Spring Flowers - Bloomin' Blog

However Long The Winter, Spring Will Soon Follow

February 18, 2013 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. Those are re-assuring words to us all as we shiver through the last leg of winter. According to groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, earlier this month, spring will be arriving early. However, the weather doesn’t seem to be cooperating.

At any rate, spring is guaranteed to follow the cold of winter. You might have already noticed a few yellow heads of daffodils perking up early already. Why not spring into spring early with spring flowers?

The winter blues can really get you down; bounce back early by ordering spring flowers for yourself and your family. Sure, it may sound a little cheesy, but it works!

Click on any of the above pictures of flowers to see our spring flower collection and be connected with a real local florist in your area. You can also use our handy local florist finder to find a genuine local flower shop in your city.

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

Savor Spring

June 4, 2012 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

The last days of spring are upon us; summer officially begins on June 20th.

While it already feels like summer in a lot of places, it’s not official yet! Why not celebrate the remaining days of spring while you can? This year is going by quick enough, it’s time to settle down and pay more attention to the changing seasons.

5 Ways You Can Savor Spring

Ordering Spring Flowers – You know I have to suggest it, but it’s true! Nothing shouts SPRING more than spring flowers. Don’t think you have to send them to anyone either, order them as a treat for you and your family. However, if you have a friend who needs a boost in spirits, spring flowers are the way to go!
Spring Picnic – While you can enjoy these in summer, it’s often too hot. Spring is the perfect time for picnics and family get-togethers. [Read more…]

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

Miniature Flower Arrangements? Okay!

March 28, 2012 by Mandy Maxwell 1 Comment

Some of the first flowers of spring come from tiny grasses. As I walk my dog every day, I always notice new types of grass flowers that only get the chance to bloom between mowings. The tiny, yet beautiful flowers foreshadow all the colorful blooms of spring. As florists, it’s easy to overlook these little gems. They simply cannot be used in floral design… or can they? Above is my attempt at trying!

For the miniature flower arrangement above, I used violets, Johnny jump-ups (as we call them in the South), Pepper weed (as my grandmother called them), and Popcorn weed (What I call it because the seeds pop out when you touch it). For the vase, I used the lid to a spray bottle, I think it was a spray hair conditioner bottle. To control the flower placement, I actually cut a piece of tape into strips and made a grid across the open top of the ‘vase’. I put a few dimes into the vase to keep it weighted. From the quarter next to it, it was only about 2 inches tall.

What could you do with a tiny flower arrangement like this? I have no idea! It is so small, it’s hard to notice as decoration. However, I sat it on my vanity near a tiny mirror so that I could enjoy it as I was getting ready in the mornings. I can’t help but love anything miniature, and this was just impossible not to attempt!

I’m sure our florists would have lots of ideas of how to use such a tiny floral design. Maybe they will take the challenge and try to make their own mini arrangement? *wink wink, nudge nudge* If so, I’ll add the pictures to this post!

Filed Under: Floral Design, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Floral Design, Spring Flowers

The Colors of Spring

February 27, 2012 by Mandy Maxwell 1 Comment

Spring is just around the corner and I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait! Nothing is better than warm weather and being outdoors! If you want to get a jump start on spring, order a big bouquet of spring blooms — either for yourself, or as a gift! Here are some great spring flower inspirations based on color to get you started:

Yellow

Yellow is the cheerful color of sunshine; the color of bees and many spring flowers.
Yellow spring flowers include: Tulips, Daffodils, Alstroemeria, Callas, Freesia
It’s color compliment is purple.

Pink

Pink, sometimes referred to as “the color of love,” is associated with youth and femininity.
Pink spring flowers include: Gerbera daisies, Anemones, Asters, Tulips, Heather, Lilies
The name pink actually is from the name of a flower, pinks, a type of dianthus.
It’s color compliment is bright green.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Seasonal Flowers Tagged With: Color Trends, Gift Ideas, Ordering Flowers, Spring Flowers

The Most Popular Iris In The World — Flag Iris

May 18, 2011 by Mandy Maxwell 2 Comments

One of the most well known symbols, the fleur-de-lis is seen all over the globe! While it’s name means “Lily Flower” it’s beginnings did not start with the lily. Instead, it’s widely thought to be a stylized version of the species Iris pseudacorus or the Flag Iris.

