Bloomin' Blog

Now’s The Time To Pick Up A Heartleaf Philodendron Plant

September 8, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

One of the few things that I remember most about my grandmother, though still alive, is that she loves houseplants. Her favorite is one that reminds me of the Heartleaf Philodendron plant, though the name of the other escapes me.

Heartleaf Philodendron Houseplant

Grammie’s favorite plant is very similar to heartleaf philodendron plants (Philodendron scandens oxycardium). Both have distinctly shaped leaves, are easy to care for, and are a beautiful shade of light green. Both make her smile when she receives one as a surprise gift from one of her family members. Both lighten the atmosphere in her dark house, made so by the architecture.

Grammie is a fun woman to be around. She always has a story of something that happened as far from my birth as today is only that many decades before it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat her dining room table while she sat in her personal chair and regaled her grandkids (my brother, sister, myself) with stories from her vague memories of the Great Depression, picking cotton as a young woman, marrying a sailor during the second World War, raising three kids and carrying for a physically disabled but mentally functional husband, and then raising her grandchild as her son when he was born just after my mother.

She’s a very strong woman and something about her makes me want to give back but I don’t usually know how. I’ve tried a lot of different gifts and she loves them all because she adores the giver (*smile*) but her favorites by far are houseplants. They cheer up her dreary days and give her something to tend that will occupy her mind. After 70 years of caring for other people, now she has only herself and her houseplants. It’s not as depressing as it sounds. She deserves the break and keeping her hands busy is what she prefers.

My gram is something of a trooper. I know that this year she’ll be getting a brand new houseplant from me as we transplant the bigger ones to her garden or give them to a neighbor. I couldn’t help but think of her and smile when I saw the heartleaf philodendron plant in the houseplant gallery. I smiled and I hope she’ll smile too when she receives her fresh, green houseplant. No–I know she will.

5 Components of Victorian Floral Design

September 7, 2009 by Flower Shop Network 9 Comments

Victorian Style Flower Arrangement

History of Victorian Floral Design

The Victorian era was when arranging flowers was first recognized as an art form.

The Victorian era in American history marked a period of floral design we often see in elaborate, full designs. The Victorian era is named for Queen Victoria who rules England from 1837 to 1901. During this era, enthusiasm abounded for gardening, flowers and plants. The people were more strict, formal and prudish though decorations (including floral designs) were opulent, lavish and showy.

Upper-class members of society showed their wealth with large, excessive, opulent and often overdone flower arrangements created weekly by cultured ladies in the home and their daughters. This was also the time when tussie-mussie bouquets and nosegay bouquets made their mark in society. Lovers would exchange them as signs of affection. Proper women of Victorian society carried these bouquets at most social gatherings.

Elements & Principles of Victorian Floral Design

Style: Lavish, Full, Massive, Full of Seasonal Flowers, Opulent

Flowers Used: Primarily only MASS, FORM, and FILLER flowers are used. Fruits may also be incorporated with the flowers.

Seasonal flowers are appropriate for Victorian flower designs because during the era arrangements were typically made from flowers cut from the garden.

Roses are almost always required for a Victorian flower arrangement as they were very popular during the era. Other appropriate flowers are tulips, carnations, daisies, China asters, lilies, cockscomb, peonies, bleeding hearts, freesias, dahlias and baby’s breath.

Basic Design Characteristics of Victorian Style

Keep in mind that this style of flowers is very full and focuses on the opulence associated with an abundance of fresh flowers.Tightly massed flowers are characteristic of the style and time period.

Victorian style arrangements are typically round or oval in form. Flowers are typically kept to a lower height, only one to one-and-a-half times the container’s height.

Strong color contrasts and flowers with brilliant hues are preferred. Usually a full range of colors is used. However, monochromatic and analogous tones may also be used.

Lots of foliage is associated with Victorian style flower arrangements. They are used to soften the appearance of tightly massed flowers. Ferns and ivies are popular inclusions.

Containers Used in Victorian Flower Arrangements

Containers used in Victorian style flower arrangements are typically ornate and decorative. They should be showy but not outshine the flowers. A wide variety of containers can be used, ranging from China vases to baskets, urns, round bowls and other containers. Materials also vary. Two and three-tiered epergnes and stands are appropriate for this style.

If you have any comments or pictures of a Victorian style flower arrangement, please add them in the comments below.

: Table of Victorian Style Arrangements

: Tall Victorian Flower Arrangement

: Victorian Style Flower Arrangement

Filed Under: Floral Design Tagged With: Floral Design, Victorian Flower Arrangements, Victorian Style Floral Design

Pay It Forward Like This Mount Ida AR Florist

September 4, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

One person helping another. That person helping someone else. So on, so forth. That’s the idea behind “paying it forward.”

