Flower Suggestions - Bloomin' Blog

Need Birthday Flowers For A Leo?

July 20, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

When it’s time to shop for a birthday gift for a Leo, strike “trip to the mall” off of the list. Instead, call your local florist and ask about zodiac flowers for a Leo. This is a unique gift that they probably aren’t going to get twice. The creativity of zodiac flower arrangements shows that you’re paying attention to the birthday boy or girl and really wanted to go the extra mile for a cool gift this year. Well you did! At least, you will have when you contact your local florist and talk about zodiac flowers in a birthday bouquet.

So what flowers qualify as Leo zodiac flowers and astrological flowers? Here are the most popular blooms for Leos:

Orange Carnations Are Always Fun!

Carnations (yay!!!)
Amaranthus
Peonies
Anthuriums
Cacti
Sunflowers
Venus Fly Trap (though you’ll have to go farther than your local florist to find this TRULY unique gift)

So when it comes to shopping around for a birthday gift for your loveable Leo, look to your local florist. They have just what you need this year — zodiac flowers!

Mesmerizing, Majestic Magnolias; The Louisiana State Flower

July 2, 2009 by Flower Shop Network 1 Comment

I have a beautiful magnolia tree in my front yard so I’m especially attached to the Louisiana state flower. In case you haven’t guessed it yet, the Louisiana state flower is the magnificent magnolia. The flowers that bloom on a magnolia tree are beautiful, large, creamy white and richly scented. Even as the petals fall, there is beauty to behold. Watching magnolia flowers fall from a tree is like watching snow dance across the yard in the middle of June. There is very little to dislike about magnolias, so it’s easy to see why Louisiana legislators would choose the magnolia as their state flower.

Photo courtesy 50states.com

Like most state flowers, the magnolia is not one that you will find in arrangements from a local flower shop. Instead, these are beautiful flowers that are found on magnolia trees all across the south. It’s probably why you hear so many Old South impressions that include the phrase “like a beautiful magnolia” or “my little magnolia.” Having never seen the movie, I can’t tie Steel Magnolias into my southern theme but it says a lot for the magnolias to be in a movie title! That’s one distinctive flower!

Louisianans can be very proud of their state flower. The magnolia is a credit to any yard that the magnolia tree graces. As the flowers begin to bloom a very sweet aroma is released. You can tell it’s spring when you step onto your porch and smell a light, airy fragrance laced with sweetness. One look at a magnolia tree in bloom and there is no doubt what kind of tree it is. Magnolias are remarkable and unmistakable. Louisiana florists are not the only ones who get to witness the beauty of magnolia flowers. No, this is a bloom that florists everywhere can enjoy even if it’s just a photo. They are that special!

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: Flower Suggestions, Louisiana Florists, Louisiana State Flower, Magnolia

Celebrate New Babies With These Great Gifts!

July 1, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

My sister-in-law is having a baby boy this month. Another friend of mine is expecting a daughter around the same time. Not wanting to show partiality, I’ve decided to feature two flower arrangements this month.

Spring seems like baby season to me. The birth of new flowers coincides with the birth of precious little arrivals. I love children so these new baby flower arrangements stood out to me when I first came across them. After a second and third glimpse, I could no longer pass up sharing them with you.

Ok, I’ll stop stalling.

"Congratulations Daughter" New Baby Flowers

"Congratulations Son" New Baby Flowers

Baby Caleb is going to make me Aunt Brynn for the first time. I can hardly wait! Because I’m partial to little boys anyway, his gift has to be extra special. What I love about the “Congratulations Son” arrangement is that it’s a cool gift for both Caleb and his parents. There’s flowers for mom and a toy for baby! Plus the toy becomes a really sweet keepsake that he can keep for years. I can just hear him now. “This was the toy that I came home with from the hospital on the day I was born.” Ah, to know that I sent that gift warms my heart.

While I will not be “Aunt Brynn” to my friend’s little girl, I’ll definitely be a big part of her life. Her mother and I have been friends for years and will stay that way until we die. I can’t just let her go through child birth without a gift! I love the “Congratulations Son” arrangement so much that I was super excited to see the “Congratulations Daughter” flowers. What a treat for me because I know that both baby and momma will smile when the gift is delivered.

Ahhhh. Welcome, Spring.

Filed Under: Gift Ideas Tagged With: Baby Gifts, Flower Delivery, Flower Suggestions, Local Florists, New Baby Flowers

Know Someone Needing A Boost? Send These Flowers

June 25, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Flower Meanings of Hydrangea & Stargazer Lilies

"Glorious Magenta" Hydrangeas & Peonies

Many trials face us in life, but thankfully we have friends and family to encourage us through them. I know from personal experience what it is like to need encouragement or a dose of happy but have nowhere to turn. It’s remember these moments that make me love the flower meanings of stargazer lilies and hydrangeas. These are the absolute perfect gifts for someone needing a boost.

