Home Shop Flowers Bloomin' Blog Find Florists About FSN Contact FSN Florists Only!
Find Your Local Florist:
Home Shop Flowers Bloomin' Blog Find Florists About FSN Contact FSN Florists Only!

More Than A Flower Shop

From the time she had her own section in her family garden, Kari knew she loved flowers. Now, after 14 years at Drummers Garden Center and Floral, Kari continues to design and knows that being a florist is her passion.

Along with two other floral designers, Kari and the Drummer’s floral team combine their 75 years of total experience to create works of art their customers love.

Local Community
Located in Mankato, Minnesota, Drummers celebrates 25 years of serving customers in all their floral and gardening needs.

From wedding bouquets to seasonal arrangements, the team at Drummers’ think the best part of being a local flower shop is their ability to get to know their customers.

“There is one family for whom we’ve done their kids’ prom, their wedding, and now their baby shower,” Kari said. “We see the family growing because in a way we stay in touch.”

Julie, owner of Drummers’, agrees that because their shop is small enough, they really get to know their customers and offer them great customer service.

Beyond Flowers
This flower shop offers a lot more than a traditional shop. Due to their garden center, this offers a greater variety of gift options for their customers.

Julie said this is especially helpful if a family would prefer to send a potted plan or a memorial tree to a funeral service.

The combination of florals and the garden center allows for community involvement opportunities. For example, Drummers offers many classes where people of all ages can learn about many plant and flower topics–like miniature gardens. This is especially popular for birthday parties where kids can make their own fairy gardens to take home.

As a local business, Drummers Garden Center and Floral has become part of the community they love to serve. Next time you need a design for a loved one in the Mankato area, take a look at Drummers Garden Center and Floral.

Last Minute Valentine’s Day Marketing Tips

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and the flower shop frenzy has already begun. As we get closer to the holiday, we wanted to offer some last minute, quick marketing tips that can help boost those sales!

Social Media Special
Offer a special on your social media. Have customers like you and share it with their friends. Have them pull it up on their phones and show it when they make their purchase. This is a great way to add likes to your Facebook page!

Team Up
Located next to a bakery? Have a friend who owns a business? Team up and recommend each other to customers! Tell your customers to get some cupcakes as a finishing touch with their Valentine’s Day arrangement and have the other business recommend you as well. You can share the business and build a great new connection.

Donate a Bouquet
Put together an arrangement and donate it to a nearby bank or hotel. Say it’s for their lobby for free if you can leave some business cards as well. When customers cash their check or check-in to their hotel, the Valentine’s Day arrangement will spark their memory and soon enough they will be ordering from your shop!

Try one of these tips or all and check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for more great ideas!

5 Trending Valentine’s Day Arrangements

Valentine’s Day is the biggest floral holiday of the year. But this year, give that special loved one something unique! It’s the perfect time to show your sweetie how much you care and surprise them with a twist on the traditional flower arrangement. Here are 2015 Valentine’s Day floral trends making the rounds to loved ones everywhere.

Roses in a Box
Scrap the vase altogether! Many florists have gift boxes available, so have them line up roses so your sweetie gets a lush, fragrant surprise upon opening the lid. When they receive the box, they’ll be expecting chocolates, but instead they will receive a unique floral arrangement that they can dry and keep as lovely potpourri. In this case, think inside the box!

Ditch the Red
With so many rose colors to choose from, you can always deliver a favorite. Maybe a pink or purple arrangement would be more fitting for your specific recipient–after all, you don’t have to use roses! If you do have your heart set on them, they come in just about every hue under the sun. Tell your florist about your significant other’s favorite color and let them help you make the right choice.

Tip: An orange rose signifies desire and passion–perfect for a new romance. For a friend, choose a yellow rose.

Hanging Beauty
Instead of a bouquet, consider something with a little more shape. Your florist can create a heart-shaped arrangement, like a wreath. Your loved one can display it on their front door or hang it as decor in their living room.

Bling Bling
If she likes sparkle, add some to her arrangement! Your florist has a lots of options to really make flowers pop. From heart-shaped pins to strings of shiny pearls, these can be added to the vase or the jewels can even be inserted into the middle of flowers for a surprise sparkle.

Florals to Wear
A trend that has continued from last year are floral crowns and jewelry. This stylish floral gift can be a classic take on Valentine’s Day flowers because she can wear her arrangement! What a better gift to give your significant other on the day of love than the opportunity to feel like a princess? She’ll love to wear her gift all day, whether it’s a headband, a bracelet, or a necklace.

There are many creative ways to shower your sweetheart with flowers this Valentine’s day. Plan ahead with your florist and give that valentine a unique floral gift.

