Exotic Flowers in Boston

When we think of Christmas, often shades traditionally associated with the season come to mind.  Red, green and white are the go-to palette for most florists and interior decorators who are given the job to transform homes into a festive place to have warm gatherings with friends and families.  While it’s safe to say that these three shades have no plans of ever going anywhere, I was pleasantly surprised to find that metal tints are making their way to center stage to close out 2017 and WOW do they bring a wonderful sense of style!  Gold, silver and bronze may have always been applied in small doses throughout holiday decorating but this year, they become more than just your basic accessory...  

Refreshingly, one color that top designers are convinced will be a hit during December celebrations is champagne.  Most people might wonder what this exactly means since there is sometimes a controversy over what the exact tint champagne actually is.  According to the dictionary, the metallic sheen is referred to as, “a name given for various very pale tints of yellowish-orange that are close to beige. The color's name is derived from the typical color of the beverage Champagne.” If you’re still confused, one way to navigate these tricky waters is to rely heavily on blossoms of peach, blush pink and cream.  Excellent species that will work to your favor are soft garden roses (which grow in both of these colors), as well as stock, ranunculus and even certain types of Asiatic lilies.  You can mix any combination of these together or use one specific variety to feature in your arrangements.    

Another idea to keep in mind is to create the effect by using props such as holiday baubles, jewelry, ornaments, lights and other trinkets luminescent of the champagne color.  By using props, you can add to the theme by placing white or cream blossoms in the center or incorporate pretty tea lights to set off the right glow.  In this picture, we can see that the designers relied heavily on this notion by arranging faux stems of spray painted gold poinsettias and silver/pink balls to the side of the container.  This makes a gorgeous centerpiece and will live long past New Year’s if you’re planning a second holiday party.  If you think you can pull it off, combine these two theories by mixing together stems of blush and cream roses with glittered ornaments surrounded by a bed of pine.  This piece won’t only impress people with the champagne effect but will also show how much effort you’ve put in to following the latest yuletide seasonal trends.

The holidays are a busy season for florists all over the city who are looking to improve past floral themes with fresh new designs each year.  While red and white roses are pretty much a staple through the month of December, certain varieties often pop up in popularity which freshen a traditional presentation into a contemporary arrangement.  In recent years, species such as freesia, phalaenopsis, privet berries and green frilly gerbera have graced the pages of industry magazines focusing on promoting a serene, effortless style.  Luckily, 2017 promises not to disappoint.  Instead of previous mixes of compact arrangements most commonly associated with the “globe” shape, technique is switching to a more architecture look using branches, berries and other lengthier stems that will bring more dynamic to the table.  One variety which is said to be the true highlight in most holiday centerpieces this year is the amaryllis.

One of the reasons that keeps this flower around during the Christmas season is because of the multitude of styles you can use to create beautiful bouquets and arrangements.  Featured in this photo is an excellent example of how the amaryllis can be cleverly positioned as a stunning centerpiece.  Choose a tall, slender glass vase for the container and simply place the bunch inside with two inches of water at the bottom.  You’ll only need about five to seven stems to replicate this design and you’ll be pleased to see how long it lasts!

Alert!  Alert!  There has been another fashion trend flowing towards the floral industry this holiday season naming silver as decorator’s top choice for accessory material.  Designing experts have revealed that following in the footsteps of the metallic vogue, silver is the newest sensation to sweep seasonal décor and we couldn’t be happier about the news.  Professionals are loving this idea because not only does it make a dazzling display when applied properly, silver has the tendency to make holiday presentations appear crisp, majestic and glamorously ornamental.  It’s a real change from previous years when we’ve been dependent on boring, dull shades that have been on the downtrend for decades.  By instead using silver mixed with white, we can illuminate pieces in a naturalistic manner allowing designers to use a “less is more” approach when making flower bouquets, wreaths and garland for clients. You may have noticed that major retail outlets have already jumped on board since aisle upon aisle is lined with silvery baubles which are being scooped up by our pros.  If you like this idea but are interested in surveying the availability of flowers dressed in silver- you may be surprised to learn that creative geniuses behind the bench are brainstorming exciting answers to this puzzle… Think spray paint, glitter and acrylics when imagining how to replicate this look and here are a few ideas to go those artistic wheels turning.

