Exotic Flowers in Boston

Each yuletide season, trends continue to change from everything to lighting, tree decorating and even celebratory cuisine.  As we prepare to take on the 2020 holiday whirlwinds, it’s fun to invest a little time in learning what’s hot on the menu for designers.  There’s no reason why we can’t take a peek to find out how to copy their taste on an affordable budget.  There’s no rule saying hosts must break the bank to recreate looks seen in magazines and lucky for us, this year’s theme relies heavily on the recycling of already owned items.

Experts say that acclaimed designers are heavily relying on the idea that “Old” is the “New” when mapping out their selections for décor this Christmas and Hanukkah.  Instead of purchasing contemporary lines of modernized props, they are hunting yard sales and online auctions for previously owned memorabilia which dates back to more than a few decades ago.  Trunks, basements and attics are also busy places where professional decorators are scavenging to find old boxes, milk containers and other reminders of years past.  Remember that ancient train set you stashed in the closet years ago?  Or maybe you just couldn’t let go of a teddy bear from your childhood?  Well, now’s the time to pull them out of retirement because these are the exact props designers are looking for!  Think small trucks, wooden toys, antique dolls and wool hats for possible accessories to place amongst poinsettia plants, Christmas trees (used as ornaments) and outdoor urns where they will turn a plain arrangement into a real conversational piece!  Don’t worry if they have chipped paint or missing parts since this will only add to their authentic appeal.  We’re going for a “traditional” appearance this year so make sure to select pieces that you have warm memories associated with.  

Once you’ve collected your things, now what do you do with them?  That’s a very good question…  Creating your own displays can be as easy as investing in some seasonal roping and strategically placing the trinkets within the beautiful the pine.  Hang on banisters and lay across the hearth to make a merry presentation for family and friends or attach to wreaths on the outside of your door.  If you are interested in applying this technique to your floral arrangements, you can use the same application process as long as the items are small enough not to distract from the blooms in the vase.  A little goes a long way with this style so don’t cramp containers which will make them look junky and less professionally done.

It’s a sad time for many of us when we have to say goodbye to summer and hello to autumn.  After all of the glorious beach days, barbecues and warm nights spent underneath the stars, it’s no wonder why we cringe at the mention of chillier weather approaching.  The kiddos aren’t too pleased about the major change in schedule as well, and who could blame them when back to school session is inevitably closing in. There’s no doubt, the transition is a tough one for us all but what if we could look at some of the brighter points of beginning a new fall?  Specifically, the stunning array of fresh color that will drape across the landscape in the weeks to come?

Yes, Boston florists are consistently pushing the idea to their favorite clients that just because the summer blooms have faded, it doesn’t mean September back to school flowers aren’t just as beautiful as their preceding species!  Think gold, red, orange, green and yellow, which are designer’s top choices when selecting this season’s premier palette. While the steamier months of the year boast wildflowers and garden varieties with an airy personality, things are nicely swapped up for a more rustically dignified presentation when September arrives.  Imagine bright sunflowers, green/burgundy foliage and decadent blooms such as celosia and amaranths to get your creative floral wheels turning! The possibilities are endless but here’s a few back-to-school crowd pleasers which are sure to never disappoint!

Keep an eye out for these deliciously seasonal flower varieties:

Dahlias Calla Lilies

Sunflowers Aster

Privet Berries Peach Roses

Viburnum Hypericum Berries

Football Mums Gerbera Daisies

Are you an animal lover who also adores flowers but are too afraid your puppy or kitty will likely be tempted to snack on potentially harmful plants and foliage?  Many times, people who have recently adopted a pet just believe it’s too risky to display centerpieces or house plants in their homes in fear of the possibility of ingesting poison.  Who can blame these responsible parents for making this decision when sometimes it’s unclear of what is safe and not for this type of décor? Thankfully, there are many resources available, which list helpful tips on risky plants and blooms to avoid exposure to your animals.  If you are curious about what some of those are, here is a list of a few botanicals that should be avoided:

Flowers: Many of these blooms cause diarrhea, vomiting and profuse drooling.  Kidney failure, soft tissue damage and several other serious medical issues, including death may occur if not seen by a veterinarian immediately.  

Azaleas Lily of the Valley

Tulips Monkshood

Hyacinth Morning Glories

Plants: Similar to harmful flowers, the results of ingestion from many of these plants will result in vomiting and diarrhea.  In some cases, hallucinations, organ deterioration and possible heart failure may also occur.  

Holly Juniper

Dieffenbachia Bitter Sweet

Palms Oleander

So, what are the safe flowers to showcase in your home that won’t hurt your cat or dog?   Try asking your local florist for varieties such as roses, bachelor buttons, jasmine and bamboo to dress up any room!

“Summer in New England?  Yes, fresh herbs please!”