As you can see, the flag iris is a bit different from the normal irises we usually see in our gardens. The upper petals are not as pronounced as regular bearded irises, but it looks just like the fleur de lis.

According to Pierre-Augustin Boissier de Sauvages, a French naturalist and lexicographer:

This flower, or iris, looks like our fleur-de-lis not just because of its yellow colour but also because of its shape: of the six petals, or leaves, that it has, three of them are alternatively straight and meet at their tops. The other three on the opposite, bend down so that the middle one seems to make one with the stalk and only the two ones facing out from left and right can clearly be seen, which is again similar with our fleurs-de-lis.

The fleur de lis has been used throughout history as a political, dynastic, artistic, emblematic, and symbolic icon, especially for heraldry, all over the world and as far back as history can remember. It’s interesting to see see this yellow flower pop up in anything from the oldest paintings to the most modern fashion. The fleur de lis is a classic symbol that is sure to be around for generations to come. Whether you’re in the French Quarter for Mardi Gras, New York for fashion week, or strolling the streets of Europe, keep your eyes peeled for the world’s favorite iris — the Flag Iris!

Filed Under: Flower Memories Tagged With: Iris, Spring Flowers, Wildflowers, Yellow Flowers

FSN’s Favorite Flower Arrangement For March

February 27, 2011 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

FSN’s Favorite Flower Arrangement for March is…

Spring Smiles

Spring Smiles flower arrangement is the perfect gift Just Because it’s spring! Spring is a season everyone undoubtedly LOVES! The cold weather is moving out, and warmth and flowers are in full bloom. This beautiful bouquet POPs with spring color! The hot-pink gerbs, brilliant-blue irises and vibrant-yellow tulips are enough to brighten even the gloomiest of moods. So if you or someone you know could use a little pick-me-up, send Spring Smiles today!

This post is brought to you by Idaho Falls, ID.
Not in Idaho? No worries, use Flower Shop Network to find a florist near you!

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: favorite flower, Spring Flowers

Springtime at the Golden Gate Bridge

February 24, 2011 by Mandy Maxwell 1 Comment

Just a couple of weeks ago I (Mandy!) got to visit sunny San Francisco. It certainly spoiled me for spring! It was 75° and sunny each and every day! Jealous yet?

I am! I’m ready for spring flowers! That was definitely my favorite part of California — it was already spring! Flowers were in bloom everywhere you looked. The daffodils were up, the tulips were blooming, and flowering trees were everywhere! One of my favorite stops on my trip was at the famous Golden Gate Bridge, an undeniably impressive feat of engineering. They had a beautiful garden growing at the look out point. Get ready to spring into spring, here are some highlights:

Daffodils and pansies, a winning combination of spring flowers! [Read more…]

Filed Under: Flower Memories Tagged With: California Florists, Flower Memories, Spring Flowers

Fresh Spring Marketing Ideas For Florists

January 25, 2011 by Mandy Maxwell 3 Comments

Ideas For Spring Flower Specials

Create special edition spring flower arrangements available to your customers for a limited time, like one or two weeks. Promote these on your website, Facebook, direct mail and any other social media outlet you may use. Create one special per week. Make sure your customers understand there is a deadline for ordering one of your specials to create a sense of urgency and excitement for these unique flower designs. It also shows your diversity and artistry to your customers.

Garden-Themed Special

– Use spring garden flowers such as hyacinths, daffodils, and tulips. Include items like seed packets, shovels, or even plant markers with encouraging messages written on them. For the container, use a cute watering can. (Check thrift stores!)

Spring-Themed Special

– Again use a good assortment of spring flowers. Use a blue-painted coffee can (recycled) as your container. Paint a white horizontal stripe a couple of inches from the top and bottom. Use white cardboard cut into pointed strips to create picket fencing to go around your coffee can. Then simply hot glue them to your can leaving a unique, picket fence container, 100% recycled!

Birds & Bees Special

– Spring means romance is in the air! Don’t leave your love birds out, create a spring-themed romantic arrangement. Create an arrangement using spring flowers. Cut a heart out of cardboard and cover it, front and back, with small spring flowers. Use bird and bee floral picks if available to complete your Birds & Bee special. Promote this as something a guy could send to his lady at work!

