Bloomin' Blog

Florist Friday Recap 9/15 – 9/21: Autumn Allure

September 21, 2012 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

It is, of course, our readers favorite day of the week – Friday! The day when we showcase all of the incredible designs our florist friends have shared with us on Facebook this week. Although tomorrow (Sept 22) is the official first day of fall, florists have had a jump on it for a few weeks now! So let’s get on to the pictures and enjoy the allure of autumn colors.

Fall Flower Arrangements

Early fall flower arrangement by Trigs Floral & Home in Minocqua, WI

“Feeling fallish…?”

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Fall flowers by Monday Morning Flowers, Princeton NJ

“Folks have started asking for fall flowers. So much fun!”

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[Read more…]

Filed Under: Floral Design, Florists Only, Seasonal Flowers Tagged With: Facebook Friday, Fall Color, Fall Flowers

How To Care For A Crinum Lily in Germany

September 20, 2012 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

Ask the Expert: What sort of crinum is it on the photograph?

I found in 2008 in Daytona, FL a seed in the shape of a potato under plants with long sword-shaped leafs and flowers like the photograph shows. Put into earth, a plant grew for now 2 years without showing blossoms. A specialist of the Tuebingen University told me, it should be some sort of crinum. Can you give me the name of it and hints how to care it, so it will bloom? We live in Germany and have winters with frost onto – 20°C.
So it must be kept in the house during winter – but where there? Thank you for answering – Joerg Ekert in Kusterdingen, Germany

Crinum augustum (commonly known as Queen Emma crinum)

Your Hometown Florist = Your Lifetime Florist

September 19, 2012 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

“I have used Sharen’s Florist for over 20 years and have not been disappointed once!” – Michele, FL

A family florist, one who knows you, your family, and your style, takes years of working together to establish. Moving away from your hometown doesn’t mean you have to get a new florist. In fact, your florist is now your new best friend. They’re your tried-and-true gift and delivery service to your family members back home. When you can’t be there in person, your florist can deliver the perfect gift for the occasion: birthdays, anniversaries, thank yous, just because and anything else!

Sharen’s Flowers & Gifts in Treasure Island FL is an excellent example of a florist who keeps up their relationship with those who’ve moved away. They are known for their well-designed, long-lasting arrangements. Once a person uses Sharen’s, they’re hooked for life.

“We’ve been ordering flowers from Sharen’s for 25+ years, including our wedding. We no longer live in St Pete, but continue to use Sharen’s now for Mothers Day delivery and other occasions for family in St Pete. They are a small shop, and the arrangements are always fresh, beautiful and priced right. Highly recommended.” – Michael of WA reviews

Remember, many flower shops carry and can deliver more than just flowers, such as: houseplants, gift baskets, jewelry, chocolate, and more. It’s your one-stop-shop for gifts to your family back home!

Spa Day Gift Basket

“I purchased a basket of treats for my dad for Father’s Day. I live in Alberta, and he lives in Florida, so sometimes it’s hard to send things. Plus, what do you get the man who has everything? He really enjoyed the basket of goodies.” – Jessica from Canada reviews Sharen’s Flowers

Put your hometown florist on speed dial, you’ll be needing them when the next birthday comes around!
(Video: Importance of Local Florists)

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Florida Florists, Local Florists, Local Flower Shops, Sending Flowers

The Colors of Fall – Trends for 2012

September 18, 2012 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

Possibly the most beautiful season of all, the colors of autumn are something we look forward to all year. The rustic reds, dusty oranges, and saffron yellows tantalize our senses like no other hues. However, it’s often the POP of accent color that takes everyone by surprise.

Last year, a washed-denim blue was a popular favorite. It was everywhere you would see fall color — wedding flowers, fashion trends, and especially home decor. This fall, blue is back but in even more colors and shades. You will also see a lot of unexpected colors, such as: lime greens, purples, magentas and other jewel tones.

2012 Fall Flower Color Trends

Let’s take a look at a few fashion-inspired color palettes you can use for your fall flowers and decorating.
(4Florists: Create and promote designs using these trendy colors and you’ll do more than turn a few heads this fall!)

Early Fall - Fall color trends

Early Fall

The colors of early fall give re-energize us and get us excited for the season to come. In the color palette above, you see an abundance of bright greens and yellows, just like the first stages of the changing leaves. Pops of rusty brown and burgundy really make this color scheme a big trend for the season.

3 Hints from Heloise For Sending Flowers

September 17, 2012 by Mandy Maxwell 1 Comment

Recently reading through the always-helpful Hints from Heloise advice column in my local newspaper, I saw where a florist had expressed a few frustrations that can easily be fixed.

