Exotic Flowers in Boston

Located at 609 American Legion Hwy in Roslindale, Exotic Flowers boasts a premier urban garden center. Exotic Flowers has remained at this spot for over seventy five years. Exotic Flowers remains in the middle of what we like to call 'flower mile,'. One block towards Hyde Park is City Farm floral as well as Maria's plant stand. At the intersection of Walk Hill St and American Legion Hwy are Walk Hill Florist, Calisi's Flowerland and Louie the Florist. These six urban garden centers have remained in business for over two centuries combined. While each venue provides their own flowers and plants, Exotic Flowers remains a destination floral and garden center.

Our Boston garden center offers annuals, perennials, potting soil, statuary and pottery. We also carry plant food and garden tools. Impatiens and geraniums are the best selling garden plants for our Boston inner city fans. Hanging planters featuring petunias, sweet potato vine and bacopa are our best seller overall.

Our prices are quite competitive as we grow a lot of our own plants in our two Roslindale greenhouses. We also grow hardy fall mums as well as poinsettias. These locally grown plants not only help the environment, but also keep money in the local economy as well. Many local shools, like the Haley School visit to see our operation in action and the students are given free plant lessons.

During the fall, our Boston garden center features mums, kale, asters, pumpkins and cornstalks. As December approaches, we transform the garden center in Roslindale into a winter wonderland replete with Santa Claus, twinkle lights, Christmas Trees and decorated evergreen wreaths.

December remains our most active month. Clients are encouraged to come in for free calendars and to see our greenhouses filled with vibrant red poinsettias.

The inner city of Boston offers so much to so many and Exotic Flowers is proud to be a mainstay in the Boston community.

Do you remember the 1982 Boston Red Sox ? The 1982 Red Sox finished in third place with a record of 89 wins and 73 losses. The team was managed by the legendary Ralph Houk. Houk was considered an old school type manager and believed in carrying three catchers on the 25 man roster.

Roger LaFrancois was the third string catcher on that team. LaFrancois suited up for all 162 games and never spent any time on the disabled list. Roger also only appeared in eight games and had only 10 at bats (.400 avg).

Making it to the majors is no small feat. Staying on a major league roster for 162 games is even more impressive. You cannot become a major league catcher without talent. Other athletes may have called foul, demanded a trade or stirred trouble in the clubhouse. LaFrancois proved just the opposite. The model employee and teammate. LaFrancois warmed up pitchers, cheered on his teammates. LaFrancois learned and learned and learned more. He used this opportunity as a major leaguer to become a career baseball man.

Even today almost thirty years later, a Boston florist is reminded of LaFrancois and how he should be admired and revered as much as the two catchers (Gary Allenson and Rich Gedman) whose job he competed for. LaFrancois is a role model for all business, not just sports. At Exotic Flowers in Boston, even the top staff members sweep the floor. No job is too menial. There is plenty of idle time in a Boston flower shop, our job at Exotic Flowers is to be like Roger LaFrancois is to use that idle time to our advantage.

August is Happiness Happens Month Worldwide. Not that we need a month to tell us the benefits of being happy, but take a look at this press release and see how science tells us how flowers make us happier and healthier.

Boston, MA

August 8th, 2011

As Britney Spears gets ready to take the stage at TDBank Garden in Boston tonight, she will be enjoying the fragrant blooms of Exotic Flowers in her dressing room. Britney has recaptured the public's affection and sells out her concerts throughout the country. I know that Britney will be blown away by the striking arrangement of Ecuadorean roses, Dutch hydrangeas, and orchids from Thailand sent by an adoring fan.

As Boston's Premier Florist, the staff at Exotic Flowers is often called upon to create some outrageous flower designs for the Boston area. From Fenway Park to Gillette Stadium, Exotic Flowers has had some memorable deliveries for friends, fans and celebrities.

Some of our flower deliveries have gone to Boston news icon Natalie Jacobson; actresses Barbara Streisand, Rita Moreno, Jane Seymour and Amy Smart; Baseball legends Ted Lepcio and Jose Canseco;  and politicians Senator Ted Kennedy, Governor Deval Patrick and Mayor Tom Menino. While some of our more memorable deliveries include:

Actresses Annette Bening, Eva Mendes and Debra Messing (who has many floral allergies) were feted with flowers while filming the movie, The Women in Cambridge, MA. What a pleasant surprise to have Hollywood producer Toby Emmerich's people ring up Exotic Flowers in Boston to celebrate these three movie stars with Ecuadorean roses, Dutch Gerbera Daisies and Cymbidium Orchids from New Zealand.