Silver Bells

The easiest way to make an infusion of silver within your holiday decorating is to pick up packages of inexpensive silver bells you might find at a Christmas Tree Shop, Walmart or Target.  You can add the ornaments throughout a low-lying centerpiece or glue them to the base of the arrangement making a pretty base for the flowers to reflect off of.  If you are planning on using the bells as a part of the floral design, attach the ornaments to six inch picks using a glue gun and place within the assortment.  If you want to try matching the shade of featured species, request a bunch of eucalyptus, Artemisia or dusty miller.  All of these varieties will look amazing in contrast to this particular motif and expel the feeling of joy we emulate during the season.  

Never Underestimate the Power of Spray Paint…

I don’t know about you but I’m a huge fan of spray paint because it’s a really simple way to quickly change the shade of any solid object and that flowers are no exception. While some of the softer species might have trouble with this process, others have no problem absorbing a coat of paint and quite often will last longer with this system of preservation.  Foliage such as ruscus, leather leaf, bear grass and willow branches are excellent examples of greenery which will work well spray painted as well as poppy pods (hens and chickens).  Make sure you have an area that is well ventilated to complete this project and have fun sprucing up your home in silver this holiday season.

Christmas is a wonderful time of year when we rejoice with others to spend time caroling, feasting and swapping gifts to express how much we care for one another.  For some, this season is a joyous time when the spirit invokes an ease of generosity towards family and friends while others have a hard time keeping inline within budget and cost restraints.  It can be stressful to say the least but the truth is, there are other ways to wrap our presents without succumbing to stress and guilt over our leftover credit card receipts.  Christmas means more than how much money we spend and it is high time we manifest options where we won’t have to break the bank to please those on our list.  One area that is beginning to look promising is the expansion of ideas coming from Boston florists who say “they know how to impress at a price much less”.  Here are some of the clever gift giving notions designers are pushing for customers who are seeking reasonable expenditures for this year’s December festivities.

Personalized bud vases

This is a really neat idea, particularly for those who like to collect mason jars or other small bud vases to save for later use.  Well, here’s your chance!  With a touch of art, these tiny vessels can be transformed into wonderful gifts just by adding a little personalized touch along with a few sprigs of beautiful blooms.  First, you’ll want to check the containers to make sure there are no cracks or holes which will dribble water once they are filled.  Next, it’s important to clean the inside and outside of the lids until the material is sparkling.  After you are sure they are dry, use a permanent marker to write a cheerful message or print their initials on the side to make it special.  Don’t forget to insert a date on the bottom of the base that will remind friends and families of your thoughtful gesture years later.  If your vases are now ready to be filled, visit your local flower shop and purchase sweet blooms of roses, freesia, ranunculus or aster.  You want them to look airy and natural but if you prefer a more festive appeal, mix in a sprig or two of pine to spruce of the seasonal theme.

Pressed Flower Bookmarks

This is another fabulous trick for flower fans to gift to loved ones and you’ll be thrilled to know it won’t cost a whole lot from beginning to end.  All you need are some stems of blossoms that prefer to be dried such as lavender, violets, pansies, daisies or heather that will have no problem being easily flattened.  You also want to make sure they have small centers and petals with minimal bulk because these are the species which usually are troublesome for this type of project due to water retention.  Once you’ve chosen your selection, lay them in between two pieces of wax paper and press using a hot iron.  After sealing the ends, cut the paper into attractive strips similar in sizing to a bookmark and slide it in between a favorite book you already own.  Gift the entire present to someone special and watch them adore the time you’ve taken to make them feel special.

If you’re a mom, you might have already seen the movie, “Bad Moms 2” where our favorite off tilt mommies are at in again with their shenanigans.  It’s definitely a decent sequel to the first which continues the storyline to include their mothers on the train wreck to parenthood.  Yes, the film is pretty funny but being a previous florist and decorator, I couldn’t help not to notice the beautiful staging used to create Christmas displays within the homes.  Throughout the flick, there is a constant battle between mother and daughter to solve the question of who does it better when sprucing up for a Christmas holiday-the root of the plot’s conflict.  While one depends on a traditional look of a simple lights, homemade cookies and a stolen tree from Foot Locker, the style is vehemently opposed by dear mom who prefers to kick things way up into an affluent ordeal.  Think crystal, matching wrapping paper, blue tinsel and a musical display of “Twelve Days of Christmas”.  Yep-this one was a little over the top for even me but it was really interesting how the set designers contrasted the two different styles while keeping them both stunning for visual appeal.  Which Bad Mom are you?   Take a look at the trends to see which yuletide decorating fashion suits you!

