Tuesday, February 27, 2007

WHAT'S IN BLOOM?

Spring is right around the corner and we are seeing more and more spring bulb flowers on the market, such as Crocus, Daffodils, Tulips and Hyacinth. Peak season is from January through May so now is the time to pick up some fresh bunches of cut tulips and or hyancinths or some potted bulb gardens. Every week we bring in a wide variety in an array of colors.
Potted bulbs. Remove all plastic wrapping and check soil moisture. We often cover the earth with moss, you may leave all or none or you may simply remove it. Moss helps to maintain even soil moisture and humidity around the plant. If your plant did not come with a pot and saucer, we recommend you place it in one with proper drainage.
Bulb basket care (pre-planted) Your plant will need 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Once the foliage breaks the soil, keep the pot cool and remove it from direct sunlight. This will promote stronger and shorter stems. The flowers will bloom for 1-2 weeks.
Planting the bulbs (Hyacinths, Daffodils and Crocus) Remove the spent flowers and allow the foliage to grow for 6-8 weeks. Reduce watering until the foliage withers then remove the bulbs from the earth and let them dry out for a few days. Store the bulbs in an open paper bag and place them in the dark in an ideal temparature of 60F until the weather permits you to plant them outdoors. They will not bloom again till next spring.

Sunday, February 25, 2007

FLOWERS CREATE SMILES

Imagine waking up to the beautiful smell of fresh cut hyacinths, lilies or freesias paired up with some fragrant greens such as eucaliptus or rosemary. Flowers can be a simple and inexpensive way to brighten someones spirits through colors, scents and style.
Whether it be the warming glow of a sunflower or the colorful blooms of a gerbera daisy, a Harvard Study of The Home Ecology of Flowers has proven that "Living with flowers strenghtens feelings of compassion and decreases anxiety, worry and depression". Nancy Etcoff - a Harvard Medical School researcher and Massachusetts General Hospital psychologist - found that fresh flowers can provide a boost of energy and enthusiasm at home or in the workplace.
What better way to show a loved one you appreciate and care for them. I'm always amazed at the reactions I get when I deliver flowers to an office, all the girls wishing they were for them. According to a study* 83% of people would like to receive flowers when they are not expecting them and 88% say flowers can change your mood for the better. The society of American florists (SAF) reports that not only do women enjoy receiving flowers but 60% of men polled said they would like to receive flowers at work, make that "manly" flowers such as exotics or brightly colored flowers in the reds, yellows, oranges and blues.
So the next time you want to relieve some stress or put a smile on someones face offer them a couple of stems of their favorite flower.

*http://www.aboutflowers.com/FlowerFundamentals.htm

Thursday, February 15, 2007

YOU RECEIVED FLOWERS FOR VALENTINE'S?

How to care for your cut flowers
  • Remove any leaves that may come in contact with the water in the vase
  • Fill a vase with room temperature water and add floral preservative to the water.
  • Cut up to one inch off the flower stem. Cut at an angle. Immediately place them in water. This will allow the flower to absorb more water.
  • Display your flowers in a cool area and away from direct sunlight
  • If possible change the water daily, this will minimize bacterial growth
  • For longer lasting flowers you can place your vase and flowers in the refrigerator at night and remove them in the morning
  • Keep flowers away from ripening fruits and cigarette smoke as they produce ethylene gas and it will considerably reduce vase life.

Friday, February 9, 2007

WHAT ELSE DID YOU EXPECT?

This is toooooo funny. A friendly florist over at flowerchat.com did a test order at Proflowers. It perfectly demonstrates what you get for your money. I'm still waiting top see if she gets her money back. The reason they are not saying anything throughout the video is to keep them from laughing...It's a mystery how they did it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNYGZHPKQgs

Saturday, February 3, 2007

BUY LOCAL!

With Valentines day quickly aproaching the flower buisness is cut throat. From everyone to local grocery stores, to super stores, to online brokers everyone is trying to cash in on the holiday. Some consumers don't take the time to think about the decision they are making when picking up a bouquet at the grocery store or by browsing the internet for the cheapest deal but florists across the country are feeling the hit and it's hurting the industry.
1800 flowers has come up with an negative ad campaign against local florists claiming their flowers are fresh from the farm (meanwhile they are busy handing out millions of dollars in coupons after settling a couple of lawsuits regarding the "fresh from the field" claim). My friends at flowerchat.com have come up with a witty replacement for their campaigning. Enjoy!

Friday, February 2, 2007

NEW ARRIVAL AT GIGI'S!

So I have a new hobby and I want to share it with all of you. I have been creating costume jewelry for a few months now and I am about to display my first collection right here at the shop.
Jewelry making as I have discovered from visiting some local bead distributors, is becoming one of the fastest growing hobbies but people don't realize how expensive and time consuming it can become. I have already spent countless amount of hours researching the proper materials and hours attempting to put it all together. I would love to put a wedding collection together for the 2007 season but i'm afraid there are just not enough hours in a day! Come visit the shop to view my bracelets and necklaces, it would be my pleasure to make one just for you! and it's all wrapped up in the prettiest little package of your choice.