In June, 2009 - the Red Sox celebrated manager Terry Francona and coach Brad Mills' 500th win for the Red Sox with 500 roses sent to their wives from Exotic Flowers' hoard of Ecuadorean roses.

When the famous legend Julie Andrews was in Boston, Exotic Flowers was chosen to create table centerpieces for a party in her honor.

One of the more memorable Boston weddings came years ago. Exotic Flowers was honored to create the wedding flowers for actress Maura Tierney. The Hyde Park native has been a friend of Sonny at Exotic Flowers for many years. We are proud to be friends with such a special family.

It was

Boston, MA

Dear friends,                                                                                                                      August, 2011

At Exotic Flowersin Boston, you often ask us to send gifts for newborns, birthdays and anniversaries. We are honored that you choose our Boston flower shop to be such a special part of your lives.  We realize that sending flowers is all about sending emotions. We do not take that job lightly. At the end of the day, your special events give us purpose. We feel we help make your lives better and we are thankful for this huge responsibility.

At Exotic Flowers -  friendships, relationships and family are so important. Of course we like to share our achievements with you as well. Last winter you showed so much kindness when my wife Suzie released her first children's book, The Land of Chocolate Cosmos. I am thankful.

This week, Suzie has now released her second children's book, The Popcorn Hydrangea of Poppingtom. I know you will love it. For our best clients, we are sending a complimentary copy for your enjoyment. After all, we are all kids at heart. Whether you have kids or just think like one, I know you will love this book.

Thank you for everything. Enjoy the rest of your summer. Know that I am at your disposal.

with gratitude and admiration,

Of course.

Paris would be an asset to any company whose vision statement is' Reaction Guaranteed.' Paris is a marketing genius who reinforces her personal brand daily. Born with no marketable talents like singing, acting or nuclear science - Paris Hilton has turned her charm, looks and enthusiasm into a multi-million dollar empire.

Paris Hilton lives out loud. She engages with her fan base through social media outlets like Twitter. She grows her brand through shock and awe. Arrested, vilified, and x-rated; Paris' star only shines brighter. She is a fighter. Exotic Flowers in Boston believes in this energy. She turns lemons into lemonade and rarely hurts anyone in the process.

Although Paris has never exhibited the work ethic we look for in employees, she has proved her mettle by doing all types of labor intensive jobs to succeed. And at Exotic Flowers in Boston, we are looking for go-getters like Paris. Paris lives out loud. She is a trail blazer who generates revenue. What business would not want an employee who is rings the cash register? Paris Hilton is a rain maker and every small business especially florists could use a rain maker.

Paris also recognizes her fan base, also known as her customers. Paris realizes every fan matters. Just like Exotic Flowers realizes every customer matters. When a fan asks for an autograph request, her response. "Of course.'  Paris Hilton gets it. She is in the marketing customer service business. Paris knows every customer helps build her brand/business.

And of course, by evidence of the photo below: Paris Hilton loves flowers too. So Paris, if you're interested; you have a job at Exotic Flowers in Boston.

5. Toots by Bob Considine

No longer in print, this book about the famous saloon keeper Toots Shor -  is a nice read for all restauranteuers and small businessmen. 'Toots' not only teaches how to build solid business relationships, but also how to make money while doing it. His concept of spending quality time with his customers is practiced every day at Exotic Flowers in Boston.

4. Marketing Your Dreams by Pat Williams, Michael Weinreb

Williams insists that 'Marketing Your Dreams isn't a Bill Veeck biography; instead, it's a book about success, a book about one of the most relentless and fascinating personalities in the history of organized sports. It's a book about extracting Veeck's traits and concentrating them into their purest form so that the reader can pull the same kind of inspiration from the master that Williams did.'

The reader will find many of Pat and Bill's marketing ideas implemented at Exotic Flowers in Boston. Bill Veeck has always been one of my idols.