 

Card Messages: Valentine’s Day

We’ve all been there: writer’s block! It may be you or (from the florist side) it may be a customer, but there is a pause when the pen is handed and you want to convey something sweet and simple to the recipient of your Valentine’s Day flowers. Well Flower Shop Network has some quick and easy messages you can use for every type of arrangement sent this Valentine’s Day!

For A Friend: To my sweet friend, who reminds me every day what true friendship is. Happy Valentine’s Day!

For A Child: Just a reminder that my love is never far from you. Happy Valentine’s Day!

For A Parent: On this Valentine’s Day, let me shower you with flowers the way you showered me with love my whole life.

For A Sibling: For the one who kept my childhood secrets and who continues to be my best friend. Happy Valentine’s Day.

For Your True Love: Today, I needed to show you just how lucky I am to have found you. Happy Valentine’s Day.

We hope this helps express your thoughts this Valentine’ds Day. Share this with friends (or customers) and check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for more ideas and tips!

FSN January 2015 Newsletter

With the start of the new year comes a new look for the Flower Shop Network Blog. We hope you enjoy the new articles and posts we have prepared for the new year and that you also take note of our new newsletter look! Happy 2015! [Read more…]

Friday Florist Recap 1/17-1/23: A Fond Farewell

This 2015, we are making some changes to our blog and Facebook page, starting with the Friday Florist Recap. Don’t worry, we will be bringing new and exciting posts that will get you involved! It’s been so much fun seeing all the completely different designs every day. We hope you enjoy these final favorites and keep a look out for new posts on our Facebook and Blog!

 

Video Slideshow

 

Wedding

Gorgeous wedding bouquets by Oran's Flower Shop in Kingston, TN

Gorgeous wedding bouquets by Oran’s Flower Shop in Kingston, TN

Gerbera bridal bouquet by Front Porch Creations Florist in Crawfordville, FL

Whimsical bridal bouquet by Swannanoa Flower Shop in Swannanoa, NC

Whimsical bridal bouquet by Swannanoa Flower Shop in Swannanoa, NC

Whimsical bridal bouquet by Swannanoa Flower Shop in Swannanoa, NC

Sunny wedding bouquet by Oran's Flower Shop in Kingston, TN

Sunny wedding bouquet by Oran’s Flower Shop in Kingston, TN

Special Occasion

Beautiful arrangement by Petals in Thyme in Wasaga Beach, Canada

Beautiful arrangement by Petals in Thyme in Wasaga Beach, ON

Lantern Design by Garden Gate Flower Shop in North Salem

Lantern design by Garden Gate Gift and Flower Shop in North Salem, IN

Cheerful arrangement by Sweet Briar Flower Shop in Galway, NY

Cheerful arrangement by Sweet Briar Flower Shop in Galway, NY

Playful marsala arrangement by Petals in Thyme in Wasaga Beach, Canada

Playful marsala arrangement by Petals in Thyme in Wasaga Beach, ON

A customer favorite arrangement with gift by Michele's Floral and Gifts in Copperas Cove, TX

A customer favorite arrangement with gift by Michele’s Floral and Gifts in Copperas Cove, TX

Sweet arrangement by Garden Gate Flower Shop in North Salem

Sweet arrangement by Garden Gate Gift and Flower Shop in North Salem, IN

Beautiful party flowrs by Monday Morning Flower and Balloon Co. in Princeton, NJ

Beautiful party flowers by Monday Morning Flower and Balloon Co. in Princeton, NJ

Romantic floral basket by Wilma's Flowers in Jasper, AL

Romantic floral basket by Wilma’s Flowers in Jasper, AL

Baby basket arrangement by Front Porch Creations Florist in Crawfordville, FL

Baby basket arrangement by Front Porch Creations Florist in Crawfordville, FL

Exquisite design by Sweet Briar Flower Shop in

Exquisite design by Sweet Briar Flower Shop in Galway, NY

Close up of gorgeous arrangement by Petals In Thyme in Wasaga Beach, Canada

Close up of gorgeous arrangement by Petals In Thyme in Wasaga Beach, ON

Cute butterfly accent arrangement by Garden Gate Flower Shop in North Salem

Cute butterfly accent arrangement by Garden Gate Gift and Flower Shop in North Salem, IN

