Flower Suggestions

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.

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

Rock Out With This Anniversary Flowers Idea

June 11, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

If you’re anything like me, concerts are a home away from home. Since the summer is concert season, surprise your wife or girlfriend on your anniversary with tickets to an upcoming concert of one of her favorite artists. It’s very sweet to bring flowers also, not to mention traditional. Even a non-traditional girl will be caught off guard in a good way by the uniqueness of such a romantic gift. Here are some other ideas for incorporating rock concert tickets (or country, jazz, et al) and anniversary flowers into one rockin’ evening.

Tips for Presenting The Tickets With Her Anniversary Flowers:

Send flowers on your anniversary date but ask your local florist to incorporate the tickets and the theme of the evening into the design.
Arrive on the doorstep with a beautiful bouquet of anniversary flowers, tickets behind your back. Even if you’re used to walking in, ring the doorbell or knock but make sure that she has to answer. She’ll be awed when she sees you standing there holding a gift. She’ll be even more surprised when you reveal the tickets!
If the concert is after your anniversary, keep your ticket stub(s). Ask your local florist to put the ticket stubs in the envelope along with the enclosure card. A sweet anniversary enclosure card message ties it all together.
At dinner before the show, excuse yourself and discreetly sneak out to your car. From here, place a bouquet of anniversary flowers in her seat along with the tickets. (You can keep it hidden in the backseat or in the trunk but only briefly!!) When you leave, open her door for her. This gentlemanly treat becomes more special when she sees the tickets and the anniversary flowers.
At dinner, ask the maitre d’ or your waiter/waitress to deliver the anniversary flowers to your table before the end of dinner. This may require a pre-call to make sure that the staff will agree. It may also require a bigger tip but it will be well worth it to see her face!
Any of the above ideas will work, just remember to give her plenty of time to prepare for a rocking night out if the tickets are a surprise.

Now you’re ready for a great show and a great anniversary!

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

Discovering The Sego Lily, Utah’s State Flower

June 3, 2009 by Flower Shop Network 1 Comment

Anyone who has stepped into a flower shop knows what a lily is. However, very few people know about the Sego Lily, Utah’s state flower.

Photo courtesy 50states.com

Don’t let the name fool you!! The Sego Lily is not a lily at all (does not belong to the Lilium genus). Still, the Sego Lily (Calochortus gunnisonii) is a beautiful wildflower from which much inspiration can be drawn. The flowers are white, lilac or yellow. Pretty enough but what really captures the eye is the center of the flower which has touches of crimson and yellow. It looks almost as if a fire has been lit and extends into white-hot flames. With a look like this, the Sego Lily inspires designs laced with passion, beauty, dimension, color and fervor.

The Story of The Utah State Flower

The Utah state flower has been inspiring Utah florists as the official state floral emblem since 1911. Before this, the Sego Lily was being used in a rather unconventional but lifesaving way. Kate C. Snow, president of the Utah Pioneers, wrote a letter in 1930 describing how early Utah pioneers in the mid 1800s were forced to scavage for food. They discovered that the soft, bulbous root of the Sego Lily could be eaten. Many survived using this interesting flower as sustinence. This effect on Utah’s history was a deciding factor for legislators who declared the Sego Lily Utah’s state flower after the turn of the century.

Strange but cool. Unique but beautiful. That’s why I think all florists will find something inspiring to love about the Sego Lily.

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: Calochortus gunnisonii, Flower Suggestions, Sego Lily, Utah Florists, Utah State Flower

The Flower Meaning For Aspiring People

May 28, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

If you’re happy with the hum-drum, this flower isn’t for you.

"Flower Garden" Arrangement with Alstroemeria

When looking at flower meanings this month I ran across alstroemeria. I was impressed right away and instantly thought of someone that I wanted to give these flowers to. The flower meaning of alstroemeria is “aspiring.” You know what that says to me? It says that it is time to celebrate someone moving out of the hum-drum and into the ta-da!

I have a friend who just received a promotion. I think her work and her attitude have improved exponentially since starting with that company so I want to let her know how proud I am. There really is no holiday to speak of but there doesn’t have to be. Instead of sending a holiday message to her, I’m making it more personal by sending flowers with a special meaning. This occasion calls for flowers that motivate people with the drive to move forward. She’s that kind of woman so she deserves alstroemeria!

“Aspiring” can mean a lot of things though. This thoughtful gift can be sent to a little boy or girl going through a graduation at school. Many schools have elementary graduations that recognize children moving into junior high. What a perfect time to give flowers! A bouquet of alstroemeria and a kiss on the cheek are enough to make your baby the king or queen of the class.

Alstroemeria

“Aspiring” can also work for a suite mate in the dormitory who is a drama major (aspiring actress/actor), business major (aspiring executive), or even a zoology major (aspiring Steve Irwin).

Whatever your friend or family member is into, let them know how proud you are with alstroemeria. Celebrate their ability to move forward in life, to make something of themselves, and to make everyone proud.

Know the meaning of your favorite flower? Share it below along with why this flower is your favorite. Not really sure what the flower meaning is? Ask away! Simply log in and comment below.

