Flower Suggestions

What Plants Add March Interest In South Carolina

February 4, 2010 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

Ask The Expert: Im trying to figure out what would be the best plants to plant outside in March to beautify my community. Kimberly Columbia, SC

Plant Expert Reply:

Are you looking for shrubs or flowers? South Carolina is a zone 7-8. So, you would need plants that are zone 7 hardy. The issue is March may not be the best time to plants shrubs in your area. Another issue to consider is the location you are wanting to beautify.

If you simply want to beautify an entrance to your home or an office building, I suggest using decorative pots filled with annual flowers. This option gives you color, as well as an opportunity to change your colors seasonally. For March, I suggest the following flowers: pansies, snapdragons, wave petunia, lisanthus, dianthus, delphinium, diascia, stock, alyssum, bacopa, bellis, primula, violas. My personal preference is a pot with snapdragons and wave petunias. To find your best option drop into your local nursery or garden center and discuss the flowers available in your area.

The same goes for shrubs. To find the right shrubs for your area, you have to consider many factors: space requirements, soil needs, maintenance, whether a commercial or residential application and the need for year-round interest. I personally like a mixture of evergreen, blooming and deciduous plants.

Nandinas are one of my favorite shrubs in early spring. Although, I prefer the dwarf nandinas — either a harbour belle or a gulf stream variety. Nandinas have a reddish foliage in the cold months and a green foliage in the warm months. So, this plant could add a lot of interest to your area in March. I also favor boxwoods and cleyera japonica as foundation plants. If you have room for a tree and you want early spring blooming try a saucer magnolia or a star magnolia.

The best suggestion I can give you on want to plant is to take a photo and measurements of the area and take it to your local garden center and nursery. This way they can help you design your area and show your the plant options available in your area.

Good luck and let me know how it turns out.

The Romance Of Flowers: How To Choose The Best Flowers For Your Sweetie

February 2, 2010 by Flower Shop Network 2 Comments

Flower Romance Consists Of More Than Roses!

Yes, roses are traditionally considered the most romantic flower.

However, this isn’t always the case. Though it seems hard to believe, many men and women do not care for roses or favor other flowers more highly.

When you’re in a pickle about which romantic flowers to get your sweetheart, don’t be discouraged. Try these ideas instead:

Choose A Flower With A Significant Meaning

The instant joy felt when receiving flowers is a memory not quickly forgotten. Often, parents send their children the same type of flower each year to celebrate a birthday, special occasion or Valentine’s Day before boyfriends and girlfriends enter the picture.

Carnations, orchids, tulips, daisies and other popular cut flowers are given as tokens of love and affection on these occasions. Growing up with those memories, the flowers sent are revered through adolescence and into adulthood.

When considering Valentine’s Day gifts, anniversary flowers, or birthday flowers this year, do your best to learn if a particular bloom has a special significance to your sweetheart.

Instead of the traditional “because it’s expected of me” gift, your sweetie will enjoy the “it’s truly because I care” gesture. The little things go a long way, and this is the “extra mile” sort of gift that will dazzle.

Select Fresh Flowers With Special Meanings

The sweetest thing someone can do for their lover is to personally select the flowers that go into a romantic bouquet. Taking the time to learn about flower meanings, flower color meanings and personal significance to the recipient is the most amazing part of any gift. When ordering a romantic flower bouquet from your florist, consider the following flowers. Each has a special flower meaning. (Hint: Include the flower meaning on the card and watch her eyes light up!)

Holly = domestic happiness
Larkspur = beautiful spirit
Lilac = first love
Orchid = delicate beauty
Red Tulip = declaration of love
Yellow Tulip = hopelessly in love

Talk with your florist about using flowers with significant meanings. The best gift of all is the gift that shows how much you care.

Romantic Flowers She’s Sure To Love

There are some fresh flowers that never fail. Many of the flowers below are [Read more…]

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions, Newsletters Tagged With: Flower Suggestions, Fresh Flowers, Lilac, Peony, Valentines Day Gifts

Psychiatrists: Fill Your Lobby With These Flowers

December 24, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Sometimes a little power of suggestion can do the trick. For those in the profession of mental health, the flower meanings of these blooms represent exactly the emotions you hope to see and express during a session.