Stylish urn arrangement by Front Porch Creations Florsit in Crawfordville, FL

Stylish urn arrangement by Front Porch Creations Florist in Crawfordville, FL

Sweet bouquet by Sweet Briar Flower Shop in Galway, NY

Sweet bouquet by Sweet Briar Flower Shop in Galway, NY

Festive birthday arrangment by Wilma's Flowers in Jasper, AL

Festive birthday arrangement by Wilma’s Flowers in Jasper, AL

Spongebob spray by Front Porch Creations Florist in Crawfordville, FL

Spongebob spray by Front Porch Creations Florist in Crawfordville, FL

Tropical design by Hobby Hill Florist in Sebring, FL

Tropical design by Hobby Hill Florist in Sebring, FL

Premium spring basket by Central Square Florist in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Premium spring basket by Central Square Florist in Cambridge, MA

Enchanting arrangement by Petals in Thyme in Wasaga Beach, Canada

Enchanting arrangement by Petals in Thyme in Wasaga Beach, ON

Get well soon floral bucket by Wilma's Flowers in Jasper, AL

Get well soon floral bucket by Wilma’s Flowers in Jasper, AL

Rose arrangement with a forever rose keepsake by Michele's Floral and Gifts in Copperas Cove, TX

Rose arrangement with a forever rose keepsake by Michele’s Floral and Gifts in Copperas Cove, TX

Cheerful arrangement by Swannanoa Flower Shop in Swannanoa,

Cheerful arrangement by Swannanoa Flower Shop in Swannanoa, NC

Cheerful arrangment by Garden Gate Flower Shop in North Salem

Cheerful arrangement by Garden Gate Gift and Flower Shop in North Salem, IN

Bright and colorful arrangement by Michele's Floral and Gifts in Copperas Cove, TX

Bright and colorful arrangement by Michele’s Floral and Gifts in Copperas Cove, TX

Sweet baby arrangement by Wilma's Flowers in Jasper, AL

Sweet baby arrangement by Wilma’s Flowers in Jasper, AL

Whimsical arrangement by Forget-Me-Not Flowers and Gifts in Chandler, TX

Whimsical arrangement by Forget-Me-Not Flowers and Gifts in Chandler, TX

Pretty in pinks arrangement by Michele's Floral and Gifts in Copperas Cove, TX

Pretty in pinks arrangement by Michele’s Floral and Gifts in Copperas Cove, TX

Gorgeous floral wreath by Hobby Hill Florsit in Sebring, FL

Gorgeous floral wreath by Hobby Hill Florist in Sebring, FL

Delightful plant arrangement by Wilma's Flowers in Jasper, AL

Delightful plant arrangement by Wilma’s Flowers in Jasper, AL

Fun spring arrangement by Michele's Floral and Gifts in Copperas Cove, TX

Fun spring arrangement by Michele’s Floral and Gifts in Copperas Cove, TX

Gorgeous orchid arrangement by Oak Bay Flower Shop Ltd. in Victoria, Canada

Gorgeous orchid arrangement by Oak Bay Flower Shop Ltd. in Victoria, BC

Beautiful bonnet floral arrangement by Wilma's Flowers in Jasper, AL

Beautiful bonnet floral arrangement by Wilma’s Flowers in Jasper, AL

Timeless arrangement by Sweet Briar Flower Shop in Galaway, NY

Timeless arrangement by Sweet Briar Flower Shop in Galway, NY

Two charming arrangements by Michele's Floral and Gifts in Copperas Cove, TX

Two charming arrangements by Michele’s Floral and Gifts in Copperas Cove, TX

Lovely arrangement by Wilma's Flowers in Jasper, AL

Lovely arrangement by Wilma’s Flowers in Jasper, AL

Colorful arrangement by Sweet Briar Flower Shop in Galaway, NY

Colorful arrangement by Sweet Briar Flower Shop in Galway, NY

Over 4 feet tall silk showcase piece by Michele's Floral and Gifts in Copperas Cove, TX

Over 4 feet tall silk showcase piece by Michele’s Floral and Gifts in Copperas Cove, TX

Blooming basket arrangement by Wilma's Flowers in Jasper, AL

Blooming basket arrangement by Wilma’s Flowers in Jasper, AL

Robbie Burns day design by Petals in Thyme in Wasaga Beach, Canada

Robbie Burns day design by Petals in Thyme in Wasaga Beach, ON

 

Sympathy

Sweet girly floral spray by Garden Gate Flower Shop in North Salem

Sweet floral spray by Garden Gate Gift and Flower Shop in North Salem, IN

Colorful standing spray by A New Beginning Floris in Moore, OK

Colorful standing spray by A New Beginning Florist in Moore, OK

Timeless arrangement by Lexi Lu's Flower Shop in Lewistown, MO

Timeless arrangement by Lexi Lu’s Flower Shop and Gifts in Lewistown, MO

Exquisite standing arrangement by Garden Gate Flower Shop in North Salem

Exquisite standing arrangement by Garden Gate Gift and Flower Shop in North Salem, IN

