Bloomin' Blog

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

5 Trending Valentine’s Day Arrangements

January 30, 2015 by Flower Shop Network 4 Comments

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.

Filed Under: Gift Ideas Tagged With: flowers, Gift Ideas, Trends, Valentines Day

Card Messages: Valentine’s Day

January 28, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo 1 Comment

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!

Filed Under: Card Messages, Gift Ideas Tagged With: card messages, Gift Ideas, Valentines Day

FSN January 2015 Newsletter

January 26, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo Leave a Comment

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…]

Filed Under: Newsletters Tagged With: Newsletters

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

January 23, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo Leave a Comment

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

Whimsical bridal bouquet by Swannanoa Flower Shop in Swannanoa, NC

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

Special Occasion

Beautiful arrangement by Petals in Thyme in Wasaga Beach, ON

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

Cheerful arrangement by Sweet Briar Flower Shop in Galway, NY

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

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

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

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

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

Exquisite design by Sweet Briar Flower Shop in Galway, NY

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

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

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

Sweet bouquet by Sweet Briar Flower Shop in Galway, NY

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

Spongebob spray by Front Porch Creations Florist in Crawfordville, FL

Tropical design by Hobby Hill Florist in Sebring, FL

Premium spring basket by Central Square Florist in Cambridge, MA

Enchanting arrangement by Petals in Thyme in Wasaga Beach, ON

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

Cheerful arrangement by Swannanoa Flower Shop in Swannanoa, NC

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

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

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

Gorgeous floral wreath by Hobby Hill Florist in Sebring, FL

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

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

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

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

Timeless arrangement by Sweet Briar Flower Shop in Galway, NY

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

Lovely arrangement by Wilma’s Flowers in Jasper, AL

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

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

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

Sympathy

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

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

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

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

Beautiful arrangement by Sweet Briar Flower Shop in Galway, NY

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

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

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

Charming arrangement by Wilma’s Flowers in Jasper, AL

Exquisite standing spray by Swannanoa Flower Shop in Swannanoa, NC

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Filed Under: Floral Design

Preparing for Valentine’s Day

January 21, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo Leave a Comment

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!

Filed Under: Holiday Info, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Tips & Tricks, Tips For Florists, Valentines Day, Valentines Weekend