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Your Hometown Florist = Your Lifetime Florist

September 19, 2012 by Leave a Comment

“I have used Sharen’s Florist for over 20 years and have not been disappointed once!” – Michele, FL

A family florist, one who knows you, your family, and your style, takes years of working together to establish. Moving away from your hometown doesn’t mean you have to get a new florist. In fact, your florist is now your new best friend. They’re your tried-and-true gift and delivery service to your family members back home. When you can’t be there in person, your florist can deliver the perfect gift for the occasion: birthdays, anniversaries, thank yous,  just because and anything else!

A Lifetime Florist

Sharen’s Flowers & Gifts in Treasure Island FL is an excellent example of a florist who keeps up their relationship with those who’ve moved away. They are known for their well-designed, long-lasting arrangements. Once a person uses Sharen’s, they’re hooked for life.

“We’ve been ordering flowers from Sharen’s for 25+ years, including our wedding. We no longer live in St Pete, but continue to use Sharen’s now for Mothers Day delivery and other occasions for family in St Pete. They are a small shop, and the arrangements are always fresh, beautiful and priced right. Highly recommended.” – Michael of WA reviews

Remember, many flower shops carry and can deliver more than just flowers, such as: houseplants, gift baskets, jewelry, chocolate, and more. It’s your one-stop-shop for gifts to your family back home!

Gift Basket Spa Day Gift Basket

“I purchased a basket of treats for my dad for Father’s Day. I live in Alberta, and he lives in Florida, so sometimes it’s hard to send things. Plus, what do you get the man who has everything? He really enjoyed the basket of goodies.” – Jessica from Canada reviews Sharen’s Flowers

Put your hometown florist on speed dial, you’ll be needing them when the next birthday comes around!
(Video: Importance of Local Florists)

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: , , ,

Florida State Florist Association’s 2012 Convention – Paradise

June 13, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The Florida State Florist Association‘s 2012 Annual Convention was this past weekend on Hutchington Island in Florida. With a show titled, Paradise, you knew you’d be in for a treat, and our own Leslie Cox was the lucky FSN team member to attend.

Paradise is the perfect time to learn, gather in friendship, shop the venders in the tradefair, view competitions and show your overall support of the floral industry in Florida by supporting FSFA.  – Steven Day, AIFD CFD & Paradise Chairperson

Floral Designs From the 2012 FSFA Annual Convention

Of course the Florida State Florist Association’s convention is going to use TROPICALS! They were definitely on everyone’s mind during this show themed Paradise. Check out these bright and cheery floral designs, perfect for kicking off summer!

Rustic Woven Bows With Pick Daisies FSFA Yellow Flower Arrangement Picture Birds of Paradise are featured in this tropical floral design from FSFA

This arrangement features an abundance of interesting textures by mixing flowers such as: cockscomb, hydrangeas, protea, and hypericum berries. Yellow floral design featuring lilies and chrysanthemums. Peach and orange is mixed with different shades of green to create a beautiful and unique flower arrangement.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Floral Conventions & Flower Shows, Floral Design, Floral Industry News Tagged With: , , ,

Florist Helps Lizard of Oz Come To Life To Better Her Community

October 14, 2011 by 1 Comment

There’s something a little quirky about the town of Gulfport FL, with their Gecko Fest (yes, the lizard), art walks and more. A quote from the Gulfport Merchant Association‘s website says it all, “We’ve been called funky, eclectic, artsy, charming, progressive, welcoming, warm, and yes, even weird. We are a small town, but we have a big heart. It’s easy to make yourself at home here. Visit us and we think you’ll agree.”

Lizard of Oz - Gecko Fest 2011
(Definitely not in Kansas anymore)

It is this association that brings local businesses together to make big things happen in their community. Their biggest accomplishment is the beloved Gulfport Gecko Fest that attracts around 40,000+ people to their city every year. To kick off Gecko Fest they put on a unique play, always with a fun, gecko twist. This year’s theme was the Lizard of Oz.