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

Perennial Flowers For Father’s Day

May 26, 2009 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

Ask the Expert: What perennial is easy to grow?
I want to give my friend seeds to plant on Father’s Day to remember her Father who just passed away last month. I think it would be a nice gift if every year she has a flower that blooms and reminds her of her dad. I was hoping to find a perennial flower that symbolizes rememberance that is easy to plant and grow in the suburbs of Chicago. She does not have a green thumb so something that basically requires very little or no attention would be preferable. Does such a flower exist? Joanna

Plant Expert Reply:

The first perennial that come to mind is the Myosotis (Forget-me-not flower). This plant has long been used as a short-lived perennial that symbolizes remembrance or memories. It come in blue, white, blush and yellow flowers. It should be easy to start from seed.

However, there are several perennials I would choose instead of Forget-me-nots. Although these perennials don’t necessarily have a meaning associated with them, I would choose Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorous), Blanket Flower (Galardia x grandiflora), or Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata). These perennials are easy grow from seed, fairly easy to maintain and bloom longer than most perennials flowers.

Keep in mind perennials even though they come back every year require a lot of work. Your friend will need to tend to the bed throughout the year to keep it free from weeds. If your friend doesn’t have a green thumb, an annual bed or pot garden might be a better way to remember her dad this Father’s Day. Annual beds and pots are a little easier to maintain because you can start from scratch each year. It could also become a future tradition. She could sow Zinnias which are symbolically used for “Daily Remembrance” in a pot or in an annual bed every year. They are fairly easy to care for and a beautiful way to remember her father.

Whatever you choose for her, I’m sure she will appreciate the thoughtfulness of your gift. Flowers are a wonderful way to help comfort those we love.

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: Ask The Plant Expert, Fathers Day, Flower Suggestions, Forget-Me-Nots, Perennials, Plant Seeds, Zinnia

What A Treasure, What A Gemini!

May 20, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Geminis are fun people. Well, at least generally speaking. I have known and loved many a Gemini in my time and continue to fall in love with the unique personality each person has even though many Geminis share the same characteristics.

Born between May 21st and June 20th, Geminis are said to be talkative, energetic and intellectual. Yup, that’s spot on for most of the Geminis that I know. They can also be inconsistent, inquisitive, nervous and tense. Wow…that would be a bad day. I have an idea for curing those woes around their birthday this year. Send flowers! Some examples of Gemini zodiac flowers are:

Alstroemeria
Solidago
Daffodil
Cactus
Acacia

Truth be told, this idea was given to me last year and I liked it so much that I thought I’d share it again. (You can still view the 2008 zodiac flowers post.) I’m not much on astrology but I do see a lot of fun in sending astrological flowers for a person’s birthday or special day inside the month. It’s always interesting to have something unique to discuss. Bring up the type of zodiac flowers at the birthday party and see if you don’t get a rapid response.

Want to send a unique birthday gift like zodiac flowers but are afraid you’ll offend the recipient. Send birth month flowers instead! All the greatness, none of the guilt!

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: Acacia, Astrological Flowers, Birthday Gift Ideas, Flower Suggestions, Gemini Zodiac Flowers, Solidago

The Beauty Of White Peonies

May 15, 2009 by Jamie Jamison Adams 2 Comments

Despite the wind, the rain (the massive rain) and the unseasonably cool temperatures, my peonies have been beautiful.

Since I like to share, here are a couple pictures from my garden.

White Peony Bloom

When you enlarge the picture you can see the water droplets on the peony petals.

White Peonies In Vase

I cut five peonies from my garden and placed them in a ginger jar. I made sure to shake out all of the ants first. I love being able to cut flowers from my garden. Fortunately, when I don’t have anything blooming I can turn to my local florist for flowers. I think I’ll use this vase of peonies as my dinner table centerpiece.

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

Planting In An Enclosed Three Season Porch

May 15, 2009 by Jamie Jamison Adams

Ask the Expert: finding plants for an inside garden
We have a garden on the porch which is an enclosed 3 season porch and we live in the NorthEast. All the previous plants have either died or never flower anymore due to lack of sunlight (even though we have windows entirely around the porch) and we hand water the garden but we need to find plants that would be happy with a drier soil. The garden has been filled nicely with good soil and was originally an outside garden before we enclosed the patio. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Lora

Reply:

I assume you want plants that will remain all year long. This makes it a little more difficult, if the 3 season porch is not heated during the winter. If your garden has enough depth to it, you can plant the following: hosta, liriope spicata, english Ivy, pachysandra terminalis, vinca minor vines. These plants will give you great foliage with staying power and some will even bloom. For more blooms try: aquilegia, astilbe, dianthus, spotted dead nettles, snowdrops, bleeding heart. Most of these plants will tolerate low light and drier soil.

I would also try planting New Guinea impatiens, annual impatiens and begonias. These should be fine for three out of the four seasons.

I recommend dropping by your local garden center and nursery (not a box store) and discussing this with them. They are your best source for regional plants that will work with your situation. In fact, I’m sure they will be able to suggested and provide plants that I may not be familiar with.

Good luck and keep me posted. As you create your new garden I would love to see pictures and learn which plants you choose.

If you need a name of a reputable garden center in your area, let me know and I’ll try to help.

Filed Under: Plant Care Questions Tagged With: Ask The Plant Expert, Flower Suggestions, Northeast Plants, Plant Care Questions, Plant Suggestions