Traditional Daughter

You’re probably low key in nature and like to reuse ornaments from previous years over and over again to memorialize past Christmas’s ago.  Red, green and white are your go-to colors for palette and multi- hued lights with the big bulbs are favorites to load onto the tree and outside the home.  Other designer preferences that you adore are homemade crafts from the kids, fresh pine roping to hang in every corner of each room, newspaper for wrapping and cut-out white snowflakes you also cut out on your own.

Contemporary Grandma

You’re in this holiday season to make a big bang and to let every neighbor out there know- you own this holiday thing! There’s no way you’ll rely on the same ho-hum trinkets you’ve used in previous years because whatever is the hot trend seen in Times Square is what you’ll be replicating for family and friends.  Silver, gold and blue turn you on since red and white have been done to death and there will be no strings of tinsel that will make your tree appear unkept. You’ll also like roping made of faux material because those needles will make a mess when they drop and untidy the presentation you’ve worked so hard to propel.   Clear crystal glassware will be a necessity for dining as well as for lighting which will be strung in perfect ringlets across tree(s) and living space.  

White bulbs are all you’ll tolerate to keep things looking crisp and immaculate so don’t even think about flashing rainbow lights!

Best Case Scenario- The Compromise

Truth be told, both of these styles are really beautiful but when put together, the result will be even more gorgeous than expected.  Compromise by allowing some homemade personal touches accompanied with fashionable baubles that modernize the look.  Remember, the holidays are meant to be spent with family and friends so don’t waste every moment trying to perfect decorations that will only be taken down in the end.  

I just recently wrote a blog about flowers that are the perfect purchase for longer living arrangements, highlighting species such as roses and aster which will live for longer periods of time compared to others.  While many people have this goal in mind when visiting their local flower shop, others (like me) are more driven to the uniqueness of a variety and will forgo longevity just to enjoy the flower for whatever time they have.  Economically, it’s probably not the way to go but if you’re bored buying the same old blooms like Alstromeria, Bells of Ireland and Asiatic lilies just because they’ll survive longer on your table, then you might want to try out these varieties that are totally worth the price.  Perhaps the exotic presentation is what appeals to you or the alluring scent that puts you at ease but whatever the characteristic is that you’re looking for-these blooms are almost promised to please.

Exotic Visual Presentation:

Long/Short Gloriosa

Gloriosa is a stunning tropical bloom that comes in shades of yellow, green and red but no matter what hue you choose, it’s bound to be an eye catcher.  They have a head shaped like a hand that extends petals from the center in beautiful arch patterns which resemble more of a sculpture than an ordinary flower. You don’t need many stems to pack a visual punch so keep these babies in mind for parties and weddings.

Cut Phalaenopsis

If you buy the plant, phalaenopsis will generally last around a month but if you purchase stems that have already been cut, they can last less than a week.  Why bother?  Because they are nothing short of “grand” when arranged in tall glass vases and placed in the center of a room as a centerpiece.  Trust me, you won’t need any further décor.

Scabiosa

Another one of my favorites, scabiosa is a pretty, delicate summer bloom that comes in a variety of shades such as purple, blue, pink, white, cream and even red.  They have soft, fluffy heads that are mindful of warm days and look perfect mixed with other species or simply kept alone in a bunch.  They only last for about four to five days during certain times of the year but if you live close to a farm stand, they’ll probably have a consistent supply when harvest season arrives.

Aromatic Properties:

Chocolate Cosmos

Wow!  If you love the smell of chocolate than you’ll love these seasonal stunners that honestly will remind you of dessert!  The spring blossoms are usually dark in color, either in hues of deep brown and crimson, which make an exotic and sexy display.