The hydrangea flower meaning is “perseverance.” Know someone struggling to get through their next big trial? Perhaps it’s something as simple as passing a difficult exam or getting through the night at a job that they dislike. Maybe your loved one was recently given a poor diagnosis at their physical exam. Whatever the issue, these times call for encouragement. If we can’t get it from friends, where can we turn? When you know someone facing a situation that calls for perseverance, embolden them with the gift of hydrangeas.

"Stunning Stargazers" Arrangement of Lilies

Stargazer lilies also have a particular flower meaning that caught my eye. These lovely flowers mean “ambition.” The drive to succeed is inbred within all of us. We all want to make more of our lives than futility. Someone facing a situation that calls for them to use their ambition will appreciate the flower meaning of sunflowers.

Perhaps you have a friend that is moving to another city for the first time. Maybe a friend is starting college or a new job. These are excellent opportunities to share in the richness of ambition. Send flower arrangements with stargazer lilies and watch the richness unfold.

Filed Under: Flower Meanings Tagged With: Flower Meanings, Flower Suggestions, Gift Ideas, Hydrangeas, Sending Flowers, Stargazer Lilies

Decorate Your Baby Shower With Fresh Flowers!

June 23, 2009 by Flower Shop Network 2 Comments

Summer is the time of weddings and babies. Both special occasions seem to center around this time of year which is why I’ve decided to include baby shower decorations in the fresh flower decorating tip this month. Whether celebrating Mommy’s first child or fourth, you can use fresh flowers to create the perfect occasion. Here’s how!

Tips For Decorating Baby Showers With Fresh Flowers

Use fresh flower petals of tulips or roses to decorate the gift table. This adds color and uniqueness.
Put a New Baby flower arrangement on a pedestal in the middle of the gift table or food table. (Gift table is probably best.)
Present each guest with a rose boutonniere. The “can’t say baby” game is so much more fun with rose petals! Plus, the remaining rose petals or a spare rose is (when dried) a great addition to the baby book.
Have each guest bring a single flower stem. Use these as a fresh flower bouquet during the party. When the baby shower has ended, have the flowers preserved or dry them old-school style (inside a thick book) for use in the baby book.

Fresh flowers are a quick and simple way to cheer up everyone in the room. Preserving these flowers helps Mommy remember the kindness of her friends when she needed them most. Whether they’ll be a memento or just a way to liven up the room, decorating with fresh flowers will take your baby shower up a notch–but you’re planning it so it will already be great!

How did you use flowers to decorate for a baby shower? Are you planning a baby shower in the future? Let us know what you think is a great idea! Just place your comments in the comment section below.

Filed Under: Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Baby Shower Flowers, Flower Suggestions, Fresh Flower Decorating, Fresh Flowers, New Baby Flowers, Tips & Tricks

What’s The July Birth Month Flower?

June 22, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Try The "Thinking of You" Bouquet with Larkspur

I won’t keep you guessing. The July birth month flower is the larkspur. Of course, regular readers probably remember this from last year’s July Birth Month Flower blog. For those who haven’t gone back that far, here’s a head’s up.

The official birth month flowers of July are the larkspur and the water lily. You’re not going to see many florists with water lily arrangements so most people tend to use larkspur instead. This is great though! Larkspur is gorgeous in birthday flower bouquets. It adds height and shape while looking as beautiful as any flower has a right to be.

What wasn’t mentioned in last year’s blog are the flower colors and flower meanings associated with the birth month flowers of July. Did you send birth month flowers last year? Send them again this year but add another dash of whimsy and character to the bouquet by using just birth month flowers in these colors: green, russet and red. The flower meaning of larkspur is “laughter” or “levity.” Who wouldn’t want to send something so cheerful?

Whatever bouquet you choose to send this year, make sure you ask your local florist about using larkspur in the flower arrangement!

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

These Flowers Make It Cool To Be A Cancer

June 19, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Many readers probably remember last year’s post about zodiac flowers for Cancers. Cancers are people with whose birthdays fall between June 21 and July 21. In my family, that’s a lot of people! Finding unique gifts for each of them becomes very difficult each year. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. These are the people who have everything, enjoy only a few hobbies, and have spent many years collecting gifts so they don’t seem to need anything either. What to do, what to do!?

Just enough Delphinium to be exciting!

I can say that just like last year I stand beside cancer zodiac flowers as awesome and unique birthday gifts. I mean, come on. Who would expect something which requires so much thought and effort (or so it seems)?

My local florist makes it practically effortless to pick up a pretty birthday bouquet for my friends and family. I just call up June and say “I need an arrangement centered around zodiac flowers for cancer. They are roses, lily of the valley, hydrangea, iris, cornflower, delphinium, and ferns. Can I get something in an X price range?” That’s almost the entire extent of the conversation and the birthday gift shopping is done!

Yeah. As far as zodiac flowers are concerned, two thumbs WAY up for Cancer zodiac flowers!

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

What Hostess Gift Should I Bring To The Pool Party?

June 17, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Flowers.

