Floral Industry News - Bloomin' Blog

English Garden Florist Introduces New Wedding Website

April 24, 2008 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

The English Garden Florist introduces TEGWeddings.com – a new website that showcases the shop’s Wedding and Event flower business.

Flower Shop Network member, The English Garden Florist of Raleigh, North Carolina has just launched TEGWeddings.com, a new online resource for couples in search of a wedding florist in the Raleigh/Durham Triangle, North Carolina area. The new wedding site offers prospective brides and grooms the ability to learn more about The English Garden Florist and their capabilities through an online gallery and testimonials from past customers.

“Our website also has a number of pages devoted to helping couples plan and budget for their wedding flowers. We have a number of sample floral designs to help inspire brides along with a planning checklist to help keep brides on track for a successful wedding,” stated owner Cydney Davis-English.

Among these features, the website allows couples to submit detailed contact information to The English Garden to aid in the floral planning process. The website also offers potential customers a chance to view sample proposals and pricing worksheets created by The English Garden, which will help couples set their budget for floral decorations. It also provides an overview of how the English Garden staff approaches the proposal and pricing process.

“We believe every wedding must be a masterpiece, and the launching of this informative website will show potential brides how The English Garden can bring this level of commitment to their wedding,” commented Ms. Davis-English, who also worked in event planning in the nonprofit sector for several years before reentering the florist industry.

ABOUT THE ENGLISH GARDEN FLORIST OF RALEIGH – The English Garden Florist is a full-service retail florist, gift shop and floral event provider located at 10310 Moncreiffe Road 107 in Raleigh, NC 27617. Customers may contact the shop by calling (919) 341-6650 or 1-888-632-5975, Tuesday through Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Owners, Warren English and Cydney Davis-English are 3rd generation shop owners with the experience necessary to assist customers with placing orders for local delivery or anywhere in the world. Over the last 40 years, The English Garden Florist of Raleigh has earned a reputation in the area for providing: excellent attention to detail, a high level of personalized customer care, and the ability to work within any budget.

Brenda Kingston FSN

Filed Under: Floral Industry News Tagged With: Floral Industry News, Floral Resources, Wedding Websites

FSN Member A’Dair & Company Florist Is The 2008 Rising Star Recipent

April 14, 2008 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

A’Dair & Company florist and gifts in Liberty, TX (a Flower Shop Network member) won the 2008 Rising Star Award at the Monument Awards for Small Business ceremony held last month. A locally-owned retail flower shop, A’Dair & Company was cited for their focus on teamwork and working hard to stay on top of the latest trends in floral design without compromising price. Another FSN member, Liberty Hometown Florist & Gifts located in Liberty, Texas was last year’s overall winner in the retail/wholesale category and also received a nomination in that category for 2008.

The Monument Awards ceremony is held each year at The Lee College Small Business Development Center in Baytown, TX to honor business owners for their contributions to the community, reminding them that in a time of “superstores” and mass production, the little guy still matters.

Ann Stevens, FSN network coordinator, told me that when she first spoke to Pamela Litton, she knew that A’Dair was destine for great things. It is always nice to see someone recognized for his or her efforts. But it is fantastic to see a member of your family recognized for his or her hard work and uncompromising skills. On behalf of the whole Flower Shop Network family congratulations!

Rebecca Speer, FSN coordinator and the rest of the Flower Shop Network family would also like to congratulate Liberty Home Town Florists & Gifts. Tammy and Katie were winners last year and nominated again this year. Keep up the good work Girls!

Filed Under: Floral Industry News Tagged With: Floral Industry News, Flower Shop Network, Liberty Texas Florists, Small Business Awards

Congratulations To Hillerman Nursery & Florist – The 2008 Revolutionary Retailer

April 9, 2008 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Today’s Garden Center recently named Hillermann Nursery & Florist in Washington, MO the winner of the 2008 Revolutionary Retailer Award. The award ceremony took place during the Revolutionary 100 Roundtable, February 27-29, 2008 in Atlanta, GA. The Revolutionary 100 Garden Centers is an elite group of the country’s most innovative retail garden center operations – big and small – that have been recognized for their commitment to creating a customer experience that sets their operation apart from the rest and doing so in a way that helps them to be profitable businesses.

According to the editors of Today’s Garden Center magazine, “This company has demonstrated excellence and unique innovation in marketing, retail business practices, and outreach to employees, customers and the community.” A picture of Co-Owners Sandi Hillermann McDonald and Scott Hillermann appeared on the cover of the Today’s Garden Center‘s February issue with an article and more pictures on the inside pages. The Revolutionary Retailer featuring Hillermann Nursery & Florist can be found in the February Issue of Today’s Garden Center Magazine.