The notion doesn’t cross my mind often enough so I was happy to hear that a florist just a few hours from me was inspired to do something wonderful and is keeping the rhythm going.

Jonetta of Mount Ida Floral in Mount Ida Arkansas is one of those too-sweet-to-dislike people who lights up the room she’s in. Her perpetual happiness is easy to love and any sadness in her is nearly unbearable for those that love to see her smile in the way that only she can. Her network coordinator at Flower Shop Network, Amy Hall, had that much and more to say about her as she gushed over “the sweet person I have ever spoken to.”

Apparently a hardship found its way to Jonetta’s flower shop. Unable to watch her struggle to find her smile, her flower wholesaler helped her by selling roses to them at very low rates. On top of that, the wholesaler gave two (2) cents of every rose sold to the Autism Foundation. The same flower wholesaler encouraged Jonetta to give back as well so she decided to give five (5) cents to her local library from every rose sold.

The caring “pay it forward” sentiment impressed Amy who quickly spread the news around Flower Shop Network. We all love hearing stories of charity, hope and giving. Jonetta’s made us smile and think. I hope it does the same for you.

What’s your “pay it forward” story?

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Florist Spotlights, Mount Ida AR Florists, Mount Ida Floral

What A Charming Gift Idea for Fall!

September 4, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

I mean this in the best of ways…

The “Charming For Fall” flower basket looks just like something my grandmother would love. For that matter, my mother would love it also. It’s the perfect fall flower arrangement for a dining room table, a mantlepiece, the coffee table, or anywhere else that flower baskets could be used for decoration. In my mother’s house, that’s the table at the end of the hall. It fills an empty space and is often overlooked. Not anymore!

"Charming For Fall" Flower Basket

Both women have an affinity for fall decorating. Flowers are their thing. They usually have immaculate gardens and displays of flowers that neighbors envy. This year is going to be a little bit different for both. My grandmother turned 82 in April. Still a pistol with her speech, her body is failing and she’s left in a motorized wheelchair. That means gardening the hilly land around her house is out of the question.

My mom is a full time mom even though her children are 22, 23 and 26. She is also the full-time homemaker, a college professor during the day and is a medicare billing specialist at night.

I love these women with all of my heart. I couldn’t ask for more respectable, strong women in my life. I want to honor them with something special this month. A gift isn’t enough. They need a special gift with meaning and feeling. I looked at the “Charming For Fall” arrangement and knew instantly that it was the right gift for them. Though too busy and too frail to garden for themselves, they can still enjoy fall flowers and autumn decorations.

It’s important to me that they get the best. They always give it to me.

Which flower arrangement is your favorite? Tell us why and it may be next month’s featured flower arrangement!

Filed Under: Gift Ideas Tagged With: Autumn Flowers, Fall Decorations, Fall Flowers, Featured Flower Arrangement, Flower Suggestions, Gift Ideas

Did You See Us At The SRFA Convention?

September 3, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Network coordinators from Flower Shop Network recently attended the 2009 Southern Retail Florists Association Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. From the stories I’ve heard, it was a lot of fun! Here’s some of the stories Joe Hays and Leslie Cox brought back from the convention.

That’s One Dedicated Florist — It’s not everyday that you meet someone who drove hundreds of miles just to see you. It’s a very flattering sentiment which is why it stuck out in Joe’s mind when he was reliving how he met Jerry and Judy Eisenberg. Jerry and Judy own a flower shop in Gathersburg, Maryland called Floral Scentsations.

When Jerry and Judy heard that FSN would be at the SRFA convention, they decided that it was the perfect time to visit one of their children who lives near Charlotte and stop on the way just to say hi. That’s over 400 miles and 6 hours of driving just to be able to stop in and meet the people they’d been working with for over four years. They wanted to tell us in person that they’re dropping all of their other wire services and sticking with Flower Shop Network exclusively. Joe and Leslie were thrilled with the touching action and are very pleased to have been able to meet such a lovely couple.

Rosemary from Daniels Florist, a Raleigh North Carolina flower shop, also made a large trip just to see her Network Coordinator from Flower Shop Network. She stopped to take photos with Joe and Leslie, share stories, and encourage the people around her. Rumor has it that she is a dear, sweet lady and a huge pleasure to be around.

Take A Reading Break — Leslie also had the privilege of meeting a recent author, Rick Rivers of A Floral Boutique in Ormond Beach Florida, who was at the SRFA convention this year as well. His book, Blooming At The Top: 12 Strategies To Double Your Sales, is a smash hit. Thankfully he took a moment to stop and chat with Joe and Leslie and pause for a quick photo op. After more than 25 years in the floral industry, both successes and failures helped shape Rick’s creative tips for growing a flower shop. His insight was very appreciated.