If you are from around the local area, one thing New Englanders take full advantage of during the summer months is the availability of delicious herbs.  Since the warm summer months are quickly fleeting, most of us waste no time at all stocking up on our favorite planted spices to use in cooking our favorite dishes.  Interestingly enough-florists are also interested in the fresh crop of aromatic foliage that Boston is cultivating right at this moment. What could flower enthusiasts possibly want from a bunch of sage, basil or rosemary you ask?   Well, let’s take a look at some of this month’s most popular creations! Specifically, those using one of my favorites within their arrangements; the ever-fragrant thyme…

Thyme is one of the most underrated gifts from the garden. Maybe because the petals are small or because it resembles more of a bush than a cut stem but whatever the reason- if you haven’t had a proper introduction to this misread gem, you might want to pay attention…

The overall appearance of the herb is a slender stem with tiny petals sprouting from the top to the base of the plant.  Although the actual plant is very small compared to its cousins averaging around five to six inches per sprig, thyme is still one of the most pleasantly, aromatic herbs in existence.  This characteristic is probably the heart of the thyme’s adoration because the smell closely resembles a country scent that is not overpowering but noticeable right away. For those who hate to have their homes filled up with strong perfumes given off by roses or lilies, thyme might be just what you’re looking for to add a pleasing aroma without becoming overbearing.

If we are talking about appearance, this herb is a commodity within flower arranging because its subtle appearance adds sweet texture and gentle curves to any centerpiece of bouquet.  Brides in particular are starting to take notice of the appealing assets thyme can offer to their special day which includes boutonnieres, hair pieces, centerpieces and of course-her wedding bouquet.  

For those of you who would like to put that crop growing out in the backyard to good use, try clipping off a handful of thyme and arrange with small blooms such as sweet pea, ranunculus, garden roses or peonies.  Place the arranged bouquet in a tiny vessel resembling teacups or antique thimble holders to display a “summery” feel for your home.

Eating your vegetables is an important part of maintaining a healthy diet but did you also know they can be useful to a florist as well?  Seldom, do we associate adding our legumes to other areas of concern other than our dinner plates but new trends suggest this is about to change…. Word on the street is that some of our city’s top floral designers are trying something new this summer by looking beyond the cooler and into the garden beds.  If you think about it- the style makes sense since veggies grow in a multitude of stunning shapes and colors. Beyond these important properties which either “make” or “break” a flower in terms of being a highly demanded species or not, many vegetable plants and fruit also hold a desirable scent. Mixed with the right species, this aroma can be quite pleasant with providing end users with a unique aromatherapy experience.  With all of these wonderful benefits for using veggies in contemporary to farmhouse floral compositions, it’s no wonder why this idea is catching on like wildfire across floral communities. While some varieties work better than others, here are a few suggestions of vegetables that are fun to try out next time you arrange a fresh bouquet for your home.

If you’re a decent florist, you know how to use a multitude of different materials to keep things fresh looking on a daily basis.  Arrangements need a “change over” just like any other product line in order to maintain a steady sales track for a continuous customer flow.  No one likes to see the same thing over and over again and if pieces consistently only showcase blooms such as carnations, lilies and carnations, you’re risking the threat of boring clientele.  As the flower industry is well known as one which is incredibly difficult to flourish- let alone survive within, this is an issue professionals should take seriously.

The question is…  How do we design arrangements that are dependable for a good four to seven days after purchase while still becoming a presentation that is impressive for display?  

One way florists are implementing a summertime makeover is by using a variety of plants that reflect both of these requirements.  Any guesses as to what they might be?

HERBS!  Yes, herbs are becoming more and more useful in floral design due to their interesting texture and beautiful color.  Depending on what variety is available, we are able to manifest exciting visual presentations while still satisfying a reasonable life expectancy for the finished product being sent out.  One type of herb that is really make head waves is rosemary, which just happens to be one of New England’s favorite seasonal plants to view both in the garden and inside homes.

When we look at the reasons why rosemary might be the answer to our prayers in terms of reviving our bouquet production, these characteristics might put things into perspective:

1. The strength of stem is sturdy in both bouquets and centerpieces.
2. 1. This herb has an impressive longevity as a cut flower.
   2. 1. As long as the water is changed, the aroma is another alluring feature rosemary offers.
      2. The dark green needles mix well with a multitude of different colors especially sunflowers, delphinium and nasturtiums.  

Are you a single guy who tends to stay home on the weekends a bit more often than he would like?  Are you cruising the match making sites with little to no luck of finding a decent date? Well, if this sounds a lot like the reality of life these days, you might want to think about stopping by your local flower shop for a bouquet of blooms to pick things up!  Why in the world would a florist be the guy or gal to hook you up? New stats show that purchasing fresh flowers for your home or office is a real turn on to women and can actually increase your shot at making a love connection. Sounds silly to some but this is truly working for a multitude of men in our city who are trading in their tough exterior for a more sensitive approach when it comes to pleasing their lady friends. By showing an appreciation for a delicate floral piece, you are sending the message that you are capable of holding a stable, long lasting relationship as well as appreciative of a simple source of beauty.  I’m not saying you need to go overboard by flooding your apartment with twelve dozen roses in every room-that might be construed as a little over the top. No, a simple vase of a variety that appeals to you can work magic by making her feel comfortable in your home while also implying you’re a person who has a creative side. So, if your Saturday slump is looking grim these days, try grabbing some flowers for that lovely lady.

