Exotic Flowers in Boston

That’s thanks to our our dedicated staff – we don’t have the difficulties many other delivery companies, such as couriers, might have.

When you place your order with Exotic Flowers, it’s a local florist, close to the chosen recipient, who will create your bouquet  and hand-deliver it to your loved one.

And our staff always goes above and beyond while battling the elements. We spoke to driver Bobby Plunkett of Hyde Park who told us a fantastic story of a delivery he made in the snow.

Bob had a delivery to make on December 26^th and given the snow in the area he had to go to he knew he wouldn’t be able to make it. He rang the customer who understood and said that whenever Bob could make the delivery could he help clear the stairs as she was elderly.

Bob was able to get a lift in the H2. On the way to make the delivery he stopped to help dig out a car that was stranded but eventually Bob got to the house with the bouquet of flowers and a shovel to help remove the snow.

As you can see, there’s not much that will stop our determined flower deliverers from getting our flowers out to you, whatever the weather.

So, don’t worry – our staff sets us apart and allow us to get those flowers to you our most loyal customers.

The Christmas Tree is arguably the most traditional symbol of Christmas. Christmas trees are often displayed indoors, but also can be placed outdoors as well. Decorations range from lights to popcorn.. pine cones to glass ornaments. An angel or star is often placed on top of the tree. The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree dates back to 16th century Germany.

Christmas trees can be artifical as well as real. At Exotic Flowers in Roslindale and Boston, we have been selling real Christmas trees to Bostonians for over fifty years. We carry Canadian Balsam, Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, Concolor Fir, Blue Spruce and White Pine.

Many of our clients enjoy this great variety of evergreen trees. Our Christmas center in Roslindale serves clients from Dorchester, Mattapan, Hyde Park, Boston and many other communities. Exotic Flowers does not just sell flowers. We are Christmas Tree Experts.

We also feature ornaments, tree stands, lights, tree removal bags and living Christmas trees too. We also give your Christmas tree a fresh cut so it last longer. We not only bind your tree for easy transport, but will also tie the Christmas tree to your car as well. If you have always had artifical trees, stop by. As we say, "real tree equals real Christmas. Fake tree equals fake Christmas."

In 2010, Exotic Flowers has made a concerted effort to help out our local Boston school children. We have partnered with the Manning School of Jamaica Plain and the Haley School of Roslindale to bring more children into our compound and show them all the living items the Christmas season has to offer.

For centuries, Christmas has been celebrated with many symbols, especially the presence of evergreens. Evergreen boughs and garland were present in many cultures and celebrations. Jewish history shows the use of evergreen boughs in during their Feast of Tabernacles. While the Germans used evergreen boughs in their homes during winter to bring life indoors. The Romans celebrated their winter solstice with boughs, garlands and flowers. These celebrants were the beginnings of the floral industry. Our florist ancestors showed the importance of floral decor as a part of winter celebrations.

Christmas wreaths aand garland trace their symbolism to early Christianity. As Christians began celebrating the birth of Christ, the pagan traditions of winter were carried over and somewhat modified and new meanings were created. The boughs and garlands served as a symbol to remind Christians of the salvation and redemption of Jesus.

The presence of the holiday wreath resonates with religious symbol of a ring. Wreaths represent God's eternal nature; no beginning, no end. Many believe the origin of the Christmas wreath comes from Jesus' crown of thorns. The adornment and decoration of a Christmas wreath emanate from the celebration of Christ's birth as well as a crown for a King.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, celebrates the victory of the Jews over Greek persecution. When the Maccabees, the leaders of the war against the Syrians, reclaimed the Temple, they only had one flask of oil to light their candle lit Menorah. Miraculously the Menorah stayed lit for eight days - thus the eight days of Hanukkah, which begin on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev. In 2010, Hanukkah begins on December 1st.

In partnership with the Society of American Florists and www.aboutflowers.com - Exotic Flowers in Boston is honored to present some flower decorating ideas for Hanukkah.

Ask the staff at Exotic Flowers to design a festive arrangement featuring flowers in the traditional Hanukkah blue and white or in all white - perfect for a centerpiece or to greet guests on a table in the foyer.

Use fresh evergreens to decorate around the menorah. Place colorful dreidels and chocolate coins around the table for kids to enjoy.