Gardenia

This one is a classic that has survived the test of time and still remains one of the most requested items for weddings.  Having a lifespan of only two to three days, gardenias are breathtaking in both sight and aroma, which gives any event a classy, nostalgic feel.  

Some of you will be hosting Thanksgiving Day dinners this November and are already busy planning the menu, decorations and seating arrangements hoping this will be one holiday not to forget!  The theme is “Giving Thanks”, where gatherings are representative how much you all mean to one another so it might be nice to send your guests home with a small token to remind them of this!  One example of a gift that is sure to be appreciated is a bud vase filled with seasonal flowers that you can either buy from a florist or make yourself.  There’s no need to spend an exorbitant amount of money or give up hours of time preparing these lively baubles because realistically, we’re all too busy with other holiday chores to add more.  You’ll be happy to know that these specimens displayed below can all be created as fast as 1-2-3 and won’t take up more than an hour of your time to design.  Choose the one you like most and surprise your friends and family with a take-home Thanksgiving treat.

photo credit via aboutflowers.com

Roses are a fantastic choice when deciding what varieties will work will within small arrangements because they stand alone perfectly by themselves, are available in a multitude of sizes and contain a sweet fragrance that will intoxicate the room.  Roses are also imported and grown within a thousand shades of color so you’ll have no trouble finding hues reflective of the New England autumn we’re known for. Think oranges, yellows and greens to mix together or order this presentation of a two-toned head such as the one featured in this picture.  Adding a bit of brown fabric to create a rustic feel is another great accessory and can be found by shredding scraps of burlap or similar material.  Make sure the container is simple like this glass jar so that there is no distraction from the blossoms and watch your guests melt with appreciation.

This is another great idea to brighten the moods of the people who will be sitting around your table this Thanksgiving!  Simple and seasonally authentic, ranunculus, rose hips and rosemary are stunning when arranged together and will definitely appeal to those who love herbs and garden growing.  Two out of three of these flowers can be dried as well leaving this memento the chance to remind others of happy times spent together long after the holiday is over. Remember to stick with a plain but elegant vase to showcase the design and leave at each table setting as a personal centerpiece for everyone who attends.  This design is also interchangeable with other flowers of the same tones so don’t be afraid to replace the rosemary with lavender, sage or other greenery if you have something special in mind.

This question can be a major problem when deciding which kind of flowers to buy at your next trip to the florist… What species are going to last the longest?  Unfortunately, not even your most dedicated and informed florist can have the absolute answer to this commonly faced dilemma but we can give you some advice and tips to guide your decision.  In horticulture, there are certain species that are known to have more extensive properties of longevity over others.  Sometimes the reason lies behind the species durability and other times this depends on its freshness.  The point is, since the variables can be forever changing, it can be difficult to place your bet on what flower is going to outlive the rest.  Is it simply the luck of the draw when it comes time to placing your order?  Well, sometimes but by following these few pieces of advice, you’ll definitely increase your chances of taking home a “wick” package of blossoms.

What to Ask:

You might have to play a little detective when browsing the floral inventory so make sure you follow these steps.  First of all, keep your eyes peeled for moldy green water or liquid that has a bit of a stagnant smell.  This is a sure-fire tip that the stems have been sitting in the bucket for over a week and you might want to keep looking.  If the liquid smells fresh, then your odds are better that the florist just unpacked them and put them in water.  Another thing to keep in mind is if the foliage has been already stripped close to the head of the flower.  This process is called “cleaning” the stem and can mean that the flowers are being re-primped to help move them out of the store.  The head of the bloom might still look good but it’s a safe bet that the leaves have been removed from shriveling or yellowing.  Also, be on the lookout for droopy or iridescent petals which can be a sign of age as well as missing parts of the head that may have dropped already.

Species to Keep an Eye Out for:

If your number 1 goal is to select the longest lasting flower in the shop and not necessarily a particular bloom you prefer, then there’s actually a list of species that typically survive longer than other inventory on display.  For example, chocolate cosmos (my favorite!) will simply not live as long as roses or hybrid delphinium compared to carnations.  Of course, there’s always influential factors that will elongate life spans such as whether or not it is native or if the product was bought from a pedigree supplier versus a lower grade wholesaler.  Yes, there are varying effects on flowers but if you stick to this list, you’re bound to have success with a healthy arrangement to enjoy in your home.