50 Years Is Small Time — After more than 50 years in the floral industry, Eula Le Foskey of The Flower Shop in Homerville, Georgia decided that it was time to become a member of Flower Shop Network. Leslie was happy to oblige but was more interested in this sweet lady’s story. Eula Le has been a member of the SRFA for over 40 years. Only in my 20’s now, I can hardly imagine doing something for so long but Eula Le’s passion has never faded. She is still an endearing, inspirational, wonderful lady and we are happy to have her with us.

Training Day Is More Than A Movie — This was one of the few times that vendors were able to sit in on the convention’s sessions. The conference room held all of the conventions as well as the vendors so Joe and Leslie were able to learn some very interesting things. Among them was that “silk and artificials” is an out word. It’s passe. The new phrase for turning silk flowers into something profitable is “permanent botanicals“. Means the same thing but says it with a lot more punch. Interesting.

Also, Joe and Leslie were able to watch as they awarded each design competition winner. Some of the arrangements were stunning even to those of us who have been around flower designs of all types for many years. Feel free to view photos below and click on each for a larger picture and more information about the design. We were so proud to see many of our member florists achieving prominent positions in the rankings. Among them were Kristina Reese of Floral Dimensions in Durham NC who took first place in the sympathy division.

A Special Thanks To — A very special thanks goes out to Gallery of Flowers. The flower arrangement displayed inside FSN’s booth at the 2009 SRFA Convention was designed by this wonderful flower shop in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Sad To See It End — It’s hard to remember all of the stories about three fun-filled days but Joe and Leslie tried their hardest. After all of the jokes and sweet stories ended, it was a definite letdown to know that no more humorous anecdotes or funny stories would be heard until the next show. Well, not without your help so share them if you have some! If you weren’t at this year’s show, sorry we missed you and hope to see you next year. Please enjoy the SRFA convention photos below! [Read more…]

Filed Under: Floral Conventions & Flower Shows Tagged With: Charlotte NC Florists, Durham NC Florists, Floral & Flower Shows, Floral Scentsations, Gaithersburg MD Florists, Gallery of Flowers, Homerville GA Florists, Ormond Beach FL Florists, Raleigh NC Florists, Southern Retail Florists Association

In The Mood For Gift Baskets?

September 2, 2009 by Flower Shop Network 1 Comment

Who isn’t? They’re fun, funky and unique.

Mary Ann Hodge knows this better than most. She’s the owner of Hodge Podge Etc. Flowers & Gifts in North Little Rock Arkansas. The name is cute but what has earned Hodge Podge the “best of the the best” award three years running is the quality of her gift baskets. She has a massive assortment of incredible gift baskets ranging from gourmet gift baskets to something more sweet, more salty, more plush or more tailored.

Mary Ann has made a name for herself making gift baskets that people adore. Joe Hays of Flower Shop Network met Mary Ann at the ASFA Convention in Hot Springs Arkansas. When he came back she was one of the first names on his lips. “You should check her out. We’re talking big time gift baskets. She has gourmet gift baskets like you wouldn’t believe.”

Of course I took him up on it and checked out her website. I see beautiful flowers everyday so I was stoked to see some of her incredible gift baskets. My mouth literally began to water. The only thing stopping me from making a call for one of them is distance. (Can you imagine a 4 hour round trip delivery fee??) They’re awesome!

We at Flower Shop Network are always happy to see florists who have a passion for other specialties as well. Mary Ann also does gorgeous flower arrangements but the kicker is the quality of her gift baskets. They make you smile. It’s like unwrapping a Christmas present with 5 or 6 gifts inside!

If you need a gift basket for someone in Little Rock or just want to get some ideas for how to create your own, contact Mary Ann at Hodge Podge Etc. Flowers & Gifts.

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Florist Spotlights, Hodge Podge Etc. Flowers & Gifts, North Little Rock AR Florists, North Little Rock Arkansas

Identify These Pinnate Oval Scalloped Leaves

September 2, 2009 by Jamie Jamison Adams 2 Comments

Ask the Expert: What is the name of this plant/flower?

Pinnate Leaves & Blooms

The growth habit is erect. It’s leaves are pinnate, in an alternate arrangement, they are oval, scalloped, have an uneven base and a blunt tip. I live in zone 3, southern Alberta Canada. Shelly

Plant Expert Reply:

Can you tell me a little more about this plant. I am having trouble
identifying it. It could be Agastache (hyssops) or Sanguisorba (burnet) or something in the mint family. Does it have a scent? Are they growing in a high and dry environment or a low boggy environment? In sun or shade? The bloom-like structure in the picture – fresh or a spent bloom?

Once I get the answers to these questions, I should be able to pinpoint the
id.

