Bloomin' Blog

Ask the Flower Expert: Can You Help Me to Identify this Flower?

November 11, 2013 by Ed Belly 21 Comments

Ask The Expert:

Could u please help me to identify this flower? Approximate 5 -6 inches long. During night or cool day it open very wide but seems close up during hot day. I live in tropical country.

Zoey

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Flower Expert Reply:

Sorry Zoey, for the delay in my reply.

It is hard to tell from the side photo, but I believe the flower is a type of Datura. Most likely a Datura fastuosa. This tropical plant is considered a tender perennial in zone 9-10, and it is commonly referred to as a Devil’s Trumpet. Although this plant is beautiful, it is also toxic! Keep pets and small children well away from this plant.

I hope this information was helpful.

Please let me know if I can help with anything else!

Thanks,

Jamie Jamison Adams

Filed Under: Flower Identification Tagged With: Ask The Plant Expert

Friday Florist Recap 11/2 – 11/8: Fall Colors

November 8, 2013 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

Fall in all it’s splendor is officially here in full bloom, as you can see from today’s floral recap! We have beautiful sunflowers, gorgeous autumn hues, fall mums and so much more! Florists from all across the country and beyond have blown us away once again with their beautiful and creative designs! Check it out!

Wedding Flowers

Lovely sunflowers mixed with deep red roses from Monday Morning Flower and Balloon Co. in Princeton, NJ

“Had to share this one, such fun Fall Bridal Bouquets – perfect for November.”

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Perfectly matching pinks and vibrant purples in this bride’s bouquet by Hobby Hill Florist in Sebring, FL.

“I used veronica, stock, scabiosa, delphinium, etc… for this colorful bridesmaid’s bouquet.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: Floral Design Tagged With: Facebook Friday

Don’t Forget Veterans Day

November 6, 2013 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

Any opportunity to honor the men and women who serve, or have served, in our armed forces is one that should be fervently and enthusiastically taken. But November 11th, Veteran’s Day, is more than just one of those random opportunities, it’s a national holiday that has been set aside for the purpose of recognizing and giving thanks to everyone who has served.

How much more, then, should we celebrate them and their accomplishments on this day? What are you doing to honor the veterans in your life?

Honoring the Veterans

There are a myriad of ways to honor those who have served in the armed forces, from attending a local parade to visiting the VA hospital or volunteering your services at a retirement home. But for those veterans who populate your life, those in your family or group of friends, a more personal touch is required. For them, what better way to say thank you than a gorgeous bouquet or floral arrangement?

A patriotic selection, featuring the colors red, white and blue, instills the proper tone of national pride while also offering your veteran the beauty, peace and enjoyment guaranteed with any gift of flowers.

Don’t neglect your veteran on this Veterans Day, show them how much you appreciate their service. Offer an elegant gift of flowers.

Filed Under: Gift Ideas, Holiday Info Tagged With: Buy Flowers, Holiday Gift Ideas, Veterans Day

Best 5 Reasons to Send Flowers in November

November 4, 2013 by Juli Jackson Leave a Comment

While we like to say every day is a perfect day to make someone happy with flowers, here are our absolute favorite reasons to spread love and kindness this month.

#1. Veteran’s Day – November 11th

Celebrating the dedication of the men and women who fight to keep our country safe, Veteran’s Day is a federal holiday and the perfect time to honor those you know who have served in the U.S. military. Nothing will warm the heart like the thoughtful gesture of some patriotic flowers for this holiday.

#2. Hanukkah (first day) – November 28th

This is a very special year for the first day of Hanukkah. This is the first and last time Hanukkah will ever overlap with Thanksgiving! People are having fun coining terms like “Thanksgivukkah” and “Hanugivingkkah” just for the occasion. And there are so many beautiful blooms to help you celebrate. White, silver, and blue combinations are the most popular and are a perfect addition to the celebration table.

