Bloomin' Blog

Flower Spotlight – Ranunculus

February 18, 2015 by Miroslava Casiano Leave a Comment

There is beauty in everything coming from nature, but Ranunculus flowers simply go above and beyond expectations. With their incredibly radiant colors, it is true to say that they will brighten anyone’s day!

Origins and Symbolism
Ranunculus are best known as Buttercup Flowers, but some may also know them as Coyote’s Eyes. Legend has it that the Native American mythological figure “Coyote” was throwing his eyes up in the air and catching them every time, when suddenly “Eagle” snatched them. Coyote not being able to see grabbed two buttercups creating a pair of new eyes, allowing him to see the beauty of this world once again.

This isn’t the only legend surrounding this beautiful flower. Another legend tells of a shy, handsome Persian prince who lived longing to declare his love for a nymph. Not being able to do so, he died of heartbreak and turned into a giant Ranunculus flower.

Turban Buttercup is another alternative name for this flower. It derives from a species that originated in the Middle East. The Victorian meaning of Ranunculus is “you are rich in attractions,” making this a very romantic flower choice.

To Consider
Ranunculus use a lot of energy for they produce complex, multi-petal flowers. Make sure to add all purpose fertilizer when you plant them and every two weeks supplement with half strength fertilizer while the plants are growing.

Also note that these flowers are poisonous when eaten fresh by cats, dogs, horses and cows. They contain juices that can irritate or damage their digestive systems. So, make sure to keep you little friends away from these blooms.

Avalability
Ranunculus come in a variety of vibrant colors such as yellow, red, pink, orange, copper, and white with dark or yellow centers. Once cut, these flowers last for a week. This makes them perfect for bridal bouquets or centerpieces. They are most popular in the mild-winter regions of the South and West.

If you want to put your hands on these beautiful flowers, head to your local florist today! Check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for more tips on flowers!

Photo by iMarly

Filed Under: Flower Identification, Flower Suggestions Tagged With: Flower Identification, Flower Spotlight, Flower Suggestions, Ranunculcus

Trending: Succulent Corsages

February 16, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo Leave a Comment

A new trend is breaking its way to the 2015 prom scene. We have seen how the widely popular succulent has been incorporated into wedding decor, bouquets and boutonnieres. Now, the charming succulent is making an addition to corsage trends. We reached out to Elba Feliciano of Flowerama in Lawrence, Georgia to talk about creating these succulent corsages.

Why do you think succulents are trending for prom and weddings?

The younger generation are looking for trendy, chic looks for prom and weddings. They like the non-traditional flowers and like to incorporate a different look and feel to their corsages–as well as wedding bouquets.

Have you made succulent corsages in the past?

We have made several corsages and wedding bouquets with real and artificial succulents.

How difficult is it to make a succulent corsage?

It’s not difficult as long as you know the size and type of corsage you are making.

What type of customers are ordering succulents?

Your young customers for prom corsages and wedding bouquets.

What are some tips you would give a florist who is working with succulents for prom or weddings?

Evaluate how many orders you have with succulents or bridal bouquets and start any prep work before you begin to make the corsage or bouquet. For example, if you are making several corsages, you are probably using smaller succulents (always purchase extra), which will require some wiring. For bridal bouquets, know what other flowers will be used to compliment the succulents. I use artificial succulents that I used prior as a mock up with the flowers to ensure they will provide the look and feel I discussed with the customer.

What are some tips for customers who are considering ordering a succulent corsage?

It’s important to consider the person that will be wearing the corsage when choosing the size of the succulent. Also, the look you are trying to achieve–elegant, rustic, or glamour–will require adding the appropriate accessories or ribbon. For a rustic look, I may use lace, but for a glamorous look, I would add more bling.

What do you like about this succulent trend?

There are different varieties of succulents that allow you to make each arrangement, bouquet or corsage customized with a different look. Succulents allow you to be creative! Artificial succulents work just as well!

It is no surprise that the succulent continues to add a rustic style to 2015 bouquets and corsages. While, it remains to be seen exactly how popular it will be come prom time, we know for sure that this chic plant is here to stay. Check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for more great tips and articles!

