What happened?!

Well...I never thought it would happen to me but it did. I've lost the passion for the flower business. So..I'm taking time off to help reconnect with myself. Find my passion for life again. Yes. I'm happily married. Yes. I'm blessed to have the best 4 kids who I adore and who adore me. My personal life is wonderful but my business life has been a frustration. People have changed, the industry has changed. I'm left wondering what is the point. I've been off for 3 weeks and have loved spending time with my kids. I am attending AIFD national symposium as I gave my word I would be on stage. Perhaps it will help rejuvenate my love for the flower business. Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE flowers. Its the business that I'm no longer enchanted with.  I'm looking forward to seeing all my friends and getting inspired by the talent there. Perhaps I will find out others have been where I am now and have moved past that feeling and love going into work. Time will tell.

Memo to Bosses - Thank your Employees!

Did you remember that Administrative Professionals week is just around the corner!? This is the time to recognize your staff for helping the company become successful through a lot of team work. One gift that says thank you so well is the gift of flowers. Research has proven that the gift of flowers for employees will lift an employees mood, create lasting memories, boost production and creativity.

I can't even make this stuff up! The research was conducted by A&M Texas University. They found so many benefits to having flowers in the work place while they were conducting the survey. Here is a link to the research which really is worth reading.

Click here to learn more

Adminstrative week is April 23-27 with the official day being on April 25, 2012

I for one believe in saying thank you to your staff. I do it through out the year as I honestly do appreciate everyone of my staff. They won't know how much you appreciate them if you don't tell them. And so, I will take this opportunity to say thank you to Roselle, Sany, Denise and Brena for making my store the place to buy your flowers! Couldn't do it with out you!

A few years ago, I did a florist design show at a local wholesale house here in my home city of Edmonton Alberta Canada. It was pretty well attended by a lot of florists in the area. I brought one of my employees, Roselle, to help me execute a bunch of ideas that I had. It was a fall and Christmas show. Basically, we make things and show florist different ideas and techniques. Well, for a few years I had been designing what I called at the time the Dr. Suess Tree. (wasn't thinking of copy rights at the time but have changed it to the Who Tree since) I designed the tree to help me use non traditional Christmas colours that were in my cooler at Christmas time that I didn't want to throw away. The funniest thing happened, it became a super popular seller! Not one to hide things, I decided to share this idea with the crowd at the show and they went forth and either used the idea or not. So, a few years later now, I was reading the local paper this weekend and low and behold.....a flower shop here is featured with a half page article about this tree! They describe how it is the most popular seller for them and how they make many versions of this amazing and whimsical tree! I was flabbergasted. You cannot imagine my excitement that someone took my idea and ran with it!! It is so great that this happened! I am truly honoured at this. It made me smile and goes to show you that ideas are meant to be shared for the good of the industry! If people are excited about flowers than we all win!

Roselle helping me with the tree at the design show!

This is this years design!
The Beary Nice Christmas Tree!

Fun and Fascinating Facts About Flowers

Have you ever spied a tiny wild strawberry blossom growing in your yard and questioned if there could possibly be a smaller flower? Perhaps you have pondered if any bloom could be larger than a giant sunflower nodding its head in the summer wind. You may be surprised by just how small, smelly, huge, dangerous, and edible some flowers can be.

World's Smallest Flower

The world’s smallest flowering plant is of the Wolffia genus, commonly known as watermeal. These tiny plants are nearly microscopic. A single plant weighs about the same as two grains of salt. Several individual blossoms can easily fit inside the eye of a needle. As a type of duckweed, they flourish in stagnant or slow-moving waters, such as ponds and streams. Watermeal is surprisingly high in protein and is often eaten as a vegetable.

World's Largest and Smelliest Flowers

Ironically, the world’s largest flowers also emit the foulest fragrance. Though they are unique in size and appearance, the smell of these flowers may be enough to convince the sensitive human nose that bigger isn't always better.

·        Largest single bloom

            The world’s largest flower also proudly claims title to being the smelliest. This stinky behemoth can stretch to an astounding 3 feet in full bloom. Its natural habitats are the warm tropical forests of Indonesia and Malaysia. Though the scientific name is Rafflesia Arnoldii, natives familiar with the stench refer to it as the “corpse lily.” An apt name for such an unpleasant fragrance!

·       

Tallest

            A similarly large flower, Titan arum, is also found in Indonesia's rain forests. Like the stinking corpse lily, it attracts bees for pollination by emitting an unpleasant odor. In fact, its alternate name is similar too, as it is often referred to as the “corpse flower.” Titan arum can tower up to 12 feet and weigh 170 pounds.

The overwhelming smell of these "corpse" flowers have even caused people to pass out from getting too close!