If you are having an open house is and many persons will be in a room, it is important to give special attention to the larger display areas such as the front door, foyer, mantle, buffet or serving areas, powder rooms, windows and staircase. This decorating tactic will help you get maximum impact because with many people in a room smaller arrangements placed around will not be seen at all times. By focusing on a few focal areas in each room, more space is made for glasses, cups and food plates and there is less chance of an accident.

As guests leave, have a vase of loose flowers by the door and invite them to take one home as a gift.

For an elegant celebration, take advantage of all places where candles could be displayed:

Line a walkway with votive candles in luminaries leading up to a door.

Place garland on the mantle with fresh flowers and candles to beautifully grace your room and make the most of light by enhancing the fire.

Float candles and flowers in treasured crystal or silver bowls to create a fabulous effect.

Place scented candles with fresh blossoms in each powder room.

Ask Exotic Flowers about Hanukkah Flower Decorating and Entertaining Ideas.

Friends often ask, what is your busiest month ? Well May is really busy and often shows the most revenue, but December is the most labor intensive. Because of events, Christmas trees and decorating, the staff at Exotic Flowers is stretched quite thin. This December, the staff at Exotic Flowers will be giving all they can, as four employees will be out of commission.

The newly acquired Kevin G. of Jamaica Plain did not even make it to December. Kevin would have been working at Exotic Flowers in Roslindale selling Christmas trees, making flower bouquets and delivering flower arrangements. Kevin tore his ACL in his knee and will be out indefinitely.

At Exotic Flowers in Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, Dennis Callahan has been a premier salesman for over four years. His infectious enthusiasm has created a loyal following. Dennis will be out of commission for the next few weeks.

Back in Roslindale, Exotic Flowers senior sales representative and gift basket coordinator, Shannon Rizza will be heading out on maternity leave shortly.

As we head into the intensity of the holiday rush, Exotic Flowers will also be without our most experienced driver Michael Schaaf. Mike has been an employee of Exotic Flowers for over ten years and also provides sales support as needed.

As Boston's Premier Florist, we are accustomed to pressure and adversity. Stop by, check in, say hi - we cannot wait to exceed your expectations.

Quickly usurping the prevalence of the Christmas Poinsettia, forced bulbs are becoming a holiday staple. Amaryllis and Narcissus bulbs are not only easy to grow, but affordable. At Exotic Flowers in Faneuil Hall, an Amaryllis or Paper White Kit which includes a container and soil can be purchased for $9.95. Our Boston greenhouse also offers individual paper white bulbs at $1.25 each.

An Amaryllis bulb arrives in its infant form somewhat resembling a large onion with straggly roots. The process of getting an Amaryllis bulb to bloom is quite simple. The bulb should be nestled in a container of potting soil about one inch bigger than the bulb. Choose a decorative container as transplanting at a later date may prove a challenge.

Ideally, your soil should be sand based for support and fast drainage. Amaryllis can easily suffer root rot if they sit in a muddy soil. When planting your Amaryllis bulb, spread out the roots and leave about one third of the bulb above the soil line.

Water thoroughly upon the initial planting, but do not water again until the bulb begins to shows signs of growth; then water sparingly. Remember, do not drown this bulb. Traditional Amaryllis varieties mature in about three to six weeks. Plan accordingly for your December decor. Amaryllis kits and bulbs are also great holiday gifts for both children and adults.

Narcissus, also known as Paper Whites are even easier to grow than Amaryllis. Narcissus can be forced in soil or water. Narcissus bloom rather quickly. Because of their affordability ($1.25 each), Exotic Flowers in Boston suggests planting several at different intervals.

If planting in soil, Exotic Flowers' growers suggest following the same procedure as growing Amaryllis bulbs. If planting in water, the greenhouse staff at Exotic Flowers suggests pouring sea glass, pebbles or marbles in a clear glass container. Place the paper white bulbs closely together for support with the root ball facing down. The bulb roots should barely touch the water. If the roots submerge in the water, the bulb will rot. Additional water should not be poured over the bulbs or they will rot. Significant growth can be expected in less than two weeks.

If you do not have a green thumb or the desire to try. Both Exotic Flowers in Boston and Roslindale will be offering pre-planted Amaryllis and Narcissus for your apartment, house or office.