One of our florists and Gulfport Merchant Association member did her part to help out with this fantastical event. Karen Lanigan of Karen’s Florist of Gulfport helped out with decorations for the set, the costumes and she was also in the cast as a living, 10 foot-tall apple tree! Now that’s community dedication!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: , ,

Orange Flowers Available For December Wedding

August 18, 2009 by Leave a Comment

Ask the Expert: Which flowers are available in December?
My best friend is getting married in the end of December in Florida. I am trying to help her as much as I can. So right now I am looking for seasonal flowers that would be available during that time. For her wedding color she wants to go for a deeper orange color. Could you help me with that? Thank you. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Hanna N.

Plant Expert Reply:
The flower world has changed over the years and many flower varieties are now available year round.  However, it is always nice to has a list to go by when you are in the early planning stages.  The following flowers are available for weddings in December and in a shade of orange:

Alstromeria, Ascelpias, Bird of Paradise, Calla Lily, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Euphorbia, Fressia, Gerbera, Gladiolus, Hypericum, Lily (Asiatic), Narcissus, Protea, Ranunculus, Rose, Safflower, and Tulip.

Orange Gerbera Wedding Bouquet

Orange Gerbera Wedding Bouquet

Many of these flowers are excellent choices for wedding bouquets and reception flowers. My personal favorites are Gerberas, Callas and Tulips. If you need a strong presentation of orange, the Asiatic Lily blooms are large and make a great focal flower. To add a delicate element used the Fressia or Ascelpias. For a unique look used the Safflower.

Of course, there are other wedding flowers available in December and that is where your local Florida florist comes in handy.  You can take this list to them and discuss these wedding flowers. The florist can show you what these flowers look like and how they can be used in bouquets.  They will be able to suggest other flowers that are available in December and which will complement the flowers already discussed.

If you need a good source for planning a wedding, check out Wedding and Party Network and The Celebration Advisor.  In fact the photo above came from the wedding bouquet photo gallery on Wedding and Party Network.  Scott Darhower of Apple Blossoms Floral Design in Tampa designed the gorgeous bouquets.

I hope you and your friend have a fun planning her wedding.  Keep me posted.   I can’t wait to see what wedding flowers you choose.

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: , , , ,

Florida State’s Newest Master Designer is Tony from Bay Bouquet!

June 17, 2009 by Leave a Comment

You ever sit down with someone and realize that you are speaking to someone with a heart of gold? That’s how it was when Tony picked up the phone. Bay Bouquet Floral Studio, a flower shop in Tampa Florida, is already well renowned for their stylish designs and attention to customer service. I can see why! One 30 minute conversation with Tony showed why so many people choose Bay Bouquet Floral Studio for their flowers, though I knew in the first 3 minutes.

The reason for the call was to congratulate Tony for earning the Florida State Master Designer accreditation at the FSFA Convention in early June. It’s a big accomplishment so we wanted to let him know how proud we are of him for a job well done. Not being from Florida, I wasn’t sure what earning the FSMD entailed so I asked.

According to Tony, the rules and judging standards are based on the AIFD test. It is a two part test which contestants are given three hours to complete. First, they must finish a 125 question written test. (The AIFD has only 25.) Second, they are given tickets to create three floral designs. Tony’s assignments were hospital flowers, a corsage and a boutonniere, and a designer’s choice arrangement. It’s not a competition. The flowers are judged by design and knowledge of certain key floral design concepts. Only already accredited designers are allowed to judge. What makes it tough is that if you fail either part, you fail it all. You must then repeat the part you failed at the next session. Fortunately for Tony, he did it on his first try!

I could go on and on about Tony and Bay Bouquet Floral Studio. Tampa is lucky to have a flower shop like Bay Bouquet Floral Studio. I’m sure (because I’ve spoken with them) that there are many other talented florists in Tampa, but you’d be well off to stop in and have a conversation with Tony.

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: , , ,

Seasonal Flowers for a March Wedding in Florida

October 7, 2008 by 4 Comments

Ask the Expert: Seasonal flowers for a March Wedding in Florida?