#3.Thanksgiving – November 28th

Time to feast and give thanks with our families! And probably watch some football too. Make your celebration special with a fall-inspired centerpiece. Also, centerpieces make a wonderful gift to send to family and friends unable to come together for the occasion. Show gratitude for love and friendship with flowers!

#4. Forget-Me-Not Day – November 10th

This is a day for remembering family, friends, and loved ones. Individuals celebrate this day by getting in touch with their loved ones, especially any who they haven’t seen in awhile so sending flowers is perfect for this holiday! With our busy lives, it is difficult to keep in touch with everyone who is important to us. Show someone you care about that they are unforgettable in your book!

#5. November Birthdays

November’s birthday flower is the chrysanthemum. Available in so many different varieties and colors, chrysanthemums will let someone with a special birthday know that you considered their gift carefully. A red chrysanthemum means “I love you” while white chrysanthemums mean innocence, purity, and pure love. Yellow chrysanthemums mean “slighted love.” Ask your local florist to include the beautiful and colorful chrysanthemum in a fresh cut arrangement or to deliver a gorgeous long-lasting blooming plant.

What are your favorite reasons to send flowers this month?
Let us know in the comments!

Filed Under: Gift Ideas Tagged With: Best 5 Reasons, Flower Sending Tip, Gift Ideas, Holiday Gift Ideas, November Birth Month Flowers

Friday Florist Recap 10/26 – 11/1: A Profusion of Perfection

November 1, 2013 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

We are finishing up October with a wondrous collection of floral beauty. Our florists continue to amaze every week, and the submissions just keep getting better! Today we have a mixture of Halloween themed arrangements, fall wedding wonder, and personalized sympathy arrangements to tickle your fancy. The mix of different flowers and colors makes for some gorgeous design. Scroll down and see this profusion of perfection!

Stunning Wedding Flowers

Wedding bouquet by Devine Designs in Fulton, NY

Vibrant bouquet from Forget-Me-Not Flower and Gifts in Chandler, TX

Burnt orange bridal bouquet by Allison at Blue Iris Flowers in Catonsville, MD

“Bridal bouquet of burnt orange calla lilies and bear grass.”

Wedding collage by Wilma’s Flowers in Jasper, AL

Everyday Flowers

Spooky Treat for Halloween from Michele’s Floral and Gifts in Copperas Cove, TX

“M&M mug paired with fresh fall flowers & an extra surprise of candy tucked inside the bat.”

Amazingly creative autumn arrangement by Tom Kenison AIFD of Crossroads Florist in Mahwah, NJ

Giving a special touch with Michele’s Floral and Gifts in Copperas Cove, TX

“Our signature touch to our special floral arrangements, a handmade butterfly adorns special blossoms.”

A birthday centerpiece from Wilma’s Flowers in Jasper, AL

Beautiful arrangement from Michele’s Floral and Gifts in Copperas Cove, TX

“Our customers love the soft romantic colors of delphinium, belles, spiders, gazers, & pink carnations with the promise of spring added by a birdhouse & willow basket.”

Beautiful thank you flowers from Banda’s Bouquets in Longview, WA

Gorgeous centerpiece from Blooming Art Floral Design in San Diego, CA

Fall arrangement from Robyn at Flowers and More in Fresno, CA

Sympathy Flowers

Standing spray by Devine Designs in Fulton, NY

Fall sympathy arrangement from Sweet P’s Design in Lubbock, TX

“Love the grouping of roses and the framing of the palm leaves.”

Funeral spray from Robyn at Flowers and More in Fresno, CA

“Funeral spray of red roses, white hydrangea and Casablanca lilies.”

Sympathy arrangement for a fisherman from Tattered Leaf in Lyons, WI

What will next week bring? Who knows! 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 Facebook Friday Recap!

Learn how to submit! | See past recap posts!

