers for you or a loved one and enjoy the best that nature has to offer!

Filed Under: Seasonal Flowers Tagged With: Begonias, Chrysanthemum, Gardenia, Gerbera, Hyacinth, Hydrangeas, Iris, Lilac, Magnolia, Marigold, Orchids, Peony, Poppy, Rose, Summer Flowers

Fall Back With Flowers!

October 30, 2013 by Juli Jackson Leave a Comment

Just a reminder to turn those clocks back this Sunday.

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

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

Brighten your fall afternoons with flowers!

Here’s why:

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

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

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

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

5 Floral Gift Ideas for 5 Different Boss Types

October 7, 2013 by Ed Belly 1 Comment

Boss’s Day has really gained traction in recent years. If there was ever a time when this holiday could be ignored or set aside in favor of more important things, that time is long passed. So if you have a boss, and let’s be honest most of us have a boss, here are a few floral gift ideas to make your boss’s Boss’s Day a roaring success!

The Sports Fan

If you’ve ever seen your boss sporting their favorite football team’s mascot on his tie, he may be a sports fan. Your local florist is more than aware of any local or regional sports teams and probably carries a plethora of items they could use to put together a wonderful sports-themed arrangement. If nothing else, an arrangement using flowers in your boss’s favorite team’s colors can provide that “Wow” factor! If your boss loves golf, a sport where there are no teams, or is a fan of a team across the country, do not fret! Your local florist will have what they need to put together something impressive!

The Workaholic

Does your boss spend long hours at the office? Is she there when you arrive and there when you leave? Then she may be a workaholic. The best gift for these dedicated employers is a potted plant! The plant will inject some much-needed nature into their world while offering fresh oxygen that hasn’t been run through the building’s filters and HVAC unit. A plant is also very low maintenance. It will be a benefit without distracting this hard worker from her daily duties.

The Free Spirit [Read more…]

Filed Under: Gift Ideas, Holiday Info, Seasonal Flowers, Seasonal Ideas Tagged With: Boss's Day Gift Ideas, Candy Gift Basket, Gift Baskets, Holiday Flowers, Houseplants, National Bosses Day, Seasonal Flowers

Feeling Romantic? Send Your Sweetie a Rustic-Rose Fall Arrangement!

September 24, 2013 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

Spring isn’t the only season for romance. Fall is the perfect time to show your sweetie how much you care. The weather’s turning cold — time for cuddling under blankets and sipping hot cocoa. Start the mood off right by bringing home a bunch of rustic roses!

Roses are the traditional gift of romance and can make any occasion seem much more special. Starting your night of cuddling, cocoa and movies off with roses creates the perfect mood for romance. Sometimes the simplest nights are our favorite times spent with others.

For days to come your sweetheart can enjoy this beautiful token of love and be reminded of a special evening the two of you shared together. Roses are a great flower to press and create a keepsake for everlasting memories.

This fall, create a little romance with rustic fall roses. Whether it’s a bouquet bunch or a professionally designed arrangement, flowers make any occasion a special occasion.

Remember, always always always go to your local florists for flowers. You’ll get quality, long-lasting flowers and help your community all at the same time! Your florist will also be able to choose the most fitting selection of flowers for your occasion and budget.

Filed Under: Gift Ideas, Seasonal Flowers, Seasonal Ideas Tagged With: Fall Color, Fall Flowers, Giving Flowers, Romance, Rose

Showers Bring May Flowers, But If Not, Give Your Florist A Call

April 8, 2013 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

It’s impossible not to love the feeling of spring. That first day when you are able to go outside without a jacket is always wonderful. When you can enjoy the night air without your teeth chattering, you know your heart feels light and free. It’s simply human nature to bask in this glorious season.

There is a part of spring that makes it somewhat difficult, however, and that is all the rain. They say April’s showers bring May flowers, and that is definitely true. The spring saturation enables summer flowers to grow with gusto. There are many spring flowers that don’t mind the showers: daffodils, hyacinths, tulips and irises. These perk their colorful heads up as soon as they feel the slightest amount of warmth.