She explains that sometimes people are in a hurry and do not fill out all of their information when sending flowers. Not only is this time consuming to the florist who has to look everything up, but think of how your friend will feel getting flowers with their name spelled wrong.

Here are a few tips to make sure you are sending flowers that will make your friends smile, not scratch their head and wonder who sent them.

1. Make sure the recipient’s name is spelled correctly. A florist must write the name exactly as you give it. Double-check to make sure you’ve got the correct spelling, even if it’s a nickname.
2. Use both first and last name. “Many families know more than one ‘Jim or Mary.'” It’s important to specify who you are. Unless your name is Cher, use more than just a first name.
3. Give your correct address for thank you cards, as well as for the florist’s records.

A few other flower-sending suggestions from us: [Read more…]

Filed Under: Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Flower Sending Tip, Sending Flowers

Is Tropical Hibiscus Hardy in Upstate New York?

September 15, 2012 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

Ask The Plant Expert:

I received a hibiscus tree for a gift. I live in upstate New York. I know that some will tolerate the cold, but this one had no label on it, so now I am wondering if there is a way to tell if it will make it through a winter. Does anyone know how to yell if it is cold hardy? Thank you Mike

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Plant Care Questions Tagged With: Hibiscus, Winter Damage Questions

Florist Friday Recap 9/10 – 9/14: Fall Descent

September 14, 2012 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

It’s Friday! The day of the week we post all of the fabulous pictures florists have shared with us on our Facebook Page. This week, we’ve really started to see fall flower designs showing up in full force! The reds, the oranges, the yellows – it’s time for the descent into fall. So let’s get on with what you’re waiting for – the pictures!

Everyday Flower Designs

Fall flower design by Lady Bug Studio in Olds, Alberta CA

“It’s harvest time in Alberta!”

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Anthurium flower design by Inspirations Studio in Lock Haven, PA

“We were “inspired” by these anthurium :)”

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Fall design by Back to the Fuchsia Florist, Saugatuck MI

“A “fallish” piece with the coming of autumn…”

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Floral Design Tagged With: Facebook Friday, Fall Flowers, Flower Pictures

Central Allied Florists of Mississippi’s Christmas Conference 2012

September 13, 2012 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

Amy at the entrance of the Mississippi Christmas Show

FSN’s Amy at the entrance of the CAF Mississippi Christmas Show

Flower Shop Network was in Jackson Mississippi this past weekend for an inspiring Christmas show by the Central Allied Florist Association. Attendees were treated to hands-on workshops and design shows, as well as a Christmas-themed vendor showcase.

Frank from Southern Oaks Florist in Hattiesburg MS

FSN’s Shelly with Frank Cade from Southern Oaks Florist in Hattiesburg MS

One of our favorite aspects of going to these conferences is meeting florists in our network face-to-face. In the photo above, you see Frank Cade from Southern Oaks Florist in Hattiesburg MS.

FSN at the 2012 Alabama State Florist Association Convention

September 12, 2012 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

The Wizard of ASFA

Off to see the wizard… the wonderful wizard of ASFA!

Our team had the fabulous opportunity to attend the Alabama State Florist Association‘s 2012 Annual Convention this past weekend in Montgomery. How fun is a Wizard of Oz themed event, especially for florists? Just imagine all you can do with ruby slippers, Emerald City and yellow brick road inspiration!

Flower Shop Network was off to see the Wizard with our very interesting booth arrangement for this show.

FSN Booth at the Alabama Florist Association Convention

Can you see our Mr. Wizards?

Hey! What’s THAT Flower?

September 11, 2012 by Mandy Maxwell 2 Comments

We’ve all gotten flowers before and tried our best to guess what kind of flowers they are. Roses, lilies, carnations… those are the easy ones. What about the more-rare flowers that florists use? Have you ever received an arrangement with a unique flower that made you call your florist just to ask “Hey! What was THAT flower?”

We polled our florists on Facebook and they told us which flowers gets the MOST curious attention from their customers..

Pincushion Protea – This unique flower always has heads turning. “What flower is that?” Pincushions are native to Zimbabwe and South Africa. They grow naturally in sparse forests and mountain slopes. They are available year-round in colors of red, red-orange, orange and yellow. More about Pincushions

Green Trick Dianthus – You might be surprised, this is a cousin of the common carnation we all know so well. These super long-lasting, furry flowers that add interesting texture and form to any floral arrangement. So far, these are only available in shades of green to blueish-green. (Unless you florists know otherwise, let me know in the comments below!) Green Tick & Other Green Flowers [Read more…]

Filed Under: Floral Design, Flower Identification Tagged With: Craspedia, Dianthus, Flower Identification, kangaroo paw, Lisianthus, Pincushion

Fall Flower Arrangements

2012 Fall Flower Color Trends

Everyday Flower Designs

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