We’ve known for years what a wonderful job that Sandi, Diane, Scott and all the staff at Hillerman Nursery & Florist provides their customers. It is nice to see someone else recognize them as well. On behalf of Lynn and Flower Shop Network, congratulations on your award!

Filed Under: Floral Industry News, Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Floral Awards, Floral Industry News, Florist Spotlights, Retailer Awards, Washington Missouri Florists

Seattle Florist is Busy and Happy – Hard Work Is Paying Off

April 1, 2008 by Jamie Jamison Adams 3 Comments

Being a member of Flower Shop Network is like being part of a great big family. When someone in your family perseveres through hardships to make their dreams come true you can’t wait to tell everyone. Nick (one of our FSN network coordinators) has always told me that Justin and Heather at BiZi Bee Floral and Gifts; (one of our Seattle WA florists) were amazing people. Until I read Justin’s blog last Friday, I didn’t really understand how amazing. In his post, Justin details the journey they took to achieve their dreams including the good, the bad and the ugly events. Just like a flower, Justin and Heather are blossoming into their dream of a lifetime. From humble beginnings and through the hardships with love and hard work on their side, Justin and Heather have become an inspiration. I thought everyone in the FSN family would enjoy reading the great story of how the hard work of a family member is paying off.

Filed Under: Floral Industry News Tagged With: Floral Industry News, Florists Achievements, Seattle Washington Florists

No Rest For The Weary – Florists Are Busy With Conventions

February 20, 2008 by Jamie Jamison Adams

Although Valentine’s Day 2008 is over, the next two weeks is a busy time for many florists. Several florists’ conventions are taking place February 29th through March 9th.

The Northeast Floral Expo will be celebrating its 75th year, February 29th –March 2nd in Hartford Connecticut. Florists attending have the opportunity to attend workshops, programs and a trade fair. Some of the Flower Shop Network staff have their bags packed and are ready to go.

Florists from Georgia attending the Georgia State Florists Association Convention February 29th – March 2nd in Atlanta Georgia. Florists will have the opportunity to network with others from across the state.

Florists from Michigan can attend the Michigan Florists’ Association Spring Conference and Great lakes Floral Expo February 29th – March 3rd in Grand Rapids Michigan. Florists will have the opportunity to enjoy many activities all revolving around the “Visionary Concepts For A Bright Future” theme

Florists from Illinois can attend the Illinois State Florists Association Conference March 6th-9th in Springfield Illinois. Florists will have the opportunity to attend workshops, competitions and other useful programs.

Although many florists are exhausted from the Valentine’s Day holiday, they can’t pass up the excellent opportunity to network and learn the latest floral trends. So for all of you attending these great conferences, remember its not all work at the conventions – you get to play quite a bit, too. For those of you attending the Northeast Floral Expo our network coordinators look forward to seeing you. In fact if you stop by the Flower Shop Network trade show booth, we have a great totes bag to give you.

Filed Under: Floral Conventions & Flower Shows, Floral Industry News, Plant Care Questions Tagged With: Atlanta Georgia Florists, Floral & Flower Shows, Floral Industry News, Georgia Florists, Georgia State Florists Association Convention, Grand Rapid Michigan Florists, Great Lakes Floral Expo, Hartford Connecticut Florists, Illinois Florists, Illinois State Florists Association Conference, Michigan Florists, Michigan Florists Association Spring Conference, Northeast Floral Expo, Plant Care Questions, Springfield Illinois Florists

Mom Is Still Son’s Number 1 Valentine – Florists Help Spread The Love

February 14, 2008 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

Like most people in the floral industry, Valentine’s week is a busy time for the Flower Shop Network staff. We work long hours and are only passing blurs at home. Luckily, we all have wonderful families who understand and support us. Family members drop-by to check on us and there is an abundance of snacks to keep us going when exhaustion hits.

Valentines Day Flowers From Son Yesterday afternoon, Loranne Atwill (Flower Shop Network owner) received a beautiful Valentine’s Day flower arrangement from her nine-year-old son, Luke – I’m sure his dad probably helped. English Garden florist in Paragould Arkansas delivered the flower arrangement with Luke’s hand written message. Basically the note said, although his mom was working late every night this week, she was still his number one Valentine. This delivery, as well as some of the other Valentine’s Day flowers received by other FSN staff member, reminds me of the real reason for sending flowers – to express our feelings and create memories.

After all, isn’t that what Valentine’s Day is all about; letting those we love know how much we love and appreciate them. Whether it is a grand gesture like Luke’s or the simple gesture of purple tulips in a silver vase, sending flowers to someone on Valentine’s Day is a magnificent way to express your love and create a lasting memory.

For all you florists who are exhausted, frustrated and pondering the big question “why am I in this business”, remember the world needs florists to do their magic with flowers; so, we can create memories, express our affection and look like heroes to our loved ones. So, from the bottom of mine and Flower Shop Network’s heart, to all of the florists and their staffs who have work so diligently to make everyone’s Valentine’s Day dreams comes true — THANKS.