Enjoy Spring Flowers Inside (Without the Rain)

Spring rain might stop you from enjoying spring flowers outside, but there is still a way to enjoy the colors of spring indoors. Simply contact your local florist and order yourself a bundle of spring! You can order something from their large selection of spring designs, or ask them to create something special just for you using their freshest spring flowers. Either way, flowers are the best way to enjoy this wonderful season.

Filed Under: Seasonal Flowers Tagged With: Ordering Flowers, Spring Flowers

First Day of Spring – Celebrate Spring Equinox

March 18, 2013 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

Ah, spring! This season brings more sunshine, warming temperatures, and the rebirth of flowers everywhere.

Warsaw Equinox Festival Photo The first day of spring is also the Vernal equinox. The word equinox is derived from the Latin words meaning “equal night.” Days and nights are both approximately 12 hours long, with daytime increasing afterwards. Spring is heralded by the blooming of deciduous magnolias, quince, tulips and daffodils. Life everyone seems to ‘spring forth’.

The celebration of spring takes place in all corners of the world — from India’s Holi color festival, to the hot air balloon festival at the Pyramid of the Sun in Mexico, people everywhere celebrate this ancient solar holiday.

What do many of these celebrations have in common?

Spring Flowers – Flowers have been an steady constant in spring celebrations throughout time for people all across the globe. From the symbolic Easter lily that represents a person’s faith in western cultures, to gifts, offerings and blessings of flowers to gods and ancestors in many eastern cultures — flowers are an essential part of most spring celebrations.

Spring Cleaning – We do it every year to prepare for summer fun, and you know how great it makes you feel to clear out the junk that seems to pile up during the cold months. In many cultures, the spring clean is a crucial part of practicing their faith.

How can you celebrate spring?

Decorate your home – Use spring colors and lots of fresh flowers. Replace anything using dark, winter colors with a fresh new breath of spring.
Celebrate family heritage – Take some time to research how your ancestors might have celebrated the solar holiday. For instance, if you come from an ancient Celt background, you might light a bonfire to observe the ancient Gaelic spring festival of Imbolc, in honor your past.
Family reunion – That’s what they do in Japan for the vernal equinox, in addition to visiting family graves.
A day for Mom – Honor mom with springtime gifts, including flowers and plants. In many Arab countries, the period of the equinox is set aside to honor mothers. Yes, we have Mother’s Day for that, but why wait when you can double her joy?
Sunrise celebration – Throughout time, cultures all across the globe have celebrated during sunrise on the morning of the vernal equinox. Why not wake up a little early just to watch the sun rise, especially if the weather is warm enough?

There’s no right or wrong way to celebrate the beginning of spring. Find your own way to welcome the new and highly anticipated season. If you have any suggestions, please add them in the comments below!

Photo via National Geographic

Filed Under: Holiday Info, Seasonal Flowers Tagged With: Equinox, Fresh Flower Decorating, Spring Flowers

However Long The Winter, Spring Will Soon Follow

February 18, 2013 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. Those are re-assuring words to us all as we shiver through the last leg of winter. According to groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, earlier this month, spring will be arriving early. However, the weather doesn’t seem to be cooperating.

At any rate, spring is guaranteed to follow the cold of winter. You might have already noticed a few yellow heads of daffodils perking up early already. Why not spring into spring early with spring flowers?

The winter blues can really get you down; bounce back early by ordering spring flowers for yourself and your family. Sure, it may sound a little cheesy, but it works!

Click on any of the above pictures of flowers to see our spring flower collection and be connected with a real local florist in your area. You can also use our handy local florist finder to find a genuine local flower shop in your city.

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

Let Flowers Symbolize Your New Year Resolutions

December 31, 2012 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

With a brand new year on the horizon, we’ve all started thinking about what we can do to make it better than the previous. We all have good intentions when creating New Years’ resolutions, however, most of us never follow through. Why? We tend to make a lot of promises to ourselves we can’t keep — Loose 20 lbs; stop smoking; read a book every month. While these are great goals to have, it can be extremely overwhelming to start these all at once on January 1st.