Beautiful arrangement by Sweet Briar Design in

Beautiful arrangement by Sweet Briar Flower Shop in Galway, NY

Elegant standing spray by Wilma's Flowres in Jasper, AL

Elegant standing spray by Wilma’s Flowers in Jasper, AL

Elegant Standing Spray by Lexi Lu's Flowershop in Lewistown, MO

Elegant Standing Spray by Lexi Lu’s Flower Shop and Gifts in Lewistown, MO

Fantastic design by Garden Gate Flower Shop in North Salem

Fantastic design by Garden Gate Gift and Flower Shop in North Salem, IN

Charming arrangement by Wilma's Flowers in Jasper, AL

Charming arrangement by Wilma’s Flowers in Jasper, AL

Exquisite standing spray by Swannanoa Flower Shop in Swannanoa, NC

Exquisite standing spray by Swannanoa Flower Shop in Swannanoa, NC

Lovely sympathy spray by Lexi Lu's Flower Shop in Lewistown, MO

Lovely sympathy spray by Lexi Lu’s Flower Shop and Gifts in Lewistown, MO

Dear friend easel spray by Michele's Floral and Gifts in Copperas Cove, TX

Dear friend easel spray by Michele’s Floral and Gifts in Copperas Cove, TX

Charming arrangement by Oran's Flower Shop in Kingston, TN

Charming arrangement by Oran’s Flower Shop in Kingston, TN

Beautiful floral spray with owl accent by Garden Gate Flower Shop in North Salem

Beautiful floral spray with owl accent by Garden Gate Gift and Flower Shop in North Salem

Beautiful casket spray by Swannanoa flower Shop in Swannanoa, NC

Beautiful casket spray by Swannanoa Flower Shop in Swannanoa, NC

Elegant sympathy wearth by Oak Bay Flower Shop Ltd. in Victoria, Canada

Elegant sympathy wreath by Oak Bay Flower Shop Ltd. in Victoria, BC

Elegant Spray by Oran's Flower Shop in Kingston, TN

Elegant Spray by Oran’s Flower Shop in Kingston, TN

Grapevine wreath sympathy spray by Swannanoa Flower Shop in Swannanoa, NC

Grapevine wreath sympathy spray by Swannanoa Flower Shop in Swannanoa, NC

 

Thank you to everyone who submitted! We hope you had as much fun designing and submitting your photos as we did looking at each creative design. Be sure to like us on Facebook and check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for new and exciting posts that you can get involved it!

See past recap posts!

 

Preparing for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, which means it is almost time for one of the busiest holidays of the year for flower shops. To help you get ready for the flower-frenzy, we have reached out to a few florists across the country to tell us how they are preparing for the lovey-dovey, weekend holiday!

“Be sure to get the sender and recipient’s home phone, cell phone number and their email. That way, you’re able to get a hold of them at some point in the day since people travel on the weekends.”

-Heather McMinn from Heather’s Way Flowers and Plants in Jonesboro AR

“Get orders early and market early. We make sure to have an in-house special for Friday. There is nothing like a woman getting flowers at the office, so we run a ‘Honey, I couldn’t wait until Valentine’s Day Friday special. What I find works best is spreading our marketing message through many outlets–radio, social and FSN email campaigns.”

-Rodney Canady from Blooms A Million in Pensacola, FL

“We make sure and prepare our vases ahead of time, get our orders in, and come up with a delivery plan.”

-Carolyn Yancey from Your Floral Bouquet Florist in Valdese, NC

“We put out our displays always a month in advanced. That way it reminds the customer, puts it in their face, and tempts them to order now. As the holiday gets closer, we strip the leaves, de-thorn stems, re-stock plush and balloons, and get our extra staff prepared. We make sure to let our customers know it’s never too early to order..”

-Heide Parker from Babe’s Flowers, Inc. in Sheridan, WY

Tell us how you are getting ready for Valentine’s day and check back to the Bloomin’ Blog for more great ideas and tips!

Wedding Trends – 2015 Bouquets

Brides are getting creative when choosing their floral bouquets. From adding accents to including their wedding theme, brides are wanting more personalized bouquets. Here are some trending floral bouquets for 2015!

Wedding Trends - 2015 BouquetsEarthy Elegance
Brides are incorporating greens and natural tones along with seasonal flowers, adding that rustic look to their bridal bouquet. Consider succulents, green hypericum, and lycopodium for brides with an eco, earthy theme.