Photos courtesy of Flowerama

Filed Under: Seasonal Flowers Tagged With: Florist Design, Florists, Seasonal Flowers, Succulent

Wedding Trends: 2015 Boutonnieres

February 13, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo Leave a Comment

While 2014 has brought many trends to the wedding scene, what stands out the most is the versatility of the boutonniere. With flowers, brides are expressing their individuality and style, but that doesn’t mean the guys can’t show off theirs too! Here are some boutonnieres that will be making their way through 2015.

Whimsical Garden
The “freshly picked” look has become wildly popular in wedding bouquets and centerpieces, so it is no surprise that the trend continues on to boutonnieres. Bunches of greens with a variety of flowers draws the eye to an otherwise simple suit.

Rustic Beauty
The rustic style has already been wildly popular with brides and it also shows with the groom’s boutonniere. Soft hues of pastels with neutral tones add to the rustic effect.

Timeless Elegance
Dark colors are known to preside over fall and winter weddings, but they are slowly making their way into summer. Dark purples and deep reds stand out fantastically on dark or gray suits.

Designing their boutonnieres make the grooms feel they are part of the wedding planning (and gets them pumped for the special day). The sky is the limit for these small designs and they can be personalized to fit the wedding style. Check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for more great ideas!

Whimsical Garden photo accreditation to: weddingandpartynetwork/gallery/9155

Rustic Beauty photo accreditation to: weddingandpartynetwork/gallery/9451

Timeless Elegance photo accreditation to: weddingandpartynetwork/gallery/11328

Filed Under: Wedding Flowers Tagged With: Boutonnieres, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Tips, Wedding Trends

Check Out This Article!

February 12, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo Leave a Comment

We wanted to share this interesting article by Consumerist.com. Give it a read!

How To Amaze Your Valentine Without Screwing Over Your Local Florist

Shopping online is simple: you see a picture of the thing that you want to buy, click on it, type in your credit card, and then that thing arrives on your doorstep or the doorstep of your gift recipient. This simplicity falls apart…

Photo courtesy of Consumerist.com

Filed Under: Floral Industry News Tagged With: Floral Industry News

Ask The Plant Expert: What kind of plant is this?

February 12, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo 11 Comments

Dear Plant Expert:

What kind of plant is this?

Thomas

____________________________________________________________________________

Plant Expert Reply:

Thomas,

I think it’s a Pepperomia orba.

Thank you for your submission.

Sincerely,

Jamie Jamison Adams

Filed Under: Plant Identification Tagged With: Plant Identification

Customer Corner: Sending Valentine’s Flowers

February 11, 2015 by Tracy Brengard Leave a Comment

As we get close to Valentine’s Day, we love hearing from customers about how flowers and shopping locally makes a difference in their lives. Here is one customer’s story about celebrating this special day even though her daughter is miles away from home.

These homemade valentines have to be some of my most favorite treasures. They were created by precious little hands with sweet thoughts and only pure, unconditional love in mind. In more simple times when my children were younger, a quick visit to the local store to buy a box of valentines for their choosing, maybe including some candy hearts, was the perfect way to celebrate. Printing names of their classmates on each one and creating a valentine box, using a cereal or shoebox covered in aluminium foil and heart doilies, was quite a creative assembly.

Times have certainly changed! Now the parent of a teenage boy and a daughter away at college for her freshman year, it is hard to remember those days. Getting to ballgames, worrying about algebra homework or trying to catch up on the latest tweets or snapchats from my daughter (without being deemed a stalker) seems to dominate my time.

Being the parent of a child that lives in another state certainly complicates things. In past years, it was simple to call my local florist and order flowers or balloons. Because I live in a small town, I would usually walk in to the flower shop and select the perfect arrangement myself. I love that personal service and the on-time delivery are all important factors when selecting a florist. Finding a business out of your area is a difficult task and can be overwhelming, especially when the delivery is such a meaningful one.

This will be the first Valentine’s Day since my daughter was born that we won’t be together. All of those memories of homemade valentines, class parties and candy hearts are bittersweet, and sending the perfect Valentine bouquet is essential.