Blooms that are probable to withstand at least a week to ten days:

1. Freesia
2. Roses
3. Bells of Ireland
4. Chrysanthemums
5. Asiatic Lilies
6. Alstromeria
7. Asters
8. Gerbera Daisies
9. Carnations
10. Cymbidium Orchids

Weddings are a joyous occasion but they can run pretty expensive too.  There’s the catering, rental location, invitations, wardrobe and let’s not forget the flowers that can set couples and family members back a pretty penny if you’re not careful.  Since most newlyweds don’t have a special savings account devoted to paying for an extravagant soiree, it’s a good idea to watch the budget closely and find ways where you might be able to cut costs by applying a little of your own creativity.  I realize, this isn’t a new concept.  Brides have been attempting to do as much as they can on their own for centuries like arranging simple garden bloom arrangements, using tea lights in place of more elaborate décor and learning calligraphy to design bridal stationery.  These are all great ideas when they work out the way you want them to but as you may already know, there’s always a possibility for error if you’re not gifted in the art department.

photo credit Red Cloud Studio via Etsy

Don’t fret if you find yourself fitting inside this category because you still have a shot at saving a buck by taking on particular wedding projects that have a lesser chance of ending up catastrophic if you don’t possess an “artsy” eye.  One area that I recently witnessed a fantastic example was a party favor gifted after a barnyard wedding ceremony.  The setting was rustic, rural and gorgeous, surrounded by farm animals, wispy hay stalks and divine rolling country that went on for miles and miles.   The family cleverly used the location as a basis for the theme and incorporated as much natural beauty as they possible could take from the landscape.  The floral bouquet, cuisine and decorations all mirrored the stunning ambiance, especially the seed packages they gave to guests.  

Believe it or not, you can easily make these at home by purchasing brown envelopes and filling them with whatever types of seeds you prefer (although wild flowers would appropriately match the scene).  Personal touches can be added by buying monogrammed stamps and ink where you can leave the couple’s initials and date of marriage as a keepsake.  Let your friends and family take home these sweet little packages and allow them to grow from your love when the warmer gardening months roll around.

Recently, I took a trip to Savannah, Georgia with a friend of mine and by the time I came home, I ended up bringing back a new appreciation for this southern state.  Beautiful architecture, rich history, outstanding cuisine, pleasant weather, inviting southern hospitality and delicious cuisine-it was hard not to fall in love with Savannah’s warm culture that I’ve heard about for so many years.  Although being a Boston native, it didn’t take long for me to appreciate Savannah’s lifestyle that seemed so different from east coast living.

One area that I was particularly drawn towards was the city’s artistic talent within sculpting landscape and floral displays that were trendy yet traditionally styled with expected southern charm.  

If you’ve been there, you know there is breathtaking tropical foliage springing up everywhere which provides a whole other aspect of sightseeing!  It’s not that I’m slamming Boston’s pretty parks and common areas- they are quite impressive during the warmer months of the year.  I just have to point out that when it comes to doing up a city’s public courtyard and sidewalk presentation, Savannah could teach every city a thing or two about planting and developing an eye catching outdoor exhibit.  As you can imagine, the benefits of successfully landscaping places which are major tourist attractions are extensive, including promoting a healthy, aesthetically pleasing and safe destination for travelers.  Statistics also show that a beautiful garden of flora and fauna will actually increase sales in areas where shopping is prevalent, so city managers may want to up their game and invest in a landscaping plan.

If we are talking about what’s growing outside, we might want to talk about what is going on inside the hotels and restaurants who impress customers with gorgeous floral displays in welcome centers, conference rooms and wedding venues. While Boston’s usually adapts the European style in floral work, Savannah chooses to design vases of loose fitting stems, typically filled with large headed blooms that promote a sophisticated, airy appeal.  Blush, pink and cream seem to be really popular as well as light blue, gray, soft green and indigo, which are strategically placed in urns or glassware in simplistic, flowing patterns.  Pieces never look “overdone” or “fussed with”, just elegantly created to bring about a wistful presentation that’s exemplifies the heart and soul of Savannah, GA.