Come on. Did you ever expect me to say anything besides “flowers”? Hostess gifts are easy to pick out when you have time to go shopping. Those of us with a busy day job and our second job (family) don’t have much time to go look. Personally, I can’t stand shopping. Don’t want to do it. Bringing along a bouquet of flowers that matches the theme of the party is simple enough, quick, inexpensive and tasteful. The best a gal could ask for!

My local florist is awesome. I can say “pool party hostess gift” and she’ll come up with something perfect for the occasion. Maybe even a mermaid on the enclosure card. Being with Flower Shop Network, I get to meet some of the most creative florists and floral designers in the country. I’m constantly impressed by their floral designs. If you’re lucky enough to have a talented florist nearby, make great use of that opportunity!

"Indian Summer" Is Perfect For The Poolside Table!

So picture it. You’re walking up in your little bathing suit and cover-up. You have a towel and some sunscreen in a bag over your shoulder. You’re rocking the shades and own the look. So what’s missing? The hostess gift.

I was explaining one aspect of “southern hospitality” to my friend’s daughter last night. She’s new in town and we had just met so I wanted to get her a gift. I explained that just like arriving to a party, you never show up anywhere empty-handed especially if it’s your first time. First impressions matter. Incidentally, she was attached to my hip the rest of the night.

In the same way, it’s important to keep a cool hostess gift handy for occasions just like this. Pool party hostess gifts may not be the first thing on your shopping list every week but keep your local florist in mind when it does come up. You’ll feel great knowing you gave a gift that they liked. They’ll feel good knowing how polite you are and that you appreciated their hospitality. You’ll feel wet because of the pool, but it’s the summer flowers that will make a splash.

Filed Under: Gift Ideas Tagged With: Flower Suggestions, Hostess Gift Ideas, Pool Party

3 Fabulous Fathers Day Arrangements

June 16, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Yeah, there pretty much isn’t a less-than-fabulous Fathers Day arrangement in Flower Shop Network’s photo gallery. With that in mind, we racked our brains and came up with what we think are the three MOST fabulous Father’s Day flower arrangements ever. Lucky for your dad, all of these flowers are available from your local florist.

It’s really easy to tell Dad how much he means to you with an arrangement like the “You’re The Greatest” Father’s Day flowers. Fans of Babe Ruth may find this especially significant. Fathers day flowers like these are a real treat because they are brightly colored, full, contemporary and just masculine enough to make Dad feel joyful about receiving flowers.

Father’s Day flowers don’t get much more in line with what Dad wants than the “Artistic Tribute” contemporary flower arrangement. This arrangement just screams “buy me for Dad!” The high-style “Artistic Tribute” Fathers Day flowers are nothing short of architecturally amazing, visually stimulating, and emotionally satisfying for the father whose child is you.

Dad a sports fan? Then he’ll love the “Fiery Red Topiary” for Father’s Day! Flowers like these create a stylish display for every sporty dad. The fiery red color is right in line with the St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves and other teams (it is baseball season after all.) Ask for a black ribbon or raffia instead and it’s the colors of the Atlanta Falcons! Whatever his team, whatever his sport, your local florist can create a beautiful topiary like this for your dad. Just ask if a color substitution is possible.

Filed Under: Gift Ideas Tagged With: Fathers Day Flowers, Fathers Day Gifts, Flower Suggestions, Holiday Gift Ideas

Sending Flowers To Someone In The ICU?

June 15, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Try "Flower Garden" Or Other Get Well Flowers

I remember when my best friend’s mother was having brain surgery. Over the course of 6 months she had 5 surgeries to repair her brain stem which sat too low. Tabby, myself, and our mutual friends all view Mrs. Vickie as a mother so we spent countless hours in the ICU waiting room at our local hospital in Jonesboro, AR.

The staff was great but there is little that makes the waiting room experience pleasant. After hours waiting for the surgeon to call, the time seems to pass like molasses. You know what would’ve made that experience better? Well, not having to do it (especially 5 times) for one. Aside from that though, flowers.

It’s never fun to need to send flowers to someone in the hospital. However, it brightens their day. Studies have shown that someone happier also heals faster. Whether it’s on the enclosure card or not, you really are “wishing a speedy recovery” when you send flowers to someone in the hospital.

There is one hiccup.

Patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are not allowed to receive flowers. Once they are moved to a room, fine and dandy. When in the ICU, hospital flowers are a no-go. Don’t feel like you have to give up though. Sending flowers expresses a great sentiment which can be enjoyed by the person’s family and friend in the ICU waiting room. I know it would’ve helped us. We felt like we were the only ones in the world that knew or cared about what was happening. Receiving hospital flowers reminds those waiting that someone else is thinking, praying and caring at the same time.

Ever go through something like this? Did you receive flowers while you were waiting? Have you sent flowers to a hospital and received a good response? Please share your stories with us.

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: Flower Sending Tip, Flower Suggestions, Gift Ideas, Hospital Flowers, Local Hospitals, Sending Flowers