Romantic Pastels
Pastels aren’t just limited for spring. Brides are incorporating these romantic colors into summer, fall, and even winter. Mixing  hues of pinks, purples, and whites, brides are choosing a variety of  flowers for a more unique look.

Freshly Picked
In search of the unique, brides are wanting a more wild, freshly picked look for their bouquets. Using bright reds with purples mixed with red and green berries will create that garden look.

Brides want their bouquets to be unique and creative. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover something new that they will love! Check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for more great ideas!

Earthy Elegance photo accreditation to: weddingandpartynetwork/gallery/13259

Romantic Pastels photo accreditation to: weddingandpartynetwork/gallery/12782

Freshly Picked photo accreditation to: weddingandpartynetwork/gallery/13258/

Friday Florist Recap 1/10-1/16: Elegant and Sweet

As the January chill begins, flowers are what warms the heart. The following arrangements range from birthday to thinking of you and each demonstrates each florists’ skill to bring on a smile through floral art. Check out this tour of beautiful arrangements that are sure to inspire!

 

Video Slideshow

 

Special Occasion

Cheerful Succulent dish from Front Porch Creations Florist in Crawfordville, FL

Cheerful Succulent dish from Front Porch Creations Florist in Crawfordville, FL

Happy Birthday sweetheart from Marshfield Blooms in Marshfield, Mo

Happy Birthday sweetheart from Marshfield Blooms in Marshfield, MO

My sweet Valenting from Marshfield Blooms in Marshfield, MO

My sweet Valentine from Marshfield Blooms in Marshfield, MO

Delightful plant arrangement from Garden Gate Gift and Flower Shop in North Salem, IN

Delightful plant arrangement from Garden Gate Gift and Flower Shop in North Salem, IN

Sweet Thinking of You flowers from Wilmas Flowers in Jasper, AL

Sweet Thinking of You flowers from Wilmas Flowers in Jasper, AL

Charming arrangement from Wilma's Flowers in Jasper, AL

Charming arrangement from Wilma’s Flowers in Jasper, AL

Dazzling thinking of you arrangement from Garden Gate Gift and Flower Shop in North Salem, IN

Dazzling thinking of you arrangement from Garden Gate Gift and Flower Shop in North Salem, IN

 

Sympathy

Beautiful casket spray from Front Porch Creations Florist in Crawfordville, FL

Beautiful casket spray from Front Porch Creations Florist in Crawfordville, FL

Beautiful standing spray in honor of a life of service to our country from Marshfield Blooms in Marshfield, MO

Beautiful standing spray in honor of a life of service to our country from Marshfield Blooms in Marshfield, MO

Stunning easle arrangement from Garden Gate Gift and Flower Shop in North Salem, IN

Stunning easle arrangement from Garden Gate Gift and Flower Shop in North Salem, IN

Stunningly elegant sympathy spray from Marshfield Blooms in Marshfield, MO

Stunningly elegant sympathy spray from Marshfield Blooms in Marshfield, MO

Pretty standing spray from Wilma's Flowers in Jasper, AL

Pretty standing spray from Wilma’s Flowers in Jasper, AL

Excuisite easel spray from Graden Gate Gift and Flower Shop in North Salem, IN

Excuisite easel spray from Graden Gate Gift and Flower Shop in North Salem, IN

 

Who knows what next week will bring? Be sure to like us on Facebook for even more beautiful floral designs. If you’re a florist, we want to feature YOUR favorite design of the week right here on the Friday Florist Recap!

Learn how to submit! | See past recap posts!

Flower Spotlight – Stargazer Lily

 

When looking for flowers to dazzle, Stargazer Lilies seem to do that effortlessly. With their vibrant colors and delicious fragrance, it’s hard not to take notice of this oriental hybrid!

Origins and Symbolism
Originating from California in the early 70s, this perennial has added to the already famous legacy of the lily, so it’s no surprise that this striking bloom has a variety of meanings.

Used to congratulate or for sympathy, Stargazers symbolism varies due to their color. Whites represent purity, while bright pinks and reds express aspiration and prosperity.

To Consider
Although this beauty looks beautiful planted or cut, caution is given to those who have feline friends.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports this plant can be toxic to cats, causing vomiting, kidney failure and even death.

Availability
Named ‘stargazer’ because their blooms face the sky, these flowers are available late-summer.

Used in arrangements as well as bridal bouquets, they always astonish any receiver lucky enough to gaze at its star-like petals.

Make sure to head to your local florist to find this bloom in an arrangement!

Bridal bouquet photo accreditation to: http://www.weddingandpartynetwork.com/gallery/