Filed Under: Floral Design, Florists Only Tagged With: Facebook Friday, Floral Design, Flower Pictures, Sympathy Flowers, Wedding Flowers

Gobble Up The Top 20 Thanksgiving Card Messages

November 1, 2013 by Flower Shop Network 1 Comment

“Happy gobble-gobble!” That’s the traditional way to say Happy Thanksgiving in my family. A table full of food is my favorite thing about Thanksgiving Day but there’s a lot to love about the holiday. Friends and family gather around to celebrate a day off of work, a really good football game, a feast of delicious food and the turkey coma that follows. What an incredible day!

What’s kind of sad is that the real meaning of the holiday is becoming lost in the muffled voices of people eating, so I’ve decided to reiterate a bit of it. We all know the story of how the pilgrims came over on the Mayflower to settle the colonies that would later become America. The winter was bleak and barren but the local Indians were kind enough to share their food as well as teach the pilgrims some survival tips for the next winter. We owed them a debt of gratitude for their hospitality, began saying thanks by dining together which formed a strong bond, and thus began the tradition of Thanksgiving.

Dining together still forms a wholesome bond between people, but sometimes celebrating Thanksgiving in this way isn’t possible. For this reason, many choose to send Thanksgiving flower arrangements or cornucopias. After all, everyone loves receiving a gift even if it is in lieu of the sender’s company. The hard part comes in finding the right card message to go along with the gift of flowers. To make it simpler, local florists have provided their favorite choices for Thanksgiving card messages. Enjoy!

Giving Thanks With The Top 20 Thanksgiving Card Messages:

1) Among the Many Things We Give Thanks For Are Loyal Friends Like You Who Have Helped Make This Year A Success For Us

2) Giving thanks for your friendship

3) May your life be filled with good things to be thankful for as ours are filled with thankfulness for you

4) Thanksgiving gives us the opportunity to tell you how very much your friendship means to us

5) 1. Me – 2. Your family – 3. Everyone who recognizes kindness, caring, and generosity of spirit. Just a short list of the people whose lives you’ve touched. Happy Thanksgiving.

6) May your heart be glad and your home be happy at this joyful time of thanksgiving.

7) When I count my blessings, I count you twice. Happy Thanksgiving.

8) Our homes may be far apart, but our hearts are as close as always.

9) Thinking of you and wishing you all the blessings of this beautiful season.

10) Happy Turkey Day.

You’re only halfway through! View all Thanksgiving enclosure card messages. Brought to you by Flower Shop Network.

Filed Under: Card Messages Tagged With: Enclosure Card Messages, Flower Shop Network, Holiday Gift Ideas, Local Florists, Thanksgiving Enclosure Card Messages, Thanksgiving Flowers

Happy Halloween From FSN!

October 31, 2013 by Mandy Maxwell 1 Comment

At Flower Shop Network, we never let a day of fun and entertainment pass us by! This Halloween is no different, and we had quite a few people participate in our annual costume contest. From pop culture to historically hilarious, high brow to powerfully pun-y, we pulled out all the stops! Scroll on down to see the hordes of insanity invading the FSN halls!

No, that’s not a man with pipe-cleaners growing out of his face. It’s an extremely hairy FSN logo! Excellent costume, Kier!

Cookies and candy. Does it get any deader, I mean better, than this?

Hulk Hogan AND Wolverine? Wow, not sure one post can handle so much machismo. THAT’S JUST CRAZY, BROTHER! [Read more…]

Filed Under: FSN Announcements Tagged With: FSN Halloween, Halloween, Halloween Party, Halloween Pictures

Enjoy These Frightfully Fun Halloween Card Messages

October 30, 2013 by Flower Shop Network 1 Comment

What do costumes, apples and ghouls have in common? Halloween. I know. I gave you that one. In any case, Halloween is a very festive time when even the most straight-laced folks get to let loose and enjoy the evening. It’s the only time of year when no one thinks twice about seeing Batman walk down the street beside an angel and a skeleton. Kind of creepy, yes, but Halloween is a popular holiday for a reason—the gifts! Halloween gifts range from gag gifts to Halloween flower arrangements. When boo-tiful blossoms are the gift of choice, the hard part becomes figuring out what clever lines to leave on the enclosure card. I’ll help you out again.