Yearly, the Society of American Florists (SAF) sponsors the Outstanding Varieties Competition where distributors offer the floral world their best fresh cuts in hopes of taking home 'Best in Show.' In 2010, the competition took place in Orlando, Florida at SAF's Annual Convention.

Rick Canale of Exotic Flowers in Boston, Massachusetts was chosen to be one of the nine judges. Rick was chosen to judge spray roses and standard roses as well as "The Best in Show,".

Below are some of Rick's comments regarding the competition.

"By judge Rick Canale's evaluation, Equiflor/Rio Roses 'hit a homerun.' 'It's a true red, has a big head and opens beautifully,' said the owner of Exotic Flowers in Boston. 'Consumers will love it,'."

Canale: "You get a lot of bang for your buck with this variety,". 'For prom work in particular, he'd reach for 'Purple Sky,' as one stem easily yields a corsage and a boutonniere.'

"Canale called it 'an instant conversation piece,'."

The Orange Vision Spray Roses from Esmeralda Farms: "For celebratory orders, Canale suggests this mandarin-colored variety beside lime green flowers, adding that its long laterals make 'Orange Vision' a dream for designing."

The Silver Bell Spray Rose from Golden Flowers: "It's the perfect petal to please purple seekers, Canale added, of what he calls a 'season-less' hue, not too light nor too dark." He also awarded high marks for the bud's uniform head size. "That offers great symmetry and balance,".

Snowflake Spray Roses from Golden Flowers: "It's perfect in every way," said Boston Florist Rick Canale who considered Snowflake second only to Best in Show winner, Jiuhabo Sweetie. "It's a real, true white and buds' opening are just picturesque," he said.

Most of the commentary of this blog post was taken from Katie Hendrick's article regarding Best in Show in the November, 2010 issue of Floral Management

Veterans Day 2010 - Proclamation President Barack Obama

"On Veterans Day, we come together to pay tribute to the men and women who have worn the uniform of the  United States Armed Forces. Americans across this land commemorate the patriots who have risked their lives to preserve the liberty of our Nation, the families who support them, and the heroes no longer with us. It is not our weapons or our technology that make us the most advanced military in the world; it is the unparalleled spirit, skill, and devotion of our troops. As we honor our veterans with ceremonies on this day, let our actions strenghten the bond between a Nation and her warriors.

... Long after leaving the uniform behind, many veterans continue to serve our country as public servants and mentors, parents and community leaders. They have added proud chapters to the story of America, not only on the battlefield, but also in communities from coast to coast. They have built and shaped our Nation, and it is our solemn promise to support our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen as they return to their homes and families..."

At Exotic Flowers and Lombardi Florist in Boston and Roslindale, we are proud to be lead daily by a veteran. Arnold "Sonny" Canale proudly served in the U.S. Navy on board the destroyer USS Buck761. Sonny served during the Korean War as a machinist mate and received his honorable discharge.

Sonny brings his miliary background to work on a daily basis. Employees are trained daily in discipline, honesty and most importantly respect.

Some observers may feel that this regimentation is a bit intense for a Boston flower shop. Exotic Flowers however feels that our military influence is integral to our success as Boston's Premier Florist.

Large corporations often speak of core values, mission statements, policies etc... Small businesses like Exotic Flowers in Boston and Lombardi Florist of Roslindale also have these agendas. Of course, we are a family florist and not quite so cold and callous about our policies. Although we have a written handbook, many of our of core values emanate from our family principles. Occasionally we like to remind our Exotic Flowers Boston staff of our policies in writing. In last week's paycheck, we reminded our staff what some of our core vales are:

• Exotic Flowers sells the highest-quality flowers and plants available.
• Our goal is to not only meet our customers expectations, but to exceed them.
• As Boston's Premier Florist, all employees of Exotic Flowers realize the importance of sending and sharing our clients' emotions.
• Our goals as a family owned Boston florist are to create financial stability through Referrals and Repeat Business.
• The staff of Exotic Flowers and Lombardi Florist realize the importance of community, our neighbors and the cleanliness of our neighborhood.
• Exotic Flowers strives to create and nurture relationships with our vendors.
• The leadership at Exotic Flowers in Boston and Roslindale promotes the wellness of our staff and clients by touting the health benefits of flowers and plants.
• Exotic Flowers believes in education and involvement. We believe in industry groups like SAF (Society of American Florists); social media groups like Facebook; and local groups such as Little League or the chamber of commerce.