Kite-Themed Special

– Create a kite by making an ‘X’ with left over stems. Glue diamond-shaped thin paper or fabric, to the tips to create the main part of the kite. For the tail, use thin wire with tiny bows glued to it. Have this kite flying high [Read more…]

Filed Under: Florists Only, Marketing Tips Tagged With: Marketing Tips, Spring Flowers, Spring Marketing

Spruce Up Your Spring: It’s Bulb-Planting Season!

October 25, 2010 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

Now’s the time to spruce up your spring! If you want more spring color in your garden, plant spring bulbs today! It may sound strange… planting in fall for spring flowers, but bulbous plants need the winter dormant season to grow roots to support their big, beautiful blooms in the spring.

Popular Bulbs For Spring:

Daffodils
Hyacinths
Crocus
Ornamental Alliums
Tulips
Grape Hyacinths
Amaryllis
Fritillaria
Scilla

There are lots of other spring bulbs that you could also plant, but these are the most popular and available ones. Select bulbs that are firm and free of mold. Generally the bigger the bulb, the bigger the flowers.

The best time to plant bulbs is just before the first frost, or just before you know it’s going to turn cold. This really depends on the climate zone you live in and can be different for different plants. Check with your local nursery or garden center for exact planting times for your specific location.

Planting Spring Bulbs

When planting spring bulbs, make sure you have carefully chosen your planting location. Consider the needs of your plants: full or partial sun? (Tip: Remember, for early spring bloomers, your trees will still be bare and you may have more sun than you have now.)

Select rich, well-drained soil for your new bulbs. You will need to talk to your garden center or nursery about the exactly planting requirements for your bulbs, but as a general rule, a depth of about 2-3 times the width of your bulb will suffice.

Add fertilizer into the bottom of your hole and mix it in with the returning soil. Be sure to plant your bulb with the roots down. Push on your soil to ensure the bulb is firmly in place and that there are no air pockets. Water thoroughly. Plant your bulbs the recommended distances from each other to allow them enough room to grow.

Tip: If you live in an area where the temperature regularly drops below zero, pile a layer of mulch on top, about a foot high. Then, in the spring, remove this layer. Otherwise, spring flowers are fairly hardy and can take regularly cold, winter temperatures.

Planting Indoor Spring Bulbs

If you can’t wait until spring for a dose spring color, plant amaryllis or paperwhite daffodils in containers now! Both are great, blooming plants for indoors. Select a decorative container and cover your bulbs about half way with soil. Keep them watered and soon you will see tiny shoots of green peeping out of the top of the bulb and will have gorgeous blooms by Christmas! (*fingers crossed*)

Planting bulbs differs from location to location. Before planting your bulbs, consult your local garden store or nursery for exact planting instructions.

This post is brought to you by local Cedar Rapids Iowa florists.
Not in Cedar Rapids? Use Flower Shop Network’s handy directory of real local florists to find a florist near you.

Filed Under: Plant Suggestions, Seasonal Flowers Tagged With: Gardening, Home Gardening, Plant & Flower Bulbs, Spring Bulbs, Spring Flowers

What Are These Delicate White, Blue and Sky Blue Flowers?

June 1, 2010 by Jamie Jamison Adams 1 Comment

Ask the Expert: Lovely perennial, but what is it?
Springs up in May, has cosmos like stem and leaves and corn flower type flower. It blooms first as white then gradually turns to a dark blue flower. Sharon

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:

The flowering plant is a Nigella damascena. It is commonly referred to as Love-in-a-Mist or Devil-in-a-Bush. Although it blooms in U.S. gardens in the late spring though summer, florists can use this flower in arrangements year-round. Because of its light and airy quality as well as its blue color, florist use it as a rare blue element in garden style arrangements. Beside the blue flowers, Nigella can also come in pink, white and yellow. Diseases and pest rarly bother this plant and it comes up from seed fairly easy given the right conditions.

Greenville Florists are proud to bring you this flower identification.

Filed Under: Flower Identification Tagged With: Annuals, Blue Flowers, Nigella damascena, Spring Flowers, Summer Flowers, White Flowers

However Long The Winter, Spring Will Soon Follow