May 22, 2008 | teleflora news
by
Jacqueline
This Memorial Day weekend, many of us will be getting together with family and friends, some of whom we may not see as often as we’d like to.
While the best part is reconnecting, red, white and blue flowers are a terrific addition to your day.
And why not let your flowers show your gratitude for those who have sacrificed for the sake of our country?
It’s easy: When you buy of one of Teleflora’s 12 patriotic bouquets, Teleflora will donate 10% of the purchase price to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. This non-profit organization has provided more than $21 million in assistance to our nation’s wounded heroes and families.
“As a veteran myself, I am pleased to announce Teleflora’s new partnership with an organization that provides financial assistance to those Marines wounded in combat or injured in combat-related training,” said Shawn Weidmann, president, Teleflora.
“It is only fitting that we kick off this partnership around Memorial Day, a time when Americans honor all soldiers who have fought for our country.”
The partnership will continue through the end of the year.
Wendy Lethin of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund puts it this way: “The needs of our wounded and their families remain many and great, and this is a beautiful way for America to honor our service members all year.”
For more information on Teleflora’s partnership with the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and how you can get involved, please visit teleflora.com or call 310-966-8328.
Flower Fact of the Day: “Semper Fi” is short for “Semper Fidelis,” which is Latin for “Always Faithful.”
Meanwhile, for what to do when spring-flowering bulbs start to decline, visit http://newsok.com/timing-important-in-caring-for-flower-bulbs/article/3243510.
May 21, 2008 | florist in the spotlight
by
Jacqueline
Everyone knows that an unexpected bouquet of flowers can make your day. Nearly 30 years ago, Heidi Richards had a floral surprise that made her career.
And we’re not talking a dozen red roses. Instead, one day she arrived home to hear her husband announce: “Guess what? I bought you a flower shop!”
On Aug. 13, Heidi will celebrate her 28th year running Eden Florist in Miramar, FLA., edenflorist.com. “I love every minute of it,” she says. Her fondness for flowers goes back to her childhood in California. She vividly recalls being intrigued by Plant a Flower Day.
Though she studied psychology in college, something about that Flower Day must have resonated with her because she often designates special days on her blog, http://tulipstalk.wordpress.com/. A recent entry proclaimed: “Today is Limerick Day!” And in 1993, Miramar’s mayor declared June 26 Heidi Richards Day.
Heidi Richards, aka Chief Goddess, of Eden Florist in Miramar, FLA.
That’s just one entry on a list of awards and honors that is downright dizzying. Heidi is also a coach, mentor, author and consultant to dozens of organizations and small businesses. And she’s a motivational speaker on the topics of leadership, relationships, stress and life balance.
Maybe this creative dynamo has a clone? After all, her title at Eden Florist is Chief Goddess.
Heidi, who describes herself as visionary, passionate and happy, with a tendency to go overboard, explains it this way: “The balance between being a businessperson and being a creative person can seem impossible at times. You have to be organized and the bigger your company gets the more organized you need to be… that and willing to delegate, to give up control.”
When she delegates at Eden Florist, she has a staff of 10, most of whom are part time. And she’s a fan of making lists, setting goals and staying focused. Two other keys to her success in the flower business:
• Getting involved with the community and knowing the market.
• Building relationships with local media outlets, like newspapers and radio stations, and becoming a resource for them.
Good advice for any small business.
Additionally, Heidi quickly recognized technology as a boon to business, launching a Web site in 1997. (The site will get a makeover this summer.)
After almost three decades in the business, does anything surprise her any more? “How much joy people get from a single flower or bouquet. Particularly rewarding, she says, is praise from satisfied customers. “We know people actually appreciate it.”
But, with irons in so many fires, what does she like best? “My favorite thing is writing,” she says, adding that she writes a total of six blogs. “Everybody should be blogging.”
I couldn’t agree more!
To listen to the full interview, visit this link from Heidi: https://backup.filesanywhere.com/Photofolder/ShowFileShareFV.asp.
Flower Fact of the Day: For some great ideas on flower arranging from De Juan Stroud, a floral designer in NYC who believes too many people are intimidated by arranging, check out this post on apartmenttherapy.com/ny/planttherapy/planttherapy-cutflower-confidence-051025.
The post contains photos that originally appeared in the New York Times. They are simple and stunning so be sure to check them out the next time you need easy ways to decorate with flowers. Or check them out just for fun. After all, flowers never take bad pictures. :)
May 20, 2008 | out and about
by
Jacqueline
Photo: Shealah Craighead/White House/people.com
Jenna Bush married Henry Hager in Crawford, Texas, on May 10 (pictured above). Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz exchanged vows a week later in a top-secret ceremony in Encino, California.
At both weddings, flowers played a part in reflecting the couples’ personalities. In Texas, the flowers fit right in with a laidback outdoor event. Jenna carried pale roses in her bridal bouquet and had a few flowers loosely pinned in her hair. Her delicate flowers were the perfect complement to her embroidered organza Oscar de la Renta gown.
White flowers also graced the rustic stone altar where the ceremony took place. According to People magazine, people.com: “As soon as Jenna and Henry stepped away from the altar, guests threw white flower petals in their path.”