How To Keep Those New Year’s Resolutions

Choose New Year’s resolutions that aren’t as hard to keep. Instead, make goals to yourself that are broad, fit into your routine and are also fun to do! Instead of focusing on drastically changing your habits, choose resolutions to enhance those aspects of your lifestyle.

Let Flowers Symbolize Your New Year

Each flower has a meaning that dates back as far as Victorian times. These meanings symbolize anything from ‘love’ to ‘wealth & prosperity.’ This New Years, let flowers symbolize what you want 2013 to mean to you. Symbolic flowers with specific meanings will help you visualize and empower your goals. Order flowers for yourself or to decorate your home for the new year, make it a new tradition. Use the flower meanings tool to find symbols of exactly what you want your new year to be for you and your family.

Best New Year’s Resolutions To Keep

Spend more time with family. (Aster, Lily, Statice)
Go to lunch with friends more often. (Aster, Peony)
Enjoy life more. (Gerbera Daisy, Peony, Statice)
Find time to read more. (Iris, Protea, Heather)
Learn something new. (Iris, Protea)
Join a gym class you’ll actually enjoy. (yoga, dancing?) (Gerbera Daisy, Protea)
Save money. (Iris, Heather, Bells of Ireland)
Find ways to recycle more. (Iris, Aster, Protea)
Cut back on smoking. Find ways to commit to the quit. (Protea, Gerbera Daisy, Aster, Lily)
Devote more time to hobbies and fun. Especially with the family. (Aster, Peony, Statice)
Visit somewhere new. (Protea, Heather, Gerbera Daisy)
Give or volunteer to help those in need. (Aster, Protea, Heather)

Here are a few good flower meanings to get you started: [Read more…]

Filed Under: Flower Meanings, Holiday Info, Seasonal Flowers, Seasonal Ideas Tagged With: Flower Meanings, New Years, New Years Flowers

Tips For Keeping Christmas Flowers Fresher, Longer!

December 24, 2012 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

Keeping Christmas Flowers Fresh

So, you’ve got your beautiful holiday centerpiece, maybe a gorgeous Christmas flower arrangement or a lovely red poinsettia, but now what? With a little extra care, you can keep your holiday flowers all the way to New Years!

For Christmas Arrangements & Centerpieces

Keep flowers watered. The water level of your arrangement needs to be high enough to cover all stems. If your flowers came in a tray with foam, keep the water topped off.
It’s important to add fresh water every day.
Carefully remove any wilted or dead leaves from the arrangement. Make sure there is no foliage dipping down into the water.
It’s time to change the water if it gets cloudy!
When changing water, re-cut stems with a sharp knife at a 45° angle before adding new flowers. This will help them absorb more nutrients.
If your florist provided you with floral preservative, use according to directions when changing your flower arrangement’s water.

Caring For Your Poinsettia

Keeping the soil moist, but not soggy, is essential when caring for poinsettias. This can be accomplished by watering it thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch. Make sure the container has drain holes. It is imperative to remove any excess water from the saucer.

Poinsettias do best in high humidity with a temperature range of 60 degrees at night and 72 degrees during the day. Avoid exposing poinsettias to temperature swings from cold drafts, heating vents or doorways. Poinsettias need approximately six hours of indirect light. Do not fertilize when the plant is blooming. – From 2007’s Legend of the Poinsettia

What Causes Poinsettia Problems

Temperature swings
Over-watering
Under-watering
Over exposure and lack of light will cause stress to the poinsettia.
Stress of any type will cause the bracts to have a shorter life.

Poinsettia care if done properly will keep your plant healthy for a long time.

By following these tips, you can keep your holiday flowers lasting well into the New Year!

Filed Under: Holiday Info, Seasonal Flowers, Seasonal Ideas Tagged With: Christmas Flowers, Flower Care Tips, Poinsettia Care