It’s proven in many clinical studies that flowers are a powerful part of a happy psyche. When decorating your waiting room with fresh flowers (always a good idea), consider these flowers for their unique flower meanings. (Read more on flowers and mental health)

The flower meaning of begonia is “deep thoughts.”
The flower meaning of black-eyed susan is “encouragement.”
The flower meaning of white chrysanthemum is “truth.”
The flower meaning of red chrysanthemum is “sharing.”
The flower meaning of peony is “healing.”

When dealing with mental health, we could all use a little of these sentiments. Contact your local florist to discuss using these fresh flowers in your practice. You can also learn more flower meanings brought to you by Flower Shop Network.

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

The Perfect Gift For Your First Love

November 28, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

As you know, every flower has a particular meaning. I was intrigued by the flower meaning of lilacs. “First love” took me by surprise and struck me as an excellent gift for my sweetheart. Of course, he’s not as into flowers as I am but he does love things that have a significant meaning. He’s just really sly about it. *grin*

A Lilac Bloom

By the by, lilac can also represent “youthful innocence” which I think really ties into first love. You can be 150 but the moment you fall for someone, you’re right back to that giddy and excited feeling. That’s why many “feel young again” when they fall in love with someone special.

Whether man or woman, your first love deserves to receive a few lilac blooms. It’s a beautiful, fragrant flower. Even those features are significant as they speak of how you regard your partner. Does she always smell good no matter what she’s been doing? Does his handsome face catch you off guard sometimes? It’s ok. This tends to happen with everyone who is still very much in love with their first love. I know I am!

If you want a significant, romantic gift for your first love, choose lilac or an arrangement from your local florist that features lilac. The occasion can be special or “just because”. Either way, it’s a real treat for your sweetheart to know that you still get dreamy-eyed or never stopped seeing the world through rose-colored glasses because of them.

Interested in flower meanings? Contact your local florist for ideas on how to incorporate flower meanings into your gift of flowers.

Filed Under: Flower Meanings Tagged With: Flower Meanings, Flower Suggestions, Gift Ideas

What Flowers Should You Send For Your Anniversary?

November 14, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Ready to wow your sweetheart? Want to dazzle her with your charm? Want to floor him with your beauty? It all starts with flowers. Whether planning a romantic weekend or enjoying the same routine night as usual, add a dose of different to your anniversary. Flowers are a girl’s true BFF; diamonds are just their playmates. Here’s how you can eavesdrop on the chatter and get away with it:

Listen to the flower meanings. That’s right! Almost every flower has a particular meaning. The anniversary bouquet you send will have more significance if you take the time to pick out flower meanings that are right for your relationship. We’re going to go ahead and cut out the research time. Here’s a list of popular flowers and their meanings. Choose these and your sweetheart will be yours for the rest of the night.

Lilac – First Love
Orchid – Delicate Beauty
Pansy – Loving Thoughts
Passion Flower – Passion
Red Rose – Passionate Love
Red & White Rose – Unity
Sunflower – Adoration
Tuberose – Pleasure
Red Tulip – Declaration of Love
Yellow Tulip – Hopelessly In Love
Holly – Domestic Happiness
Gardenia – Joy

Your local florist will have an incredible amount of ideas for how to make these anniverary flowers extra special using flowers with a certain meaning. If you have thoughts of your own, contact your local florist and let the magic begin. With a little explanation on the enclosure card, your sweetheart will be swooning as soon as these flowers grace the doorway. Happy anniversary!

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: Anniversary Flowers, Flower Suggestions, Gift Ideas

Dads Give Great Gifts Too

October 6, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

The other day I received a gift from my father that can turn even the most devout momma’s girl like me into Daddy’s little girl again. I told my mom about moving into a new office at work. She in turn told my father who surprised me when she came to see me on the first day in that office. Dad by himself was a treat but it was what he brought with him that nearly had me in tears.