Filed Under: Floral Industry News, Holiday Info Tagged With: Floral Industry News, Holiday Info, Paragould Arkansas Florists, Valentines Day Flowers, Valentines Day Gifts

New York Times Recognizes Eco-friendly Santa Cruz Florist

February 5, 2008 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

Kudos to Santa Cruz florist Teresa Sabankaya and her flower shop Bonny Doon Garden Co. for their unique eco-friendly flower sales approach. This Valentine’s Day, their sales pitch is more than romance and red hearts. In fact, with their “green” approach you might think it was St. Paddy’s Day. Bonny Doon Garden Co lets customers know the “green” status of the flowers they sell by labeling flowers organic, certified or locally grown. According to the New York Times article “… A bucket held red and fuchsia anemones that were ‘organic’. Ecudorean roses the size of baseballs were ‘certified’. Roses from a nearby farm were ‘locally grown’.” Customers who want organic flowers can easily find them at Bonny Doon. But, giving customers, who normally don’t think about the eco-friendly concept, an introduction to eco-friendly products is a great way to engage them in the eco-friendly dialogue. Creating beautiful flowers arrangements and selling gorgeous flowers by the stem maybe the ultimate goal of Bonny Doon Garden Co., but their effort to connect the customer with the environment is admirable. It is nice to see a florist balance their need to provide a product and service with the need of being a good steward for the whole world.

Filed Under: Floral Industry News Tagged With: Eco Friendly, Eco Friendly Florists, Floral Industry News, Santa Cruz California Florists

Flower Shop Network Member Florists Benefit From New Party & Wedding Website

January 29, 2008 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

Wedding & Party Network recently launched the website, www.WeddingandPartyNetwork.com, a comprehensive online resource to assist consumers in conveniently locating products and services associated with planning weddings, parties or other special events.

Wedding & Party Network site provides information for thousands of companies that specialize in providing products and services specific to weddings, parties and other special events. All Flower Shop Network florists enjoy membership privileges with Wedding and Party Network.

Filed Under: Floral Industry News Tagged With: Floral Industry News, Wedding and Party Network

Flower Shop Network (FSN) Announces Top Sales Honors for 2007

January 28, 2008 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

FlowerShopNetwork.com recently announced recipients of sales achievement awards for 2007. Sales representatives, Cathy Condray and Rebecca Speer were the top two winners of the company’s annual sales contest, according to FSN president Brock Atwill. Presentations were made at the company’s annual sales meeting held earlier this month at the Paragould, Arkansas Community Center.

For their accomplishments, Condray received an all-expenses paid trip to San Antonio’s world-famous River Walk, and for her prize Speer chose a five day and night Walt Disney World vacation. In addition, fellow sales representative Amy Hall was bestowed the 2007 Salesperson of the Year award, a distinction she has earned a total of three times. Another noteworthy honoree from the 2007 sales team, Leslie Cox was named FSN Rookie of the Year.

Established in March 1999, FlowerShopNetwork.com is an online florists’ directory providing web hosting and internet advertising for over 6,000 member florists across the United States and Canada.

Amy Hall, Flower Shop Network Salesman of the Year 2007

Leslie Cox, Flower Shop Network Rookie of the Year

Cathy Condray & Rebecca Spears Winners of FSN Annual Sales Contest

Bottom Row L to R: Shelley Condray, Cathy Condray, Rebbecca Spears, Ann Stevens, Amy Hall & VP of Sales Cindy Prichard.

Top Row L to R: Joe Hays, Lynn Reavis, Leslie Cox, Nick Costner, President Brock Atwill & VP Loranne Atwill

Filed Under: Floral Industry News, FSN Announcements Tagged With: Floral Industry News, Flower Shop Network, FSN Announcements

New Jersey Flower & Garden Show February 14-17, 2008

January 1, 2008 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

Although it is January, we need to prepare ourselves the busy month of February. After all, February is the month of Valentine’s Day and several flower and garden shows. In fact in Edison New Jersey, flowers and Valentine’s Day are taken to a whole new level with the New Jersey Flower and Garden Show. The Show begins on February 14^th and ends on February 17^th. Which gives me a great idea for a Valentine’s Day gift idea – tickets to the show tucked in a bouquet of roses; a unique gift and a day of fun to boot. Anyone visiting Edison or living in New Jersey is welcome to use my Valentine’s Day gift idea.

The New Jersey Flower & Garden show celebrates outdoor entertaining with its 2008 “The Entertaining Garden-Party Among the Petals” theme. Visitors can enjoy the display gardens designed to enhance the entertaining qualities of the outdoors. The six display gardens names are as intriguing as the designs and components used for each garden.