Deadliest Flowers     



Oleander Flower



It may be disconcerting to learn that some of the loveliest flowers are also the most dangerous. Cascading Angel's Trumpet, delicate Lily of the Valley, and fragrant and colorful Daphne can all be deadly to humans and animals if ingested. The lovely pink petals of the Oleander flower disguise the fact that it is one of the most poisonous plants on earth. The entire Oleander plant contains toxins that can affect the cardiovascular, digestive and nervous systems simultaneously. The potency of these flowers proves that lethal things can come in deceptively pretty packages.

Tastiest Edible Flower



As everyone's taste differs, what one person believes to be the tastiest among edible flowers may contradict another’s opinion. Calendula, or marigold, flowers have a flavor that can range from spicy to bitter. They can be sprinkled on soup, salad, rice and pasta. Carnations have dramatically sweet petals that are often used in wines and desserts. Dandelions, those weeds so prevalent spring through summer, have buds that are honey-like in flavor. They are used to make wine and add unique flavor to salads and other dishes. The use of edible flowers in dishes and as a garnish is experiencing a recent resurgence in the culinary world. Other edible flowers include jasmine, lavender, clover, begonia, chrysanthemum, and the day lily. The list of edible flowers is quite extensive. Try one sometime. You might just like it!

A Black Rose?



Nope, it doesn't exist. In fact, you won't find a totally black flower of any type. Black doesn't seem to be nature's color for flowers. What many florists or gardeners may refer to as a black flower is actually an extremely dark shade of purple. Adding black accents to a bouquet with dark purple flowers, can give it the effect of looking black. 

I hope you learned a little something. You never know when trivia will come in handy!



The Link between flowers and mood

The Link Between Flowers and Mood

Flowers have a bit of a reputation for brightening up the surrounding environment, whether it is an office or a blossoming field of color, but how much of an impact do flowers actually have on an individual’s mood? According to recent research conducted at Scotland's Strathclyde University, flowers can actually have a positive effect on the mood state of individuals who are surrounded by flowers. Additionally, the joyful effects of flowers are noticeable almost immediately.

The Value of a Smile

A multi-faceted nine month behavioral study observed the feelings and behavioral responses of recipients who were given flowers as gifts. There was a universal positive reaction to receiving flowers across all participants in all age ranges. Researchers were able to observe "true" smiles upon receiving flowers. True smiles are distinguished by the use of particular facial muscles which are not activated during "fake" or insincere smiles, and trained researchers can easily detect the difference between the two.

The study also featured a long-term exposure to flowers, which was reflected by an equally long-term positive change in mood. Some participants self-reported negative feelings, including depression, prior to receiving flowers and later indicated a change to more positive feelings after receiving a gift of flowers. Overall ratings of life satisfaction actually increased.

Strengthening Bonds

Those giving flowers also reported positive feelings. Additionally, results of the study indicate that giving and receiving flowers can play a critical role in cementing the bonds between different family members. The researchers examined contact maintained between family members before and after a flower-oriented transaction, and an increase in family contact was noted after flowers were given or received.

The study also focused on the interaction between participants and flowers in the home environment. Flowers were put on display in the participant's home in open and heavily trafficked areas, and long lasting positive feelings were noted in these participants. The study also focused on positive experiences that guests had while visiting the homes of participants keeping fresh flowers in areas open to guests, and these guests reported increased and long lasting feelings of sharing and comfort after visiting these homes.

Conclusion of Study

The conclusions reached by the researchers at Strathclyde University over the course of the nine month study support the integration of flowers into all environments, including the home, office, hospitals and clinics, and businesses. As an application, businesses could use floral arrangements to create more open and trustworthy impressions on clients. The results also support the previously suspected benefits of giving flowers to loved ones and significant individuals. The positive mood changes could benefit individuals in everyday life, grief, sickness, and a myriad of other situations. This could contribute to the reported benefits of "get well" and sympathy floral arrangements. The effects examined were nearly immediate and long lasting, and no negative effects were reported. Changes occurred in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, meaning that flowers are an inexpensive and completely positive gift. Thanks to online ordering and easy access to local flower shops, using flowers to bridge family gaps and improve life satisfaction is easier than ever.

The Romantic History of the Rose

A Timeless Treasure: The Romantic History of the Rose

It is easily arguable that no single flowering plant has influenced civilization throughout history more than the rose. This flower, in all of its many varieties, has consistently been a central symbol for mankind in a wide range of areas, including mythology, art, religion, war, politics, medicine, music and love. With over 30,000 varieties in cultivation worldwide today, its beauty and fragrance still exert a powerfully historic sway over human emotions and creative outlets.