Filed Under: Plant Identification Tagged With: Ask The Plant Expert, Canada, Plant Identification

Pink Blooming Succulent Is A Kalanchoe

September 2, 2009 by Jamie Jamison Adams 1 Comment

Ask the Expert: What kind of plant is this?

Pink Kalanchoe

The leaves appear to be a succulent, because they are thick and spongy. The flowers are like heather… Heather

Plant Expert Reply:

You have a succulent called Kalanchoe blossfeldiana. This happens to have pink flowers but they also come in yellow, white, red and orange. Give it bright filtered light and keep moist to the dry side. Watch for pests like aphids and mealybugs. If kept too wet, kalanchoes can develop powdery mildew, leaf spot, as well as , crown and root rot.

Filed Under: Plant Identification Tagged With: Flower Identification, Kalanchoe, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Plant Identification

Know What North Dakota & Iowa Have In Common?

September 2, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Photo courtesy of 50states.com

North Dakota and Iowa may not seem like very similar states but both chose the Wild Prairie Rose (Rosa pratincola, a. Rosa arkansana) as their official state flower. Though no official species was chosen for the Iowa state flower, Rosa pratincola is most often cites as the official state flower of Iowa and who am I to argue?

If you remember reading about the North Dakota state flower, you’ll find this only equally enthusiastic because the wild prairie rose is a darn pretty flower! I grant you it’s a wildflower and not a cut flower that Iowa florists could use in an arrangement but it’s still a great source of inspiration. If I were to narrow it down to the three things I find most inspiring about the wild prairie rose, here you go. You’ve forced my hand. *grin*

Color
Shape
Location

When you get right down to it, the color of the wild prairie rose is a beautiful, soft shade of pink offset by yellow stamens in the center. The gentle pink is a reminder of romantic occasions. When designing romantic flower arrangements, pink is often used to symbolize affection romance, gentle passion and kindhearted love. A pink wildflower that grows and blooms naturally is a wonderful reminder of how love can often be found in surprising places and blossom without fear.

This particular species of the Wild Prairie Rose is noted for having 4-5 petals laying flat but slightly overlapping one another. When I say that I like the shape, this is not what I’m talking about. Each of the petals are heart shaped with the point of the hearts meeting at the stamens. We already know that pink is symbolic for love. Now we see heart shaped flowers. See where this is heading?

Love is so incredible. It guides us, motivates us, encourages us, causes our biggest headaches and our largest victories. The most intense arrow in Cupid’s quiver often strikes at unexpected times and in strange places. I met my sweetheart while working at Wal-Mart. Some meet in church, a library, passing on the street, in the park, or by a chance encounter. This strange trend is why I like the location of the Wild Prairie Rose as it blooms throughout Iowa.

Iowa is known for corn. Miles and miles of corn. “Corn, corn, corn, oh look a tree!” as the song goes. To be gazing across the countryside and see a simple pink flower? Unexpected, unanticipated, a pretty break from the ordinary.

Take a walk on the wild side and chance finding inspiration in the unique, gentle flower that is Iowa’s official state flower–the Wild Prairie Rose.

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: Iowa State Flower, Rosa pratincola, State Flowers, Wild Prairie Rose

Celebrating Sweetest Day

September 1, 2009 by Leigh Morrisett Leave a Comment

What Is Sweetest Day?

Looking for a reason to send a gift? How about Sweetest Day! Never heard of it? Well, it is the holiday that celebrates kindness and appreciation. Sweetest Day is a fantastic way to show your appreciation for a special person, to remember those who are alone, or give back to the unsung heroes of your community.

Gifts are extra special when unexpected and given as a form of appreciation or simply just because. Those receiving a Sweetest Day gift are usually caught completely by surprise. After all, no one expects a gift/treat on Sweetest Day like they do on Halloween, Christmas or even Valentine’s Day. The element of surprise and sheer kindness in these gifts is what makes Sweetest Day so awesome.

The History Of Sweetest Day!

Celebrated on the third Saturday in October, Sweetest Day is a tradition that is often forgotten, but has a deep and chocolaty rich history. The concept of this tradition began with a philanthropist and candy employee named Herbert Birch Kingston. Feeling the weight of his good fortune and seeing the plight and misfortune of others, Mr. Kingston saw the need to brighten the lives of others. Understanding the need all people have to feel appreciated, he wanted a day that recognized people simply for being people. So drawing from his candy background, Mr. Kingston conceived the idea of a holiday that would give candy and small gifts to the underprivileged, shut-ins and [Read more…]

Filed Under: Gift Ideas, Holiday Info, Newsletters Tagged With: Candy Gift Basket, Gift Baskets, Gift Ideas, Gourmet Chocolate Gift Basket, Holiday Gift Ideas, Sweetest Day, Sweetest Day Gifts