3.

by Leonardo Inghilleri,Micah Solomon,Horst Schulze

 

the chapter on Building Customer Loyalty Online and the Appendixes are worth the price of the book alone.
Just wish more companies practiced these policies.

At Exotic Flowers in Boston, we are making a concerted effort to implement many of these policies.

 

2.

Marketing Lessons from the Grateful Dead: What Every Business Can Learn from the Most Iconic Band in History

by David Meerman Scott,Brian Halligan

 

This book is great for the beach or the lake. A quick read with original insight. You can finish in a day or two.

 

Halligan and Meerman Scott have offered the staff at Exotic Flowers lots of fresh ideas for social media and marketing in Boston.

1.

Veeck--As In Wreck: The Autobiography of Bill Veeck

by Bill Veeck,Ed Linn

 

I am now reading this book for the third time. Not only inspiring, but enjoyable. This book is a must have for baseball fans, marketing fans and all small business owners. Bill inspires and teaches.

 

 

 

Red wine, beautiful flowers and great red meat are some of my favorite things. When you can combine all three, you will not only have a memorable meal, but you will ignite all your senses. Let me walk you through a memorable meal that I recently enjoyed at The Capital Grille in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. While you savor this meal, remember the key to a Great meal is company and decor as well. No meal would be complete without a flowers in the room or on the table.

For starters, a 2009 Byron Pinot Noir was poured to accompany my assortment of warm bread and focaccia. The dominant themes are dark berries, cherries, rose petal, red plum, brown spice and smoke. A great starter with an explosion of flavor.

To accompany my blue cheese and bacon wedge salad; a 2003 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Bosche was chosen. This wine has an intense, deep ruby color. Dark fruit aromas of blackberry, plum, black cherry, and currant. Bright fruit aromas mingled with sweet oak, dark chocolate, slight clove, cinnamon, and black pepper. A nice match with the flavors of blue cheese and bacon. Not quite the Byron, but enjoyable.

My next course featured medium rare Filet Mignon topped with lump crab meat accompanied by mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. For this decadent entree, a 2006 Chalk Hill Estate 2006 Cabernet was chosen. Wow this was a winner. Everything you'd want in a Cabernet. Throughout this meal, candles flickered in the twilight. Aromas wafted from the kitchen. Rose petals decorated the table as a tower of sunflowers loomed over room divider. With an incredibly satisifying meal, our waiter insisted on us experiencing the RL Buller Portly Gentleman Port to go along with a complimentary berry covered creme brule. Although we were stuffed to the gills, this pairing was heavenly.

Aside from the masterpiece of desert; this meal could easily be replicated in your Boston backyard. Start with flowers and plants from Exotic Flowers (we will pick flowers that do not interfere with the aroma of your food) for your decor; steaks from the Butcher Boy in North Andover; and wines from Gary's Liquors in Chestnut Hill. Pick some great music and do not forget the candle light. Of course pick some great guests, family and friends. Invite the kids, youthful enthusiasm is infectious.

A conversation about blue roses often becomes a love/hate one. Some of our clients love blue roses and can only have blue roses or no other flower. Other clients loathe them and consider them an insult to nature. Because Boston is conservative, blue roses rarely find their way to the tables of Beacon Hill, Newton or Wellesley.

Blue roses do not exist in nature. At Exotic Flowers in Boston, we import hundreds of blue roses every week from Ecuador. These Boston Blue Roses are actually a white rose dyed blue while still in Ecuador. After the white rose is cut, the white becomes very thirsty. The white rose is then immersed in a blue dye solution. The flowers draws the dye straight up the stem to the petals; that is why the stems and foliage of our blue roses appear blue as well.

Because of the absence of blue roses in nature, the blue rose has adopted a symbolism of mystery and allure. This symbolism creates a connection with those giving and receiving the blue roses.

At Exotic Flowers, we are believe in sending the outrageous. Our vision statement, Reaction Guaranteed,' resonates with the sending of blue roses. Of course, the staff at Exotic Flowers may not care for blue roses, but we also would not drive a bright yellow car or a mini-cooper. To each their own, blue roses are here to stay.

The next stop on the horizon is the blue orchid plant. Another conversation for another blog.