The Age of the Rose

Based upon fossil evidence found in Colorado and elsewhere, the rose genus is at least 35 million years old. The original rose habitat spread throughout all of the Northern Hemisphere as far south as Mexico, where some 150 different wild species can still be found growing in these areas today. The oldest identified wild rose still presently growing is the French rose, whose habitat ranges throughout central and southern Europe and western Asia. Although its exact origin has yet to be confirmed, traces of its presence appeared as early as twelfth century B.C. in Persian records that referred to it as a symbol of love. As near as anyone can determine, the human cultivation of roses began approximately 5,000 years ago in the area of Asia that is now China.

Ancient History

Throughout ancient history, the rose played a prominent role in everything from mythology to architecture. It was recorded in a Greek myth that it was Aphrodite who first gave the rose its name after it was created by the goddess Chloris. In an ancient Hindu legend, it was relayed that the god Brahma created the goddess Lakshmi from 108 large and 1,008 small rose petals. In ancient architecture, the rose played a central role in the detailing of sculptures, columns and wreaths for many civilizations throughout the world.

War and Peace

One of the more fascinating aspects of rose history is the prominence the flower gained as a symbol of excessive wealth and power as it became more widely cultivated. Confucius wrote in approximately 500 B.C. about roses growing in the Imperial Gardens. During the Han dynasty, these gardens grew so large that they threatened land needed for producing food. Not surprisingly, much the same thing happened during the Roman Empire. While peasants were starving, the rulers used much needed food land to grow roses so they could fill their baths and fountains with rose water, sit on carpets of rose petals during feasts and create perfumes. Later, the rose became a central symbol for both sides in the fifteenth century struggle for power over England during the War of the Roses.

Throughout the Ages

It is without question that the most enduring aspect of the rose throughout history has been its use as a symbol of love. From ancient times to the present, the rose has represented everything from undying devotion to friendship and everything in between. The rose always has been, and probably always will be, the ultimate symbol used to reflect love in stories, art and music.

How to be "hip" when giving flowers!

Giving flowers as gifts is a great idea. However, many floral gift givers are generally a little unsure what type of arrangement is appropriate or meaningful for a particular occasion. Your florist can guide you to be the savviest most sophisticated gift giver of all time.

Did you know that 88% of people agree that a gift of lowers changes your mood for the better? Also, did you know that 83% of people like to receive flowers when they are unexpected? And that 89% of people think people of give the gift of flowers is sophisticated. Oh…and one more little know fact, men do like to receive flowers! When giving flowers to a man, choose bold flowers like a bird of paradise or bold colours like Red or Orange. That is a sure way to get their attention.

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Say it With Flowers

The Society of American Florists' research showed that there are five basic reasons why people send flowers: To say I'm sorry, thank you, get well, and to express congratulations or sympathy.

I agree with this and here are some suggestions about what to use flowers for.

• To say “I'm Sorry,” I suggest a nostalgic arrangement with lavenders and pinks, followed by a phone call.

• To say “Thank You,” I suggest a casual arrangement of hand-picked flowers. Use the accompanying card to express what you have difficulty saying in person.

• For “Get Well” wishes, select a variety of calming colors, such as blues, shades of green, and other serene hues.

• For “Congratulations,” “Welcome Home,” or “Great Job” messages, I suggest bold, bright, and contrasting colors.  Playful and fun-loving are the orders of the day for this occasion. In addition, you could request an appropriately whimsical container that represents the occasion.

• To express sympathy for the loss of a loved one, flowers are usually sent to the funeral home. Or, if a service isn't planned, the arrangement should be sent to the bereaved person's home. Your local florist will gladly assist you in the proper selection. For an added personal touch, they can incorporate a personal item of the loved one into the flowers. I did this when my grandpa passed, he made my son a little school desk so I used that to put a design in.

Other Occasions and Situations

Additional situations when flowers are appropriate include to the hostess of a special occasion just prior to the party, or a simple "just because" bouquet to tell someone that you care and are thinking about them. Have your florist design a European Hand Tie for the host of a dinner party. No designing is required as you just untie it and it falls into place. This lets the host bring out a favorite vase of theirs they may not have used in a while.  For floral arrangements given to a hostess, try to match the colors and type of flowers to the hostess' decor. For "just because" bouquets, try to send them in the middle of the week to add a special element of surprise.

Many people are unaware of the fact that florists are specially trained to create floral arrangements and bouquets suited to various occasions. I really suggest that you get to know your local florist. Knowing you personally will help the florist to create a flower arrangement that perfectly portrays your personality.

I always make sure to bring a bouquet of flowers to any of my friends house, even if it if for a cup of coffee. It is such a nice way to greet someone. Plus, you know they will always have you back! If you really want to be a sophisticated flower giver, bring a single flower for others attending the party. You will be the talk of the party hands down!