Gerberas are one of the most popular varieties of flowers in the industry- a fact that has held true for decades.  The reasons why are fairly simple when regarding the flower and can be easily understood based on their color, texture and shape.  Gerberas = Happiness to most people; a statement that has been held in truth across a wide variety of demographics. Both young and old have always enjoyed requesting this bloom for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays or just to take home for a vase for themselves.  Boston florists recognized the need to keep their inventory of this particular species well packed in coolers, especially in the summer months where their popularity really skyrockets. Commonly associated with the sunflower (another summer bloomer of particular interest during June –September) and the daisy (hence its name), people just can’t get enough of the beautiful, unscented fleur that has been synonymous in meaning to “happiness” and “joy” since the beginning of time.

YUM!  Who doesn’t love the intoxicating taste and scent of fresh basil?  Whether we’re talking about a smooth marinara sauce or as a dressing for marinated chicken, this herb is one of the most beloved spices in the Boston area…  But guess what? Food isn’t the only purpose for these vibrantly beautiful green leaves! Florists all over Massachusetts are taking advantage of basil’s popularity and working these plants right into their specialty of providing customers with stunning arrangements.  Particularly during these next few months, basil is noted as not only being a perfect reflection of the summer season but also “right for the pick’n” as a matter of speech. Farms, greenhouses and local nurseries are overwhelmed with clumps of fresh basil, which makes this variety a no brainer for designers.  If it’s nice to look at and readily available by suppliers, why not use this herb as a focus for this month’s fresh flower bouquet?

Using basil can be really simple for both designers and at-home hobbyists.  Select simple garden flowers such as cosmos, bachelor buttons, daisies or scabiosa and mix gently within a large bunch of basil.  All you need is a touch of color that will break up all of that green such as pink, white, blue or red (but any color will work) to create a stunning summer arrangement that will last a good five to six days with replenished water.  If you really want to complete the look, place in a water-soluble bowl or glass mason jar to give it that Homestyle look.

One of the best characteristics of basil is that the plant is grown in a variety of colors that pair well with just about any shade you can think of.  If the petals happen to be purple, then you are really in luck because the leaves will provide an extra “kick” to the arrangement. Try varieties such as dahlias, sunflowers and lantana to give the piece a real “pop” of color.  You’ll be amazed how easy it is to put together and the natural beauty that emanates once you are finished!

I know we’ve been talking a lot about flowers mixed with basil but how about going back to the plant’s “roots” so to speak?  Basil not only looks beautiful with summertime bloomers but also with veggies that might already be planted nearby. This style is sometimes referred to as the “salad bouquet” where plants such as tomatoes, squash, beans and kale replace the traditional blossoms for a total “green” presentation.  The colors that effervesce from these centerpieces is simply spellbinding while also reflecting the theme of fresh fruits and veggies.

Pink is a funny color in the floral world.  It’s often associated with a “princess” feel in design work and used mainly for female clientele but is this right?  Think about where you might usually see this hue in regards to flower arrangements and tell me if I’m wrong:

1. congratulations “It’s A Girl! bouquets
2. Valentine’s Day flowers for her
3. Dance Recital Bouquets
4. Mother's Day Centerpieces
5. Sweet Sixteen Party

These are the top five occasions we typically notice pink flowers being implemented but if it were up to me- I’d like to widen that bridge to include more areas of placement.  After all, why should the color pink be solely associated with women instead of including men in this circle? A guy can be just as masculine for liking this soft shade in his bouquet as opposed to merely sticking with varieties grown in blue and green, am I right?  Who’s to say pink should be off limits to men, anyways? In my opinion, is high time we change these sexist rules surrounding the shade of pink and open the doors to further exposure residing past the traditional occasions it has been used for in past years. Check out these funky varieties cultivated in the shade of pink and suggested events where they can start being showcased more often in floral arranging.

photo via aboutflowers.com

Let’s start with the obvious-wedding work.  This is the perfect place to start including pink, especially when talking about some of the roles men may play into.  Groomsmen might be the #1 spot to promote this shade, particularly in concern with their boutonnieres. Pink roses, pink calla lilies, pink freesia and pink ranunculus are a few of the best options with this type of floral design as well as pink dendrobiums and carnations which work, too!  Wedding planners and brides can have fun with extra coordination tactics by setting the groomsmen’s attire to match with pink belts, socks and ties. Their presence will reflect a happy and bright feel as they walk their bridesmaids down the aisle while also setting a tone of equality throughout the event.  

 Another area where we can expand pink’s presence in the male world is in the realm of their “man caves”.  Little do we realize many guys like to have a fresh bouquet of flowers sitting on their coffee tables so why not suggest a variety that fits in with our plan?  Try out mokara orchids, peonies, tulips or lilies that are both attractive to look at while still preserving a “manly” presence. While roses may not fit the bill for some men who rely on more burly varieties, gerbera daisies, Phalaenopsis or pink protea just might do the trick