Stunning floral arrangements with striking violet accents adorned the dining tables. The four-tier wedding cake was garnished with roses as well as pale blue and violet blooms.
White House spokeswoman Sally McDonough said the colors were selected to mirror the "very natural" colors of the central Texas landscape: the blues of the lake, the greens of the buffalo grass and the lavender, yellow and blue of the wildflowers.
The next weekend, according to reports on imdb.com and people.com, actress/musician Ashlee Simpson and Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz celebrated their union with an Alice in Wonderland-themed reception.
Flowers included black beauty roses by Mark’s Garden marksgarden.net on each table. The wedding cake, by Sam Godfrey of Perfect Endings perfectendings.com featured a top hat, a tea pot, a stop watch and a pot of flowers on top.
Flower Fact of the Day: The 19th annual Flower Day Weekend at the Toledo Farmer's Market begins May 24. For more info, visit: thenews-messenger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080520/NEWS01/805200314/1002.
May 19, 2008 | out and about
by
Jacqueline
This year’s Chelsea Flower Show opens tomorrow and with The Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Royal, Ringo Starr, Michael Caine, Jeremy Irons, Imelda Staunton, Vivienne Westwood, Manolo Blahnik, Paul Smith and Philip Treacy, among others, expected to attend, it should be one exciting event.
It runs through Saturday, May 24. Blahnik designed the show’s poster and created special-edition rose print shoes to celebrate the occasion. There’s also an emphasis on keeping gardens environmentally friendly; exhibitors had to meet green standards, as outlined by the Royal Horticultural Society.
In honor of the world’s greatest flower show, I’ve put together a little quiz. For more info about the show, visit: rhs.org.uk/chelsea/2008/about.asp.
1. The show has been held at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, since 1913. Before that, it was held in Kensington. In what year was it founded?
A. 1862
B. 1888
C. 1903
2. How many visitors are expected?
A. 142,000
B. 157,000
C. 210,000
3. Ringo Starr came to Monday’s VIP preview. Why did he attend the show?
A. To join Olivia Harrison for the opening of a garden dedicated to her late husband George Harrison.
B. To lend support to the green gardening movement.
C. To be on hand for the ceremony dedicating a yellow rose to the Beatles.
4. How many exhibitors will be at the show?
A. 600
B. 925
C. 850
5. About 5,000 bottles of champagne will be sold during the week of the show. True or False?
6. Work is already under way for the 2009 show. How many people built this year’s show?
A. 800
B. 500
C. 600
ANSWERS
1. A. 1862. It was then called the Great Spring Show.
2. B. 157,000. The Royal Horticultural Society has 370,000 members; Tuesday and Wednesday are reserved for RHS members.
3. B. Harrison loved gardening.
4. C. 600 exhibitors. This includes: show gardens, courtyard gardens and urban gardens; 100 floral exhibitors; and about 300 garden product exhibitors.
5. True. Also, 49,000 glasses of Pimms, 54,000 cups of tea and coffee, and 28,000 sandwiches are sold. There are 185 toilets.
6. A. 800. It took them three and a half weeks to build the show. It takes place on 11 acres of show ground.
Flower Fact of the Day: If you couldn’t make it to the Chelsea Flower Show, consider going to the Flower Show at Hampton Court Palace, a magical setting if ever there were one. It runs from July 8-13. For more info, visit: rhs.org.uk/hamptoncourt/2008/index.asp.
May 16, 2008 | floral trends
by
Jacqueline
Photo courtesy of the American Rose Society
What's new with prom flowers? Hmmm, that's a good question. So I feel lucky that I can call on the mighty resources of the Teleflora Education Center in Oklahoma City and specifically Marie Ackerman, who runs the center and who kindly shared this update with me. Thanks, Marie!
Flowers are the ultimate fashion accessory to make prom night more memorable. Bracelets, anklets, rings and necklaces all made from flowers are what’s in for today’s teen.
For the last two years, the Teleflora Education Center has hosted “Flowers to Wear: Proms, Corsages and Boutonnieres” – a popular hands-on class for retail florists who want to keep current with the latest trends and construction mechanics. Here are some of the things we have learned ...
• Matchy-matchy is out. Contrast is in! Many florists use a color wheel to design contrasting flower colors for a more striking look in person and in photos.
• The value of a corsage was previously determined by the number of roses used. Today, value has more to do with the design’s uniqueness and amount of “bling” added.
• Ordering trends are changing. Often the order is placed for both the girl’s flowers and the boy’s boutonniere at the same time.
• Boutonnieres are going from the clownlike single flower to small collections of flowers and foliage.
• Ask your florist about decorative wires to create your floral accessories. For a professional, they are easy to use, though they require special tools. Many floral designers are using jewelry tools (smaller-scaled pliers and cutters) to make their creations. The wire bases can be made in advance. Your florist might also use special floral adhesives.
• Talk to your florist ahead of time about what you want. There are lots of ways to create your signature look with gorgeous flowers.
Flower Fact of the Day: According to a Chinese proverb: "If you have two pennies, spend one on bread and one on a flower. The bread will give you life and the flower a reason for living. That reminds me of the fortune-cookie message I got today at lunch: "When the flowers bloom, so will great joy in your life." Cool!