A small recap of former posts: my favorite flower is the standard pink carnation. It is this because this is the flower that dad always sent to my sister and me when we were growing up. He sent a pink carnation for Valentines Day when we were too young for suitors. He would send us pink carnations when he got lonely working away as a paramedic. I’ve loved the delightful flowers ever since.

So here mom comes with a few things for my new home. I’m already stoked to see my dad and their dog who tagged along for a quick visit. When dad walks me to my truck and shows what he’d put in my seat as a “new office” gift, I felt something I haven’t felt in a long time. I was pleased and delighted as well as a bit embarassed by the attention. In other words–I loved it.

I once heard a father say that the gift itself doesn’t matter nearly so much as the fact that it came from his child. “They could give me an empty box and I’d love it.” Well Dad, it works both ways. I knew my gift wasn’t something Daddy picked up from a random bix box store. He took the time to go to the town’s local florist and pick up a carnation for me.

Yeah, he just solidified the pink carnation’s place in my heart forever. See, dads give great gifts too.

To secure a fresh place in your daughter or son’s heart, send flowers from a local florist using Flower Shop Network.

Filed Under: Gift Ideas Tagged With: Carnation, Flower Suggestions, Sending Flowers

FSN’s Hope For Breast Cancer Awareness Month

September 30, 2009 by Flower Shop Network 1 Comment

It’s no secret that Flower Shop Network has been deeply and personally affected by breast cancer. Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’d like to give you our reasons why we hope this month will be a strong month for everyone who has been affected by the horrible disease.

"Think Pink" Flowers for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Recently each one of us was touched by the tragic loss of our dear friend, Jackie Marshall, who passed away earlier this year from complications of breast cancer. Having been in remission for many years, the cancer resurfaced later in another part of her body and took her much quicker than any of us had imagined possible.
Our own Loranne Atwill suffered a loss long before selling her flower shop to pursue her dreams with Flower Shop Network, Wedding And Party Network, and FGmarket. One of the florists in her shop was diagnosed with breast cancer and was sadly lost to the illness.
A very good friend of mine and a strong mentor lost her life battling the disease for only a few months. After a double mastectomy, the cancer was still not isolated and removed. My family, her family and many friends have never forgotten the sound of her voice or how happy it made us to hear her laugh. We just miss it.

It’s hard not to meet someone who has been affected by breast cancer. It is a prevalent, horrible disease that sneaks and attacks without warning, without repentance. It is very important that a cure is found and found FAST. Having known all but first hand the difficulties of the disease, it’s our sincerest hopes that people (including us) do everything we can this month and every one after to help find a way to end the suffering for our sisters.

Many florists give a portion of the proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Foundation or another respectable foundation involved in the fight against breast cancer. Contact your local flower shop today to see if they participate in any programs. If they don’t, request one!

Know someone battling breast cancer? Respectfully and gently show your respect by sending a Breast Cancer Awareness flower bouquet to your loved one.

Filed Under: FSN Announcements Tagged With: Breast Cancer Awareness, Flower Suggestions

Check Out The Birth Month Flower of October

September 28, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

For someone with a birthday in October (like me) it’s important to feel special. I suppose that’s true of all birthday boys and girls but it’s especially true of Libras and as much so of Scorpios. Rather than focus on zodiac flowers–in case you did that last year–focus instead on the birth month flower of October when looking for a unique birthday gift.

The birth month flower of October is marigold (Calendula) which means that it’s super easy to find flowers to go with such a beautiful bloom. Fall flowers like chocolate cosmos, burgundy pincushion, dahlia, dark colored hydrangea, sunflowers, amaranthus and gloriosa are great with marigold. They give a festive feel to the arrangement and are a breath of fresh flowers…er…air.

If you haven’t already discovered the October birth month flower, talk with your local florist about how you can send arrangements containing marigold or inspired by the delightful colors and textures of it. This will be a unique birthday gift for a special someone and will give you a chance to flex your creative muscles. Go on! Be creative!