Local florists spend Halloween like everyone else except they get to deliver their best Halloween flower arrangements and watch how happy this type of celebration makes people. They are always coming across new and clever card messages to accompany their arrangements, so it seemed only natural to ask for some of their favorite Halloween card messages.

Top 10 Eerily Awesome Halloween Enclosure Card Messages:

1) A happy Halloween wish just for grins!

2) As the sky grows dark and the moon glows bright, as strange creatures and critters appear in the night, as the goblins growl and the werewolves whine, hope that Halloween sends a chill up your spine!

3) At this special time of year when jack-o’-lanterns glow, it gives a welcome chance to send a warm “Hello!” Happy Halloween.

4) This is no Trick just a Treat for a special someone. Happy Halloween.

5) Time for shivers, scares, and thrills, for pumpkin grins in windowsills, for black cats in the full moon’s glow, and a happy Halloween hello!

6) A Merry Halloween. Wishing you a Halloween filled with good old-fashioned fun.

7) Hope your Halloween is so happy, it makes you glow inside.

Surprise! That’s only 7! Find all 10 Halloween enclosure card messages. Feel free to share this frighteningly funny list with your customers. Let us know who BOO!-hooed and who laughed hysterically. Brought to you by Flower Shop Network.

Filed Under: Card Messages Tagged With: Enclosure Card Messages, Flower Shop Network, Halloween Enclosure Card Messages, Halloween Flowers, Holiday Gift Ideas, Local Florists

Fall Back With Flowers!

October 30, 2013 by Juli Jackson Leave a Comment

Just a reminder to turn those clocks back this Sunday.

Daylight saving time ends this year on November 3rd, 2013 . That means you’ll get an extra hour of sleep but those nights which have slowly been creeping closer are about to get much longer!

Even though fall is such a beautiful time of year, days can start to feel rushed when the sun is setting at 5 o’clock. Who likes to miss all the sunshine and changing leaves while being at work all day? And like it or not, if you work a 9 to 5, darkness has settled in by the time you get home!

Brighten your fall afternoons with flowers!

Here’s why:

Flowers bring their own sunshine and smiles. Be an everyday hero and send a cheery fall arrangement to your spouse or best friend!
Potted house plants look beautiful and lift your mood. Plus they help purify the air so they are great for offices and small spaces.
Looking for something new to spruce up your home? Check out seasonal wreaths, swags and more at your local flower shop.

Even though the days are getting shorter, you can still enjoy the bright bounty of nature when you give the gift of fresh cut flowers and living plants. It’s a great way to show someone special that you are thinking about them or a perfect way to treat yourself.

Find your real local florist today and order the great flowers to fall back with this season.

Filed Under: Seasonal Flowers Tagged With: Flower Suggestions, Seasonal Flowers, Sending Flowers

Ask the Plant Expert: My Avocado Leaves are Browning!

October 29, 2013 by Ed Belly 2 Comments

Ask The Expert:

I have an a immature avocado tree that I started from seed, first time. We are several months in and it stands 22″ from seed. Several leaves are browning and curling at the tips and inward along the sides. I water it regularly and use Miracle Gro every now and then, it was originally potted using Miracle Gro soil. Any ideas?

Steven Fricke

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Plant Expert Reply:

Fricke,

Sorry for the delay in my reply to your plant question.

I think your plant has a case of Phytophthora root rot caused by the heavy Miracle Gro soil. Avocados need a soil that drains well and can not be buried too deep. If exposed to soggy soil or if planted too deep, a rotting can occur which will cause the leaves or stems to die.

They also require a 6 to 6.5 ph.

Check your roots and drainage. Then send me some more information on what you are using on the plant besides water. We should be able to figure this out and turn the issue around.