I am getting married in central Florida on March 21st. I would like to use as many local flowers, or at least grown in the US, as possible. What are some options? How would I go about getting orange blossoms?
Thanks! Jaime

Filed Under: Seasonal Flowers Tagged With: , , ,

Florists Respond Favorably To The Networker From FSN

July 16, 2008 by Leave a Comment

It has only been a week since Flower Shop Network launched The Networker. Along with addressing issues important to the floral industry and highlighting FSN services, this publication encourages input from member florists on issues or announcements that concern them. So far, feedback from shops has been wonderful. Florists from all over have submitted excellent topic suggestions, honors, announcements, personal insights, and even a nice thank you like the one from Bay Bouquet Floral Studio in Tampa, Florida.

I was particular touched by what Tony Swick and J. Thomas had to say and excited about their announcement of a new staff member:

To Whom it may concern,

We wanted to take a minute to thank Flower Shop Network for being part of our new business. After 20 plus years in the industry, we started our new shop in 09/07 with Flower Shop Network as our source for sending orders. Our store is a custom floral studio made up of 252 sq. ft and a 6×8 cooler attached to the back.

Our store is located in a great area of Tampa called Hyde Park, near downtown with a great residential area. Our clients are not the run of the mill traditional floral purchasers. They have a higher average order and require a nice selection of flowers. We have chosen not to carry carnations, daisies, or baby’s breath. This has helped us stand out in the area. Our designs encompass new trends, unique appeal and the freshest flowers arriving daily!

Our website with Flower Shop Network has had some really great activity. Customers have made comments about how user friendly it is. We thank you for that! We are looking forward to much more success with Flower Shop Network. We are also looking forward to being able to easily add our own designs and prices.

We wanted to take a minute and announce the newest addition to our staff. Heather Lockwood from Adrian, Michigan of Flowers & Such. Heather brings a great freshness to her design and has won awards as well as enjoyed floral training from designers such as Helen Miller, AIFD and Hitomi Gilliam AIFD. We are excited to have her with us. Knowing that her talent will be a great asset to all floral designs from our store.

Thank you Flower Shop Network for working for the florists and working to make this ever changing industry a continued success.
Our Best Regards,

Tony Swick
J. Thomas

Between The Networker and the Bloomin’ Blog, we plan to address every suggestion, topic and announcement. So keep them coming… we love to hear from our member florists and readers! In fact, we are compiling information for future issues of The Networker that will feature some great marketing tips, as well as shop accolades. We also plan to blog about how to order flowers online with tips for consumers on how to find local florists and important information needed to make shopping and sending flowers a pleasant experience. If you have any suggestions for this blog, please send them to jadams@flowershopnetwork.com or Ask The Expert on the Bloomin’ Blog.

Filed Under: Floral Industry News, FSN Announcements Tagged With: , , ,

Friday The 13th Is Good Day For Florida Florists

June 12, 2008 by Leave a Comment

People often associated Friday the 13th with a bad day. As I see it, this year it is going to be a good day for Florida Florists (many are Flower Shop Network members). Why? Because the Florida State Florists’ Association Convention starts tomorrow, June 13th. From the look of the Schedule of Events it promises to be a great convention. This convention is filled with design workshops, competitions and includes a program involving wedding design. Many of the Flower Shop Network florists have flower shops that specialize in wedding flowers. Since wedding flowers are a large part of the floral industry, this special program will give florists an insight as to the wedding trends for 2008 and 2009 and how to refresh the traditional flower concepts for the modern bride. Along with all the great workshops and competitions, there will be many opportunities to network with florists from around the state as well as some from surrounding states.

If you are attending don’t for get you money. The silent auction promises to be a good one. If you are not registered but would like to attend, I am sure they will sign you up at the door. Most convention have a registration booth on site at the beginning of the convention for those last minute attendees.

Interested in other floral related conventions, symposiums or shows? I have complied a list of Conventions, symposiums and shows for June through October 2008. As information becomes available I will add to the list. Flower Shop Network staff will be attending some of these and we look forward to seeing you there.

For those of you attending the Florida State Florists Convention.  Have a happy and fun Friday the 13th.

Filed Under: Floral Conventions & Flower Shows Tagged With: , , ,
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