Just a side note, the flower meaning of marigold (Calendula) is “desire for riches” so you can also use this as part of the theme of your gift. It’s practically the same as wishing someone good fortune, plus you the golden opportunity to use the most beautiful brown, orange and yellow shades in your arrangement. If your birthday boy or girl isn’t a fan of these colors, play it down a little and add some of their favorites. Reds, greens, dark blues, purples and similar earth-toned hues are striking against other popular fall flowers.

Filed Under: Gift Ideas Tagged With: Birth Month Flowers, Birthday Gift Ideas, Flower Suggestions, October Birth Month Flowers

Know Someone Needing A Dramatic Gift?

September 24, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

They’ll flip when you send them a bouquet featuring lots of amaryllis.

So how did I get from dramatic to amaryllis? Easier than you’d think. The flower meaning of amaryllis is “dramatic”. Now while I wouldn’t recommend sending this to a drama queen as they may get offended and cause a storm of entertaining evenings, this is a really fun gift for someone who has been going through a rough or trying time and needs a pick me up.

The unique flower meaning of amaryllis also makes it easy to recognize that someone has been struggling to have an “even keel” day once in a while. Something always comes up or they never catch a break. I know plenty of people like that, my sweetheart and mother included. Both work their tails off to please and provide for other people with little gratitude in return. If I want them to know what I’m thinking, I’ll make sure amaryllis helps me say it.

Other flowers with special flower meanings that will go well with amaryllis are:

"Melody of Flowers" with Alstroemeria

Pink carnations (gratitude)
Black-eyed Susan (encouragement)
Cosmos (peaceful)
Gardenia (joy)
Gladioulus (strength of character)
Lisianthus (calming)
Pansy (loving thoughts)
Star of Bethlehem (hope)
Pink tulip (caring)

There are many other flower meanings as you might have imagined. These are just some of the beautiful flowers that represent a special sentiment that will help cheer up your friend or loved one. A sweet card message mentioning their meaning will be a sweet reward for someone very deserving of positive attention. When you contact your local florist for a pick-me-up treat for your friend, ask about using flowers with special meanings for an extra special, meaningful bouquet.

Filed Under: Flower Meanings Tagged With: Flower Meanings, Flower Suggestions, Gardenia, Gift Ideas, Lisianthus, Star of Bethlehem

Is It Time For Libra Birthday Gifts Already?

September 18, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

My heart is jumping up and down a little because that means that my birthday is just around the corner. I’m on the cusp of Libra and Scorpio but I align myself more with Libras. Libras are an awesome group of people. There are exceptions to every rule but not when we’re concerned. We are all awesome. If you’re a Libra, you’ll understand my passion for this zodiac sign. If not, feel free to let my ramblings elude you and take a peek at this AWESOME birthday gift for Libras.

A Unique Birthday Gift For Libras

If you know someone who was born between September 23rd and October 23rd, you have a Libra’s birthday gift to buy. As always but with growing passion, I recommend flowers. Not just any old flowers though. Give flowers associated with the Libra zodiac sign. Some Libra zodiac flowers are:

Half Dozen Pink Roses

pink roses
dahlias
gardenias
tea roses
orchids
tuberose
freesia
gladiolus

They’re all beautiful flowers and many of them are quite fragrant. They strike an easy balance between pleasing both the eyes and the nose. This isn’t just a coincidence. Libras fall under the sign of the scales so finding a balance in nature is part of our charm.

If you’re in the mood to give a unique birthday gift this year, contact your local florist and ask to send your friend some astrological/zodiac flowers associated with the Libra sign. It’s something they don’t hear often enough and will give them a pleasant change. Watch how their creativity flows when given a fresh idea! You’ll love what comes out of their creative process, but more importantly, your sweetheart/friend will adore them too. Most of all, they’ll adore you!

Miss the Libra zodiac flowers blog last year? No worries. View it now!

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: Astrological Flowers, Birthday Gift Ideas, Flower Suggestions, Libra Zodiac Flowers, Zodiac Flowers