Ultimately, what matters to me is finding a florist that understand the significance of this day. I want someone that I trust to take care of my sweet valentine with attention to detail and personal service. Imagining my daughter receiving some beautiful roses with a smile on her face puts a smile on my face too. I think it’s the perfect way to let her know she’ll always “be mine!”

Read more from our contributer, Tracy Brengard, on the Bloomin’ Blog! Don’t forget to share this post!

Filed Under: Seasonal Ideas Tagged With: Customer Corner, Seasonal Flowers, Valentines Day

Caring For Your Valentine’s Day Bouquet

February 9, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo

Flowers are a wonderful gift, especially on Valentine’s Day! Here are some tips that will make your flowers last longer.

Receiving Your Blooms
When first receiving your bouquet, make sure to remove any plastic as soon as possible. Put your flowers in a vase full of water if they aren’t already in one!

Location, Location, Location
You want to place your fresh flowers in an area that is away from drafts and extreme temperatures. Don’t place them in direct sunlight, like on a windowsill, where the sun hits them full blast. Also, avoid places where flowers can contact ethylene gas (emitted from cigarettes and fruit).

Bloom Care
Be sure to remove dead or wilting leaves and stems. Also, change water regularly, especially when it starts getting cloudy.

Florist’s Orders
If your florist added food or preservative packets for your arrangement, make sure to read the directions and use accordingly.

Home Remedies
There are many tips and tricks you can do to keep your flowers fresh longer. Adding sugar or using hairspray can be used to preserve your arrangement for longer enjoyment. Also, adding vodka, apple cider vinegar, or even a copper penny can help against bacteria. Call your local florist to determine which trick works best for your bouquet.

Valentine’s Day flowers are one of the best gifts to receive. Follow these simple tips and enjoy them even after Valentine’s Day! Check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for more great tips and tricks.

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions, Plant Care Questions Tagged With: Flower Care Tips, Valentines Day Flower Tips, Valentines Day Flowers

5 Reasons To Send Flowers: February ’15

February 6, 2015 by Miroslava Casiano 2 Comments

February is the month of love–which means it is the best time to send flowers! From roses to tulips, nothing says “I love you” more than a bouquet of beautiful blooms. Here are 5 reasons you should be sending flowers this month!

1. Send A Card To A Friend Day (and follow it with flowers) – Feb. 7th

On February 7th, make it about friendship! Send your friends a card along with a beautiful arrangement to let them know how important they are. Yellow roses are always a great option because the yellow rose is known as the “Flower of Friendship.”

2. Make A Friend Day – Feb. 11th

There’s nothing better than making new friends! On this day, send flowers to someone you wish to get to know better. You never know what the future holds!

3. Valentine’s Day – Feb. 14th

This is by far the most important day in February and flowers will certainly make your sweetheart’s day. Send an arrangement or a bouquet of red roses to that special someone. A red rose represents true love, but if you are a secret admirer send them red mums or gardenias as a surprise. This will put a huge smile on their face.

4. Random Acts of Kindness Day – Feb. 17th

Everyone needs a bit of kindness. Follow the mantra, “give and you shall receive” on this special day. Bring happiness in the form of flowers to those around you and do t just because you can!

5. Floral Design Day – Feb 28th

February is almost gone and you haven’t sent flowers? Well, this is the perfect day to do so! Head out to your local florist and have them design a beautiful flower arrangement. A custom floral design will sure make that special friend, relative or partner very happy.

Flowers are always great gifts for those whom you love most. It doesn’t need to be February– the month of love– to send a beautiful floral arrangement. This is something that can be done all year long. Head to your local florist and make someone feel special today!

Filed Under: Seasonal Flowers Tagged With: Best 5 Reasons, February, Seasonal Flowers, Sending Flowers

More Than A Flower Shop

February 4, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo 1 Comment

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.

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights, Flower Suggestions Tagged With: Florist Design, Florist Spotlights, Minnesota Florists

Last Minute Valentine’s Day Marketing Tips

February 2, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo Leave a Comment

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!

Filed Under: Holiday Info Tagged With: Marketing, Marketing Tips, Tips, Valentines Day, Valentines Day Marketing