Exotic Flowers in Boston

Leonardo da Vinci was one of the world’s greatest artists, inventors and mathematicians of all time whose contributions led to thousands of discoveries that enhanced the way we live today.  Through his philosophical and analytical thinking, da Vinci was able to create inventions that paved the way for contemporary machinery as well as provide a system for trouble shooting that would aid in unforeseen problem solving.  Due to his work, architecture, aviation and transportation have all been inspired by his scientific accomplishments and continue to grow from his documented advances.  Leonardo was the original Renaissance Man having a multitude of talents that extended far beyond his love for painting, having a passion for learning which led him to fascinating areas of exploration.  Scientists, technologists, engineers and many others continue to learn from his methodology of technique… and that even includes florists!  

Interesting enough, flower designers can learn a lot from da Vinci through his style, balance and naturally brilliant arithmetic mind.  Within everything he made, there was a constant desire to manifest a sense of functionality, sensibility and efficiency no matter what genre he was working in.  For instance, the bicycle model he constructed was carefully erected to distribute a greater rear wheel suspension than the front, where a person would be lifted higher into the air.  The theory behind this was to be able to drive the bike forward faster by using higher hind resistance allowing the front to be easily steered.  Florists can use this lesson by deferring more support to the base of each arrangement while keeping the top lighter with product.  As seen in this beautiful bike display, the designer paid close attention to place a basket of blossoms on top of the rear wheel to showcase the need for a visual equilibrium.  

photo credit via tampabay.com

Taking a lesson from Leonardo’s Vitruvian Man, we can forecast equipoise in bouquets produced, consistently paying close attention to the symmetrical ratio in everything we design.  While it is true that floral fads deem angled branches and protruding stems to be a fresh way to create pieces, take it from the infamous artist who stood by the notion of consistent counterweight and proportion.

photo credit via flower factor aboutflowers.com

The Museum of Science in Cambridge, Massachusetts is hosting Da Vinci - Genius through February 26, 2016 -- check it out we did. It's eye opening.

“You will never have a greater or lesser domino than that over yourself…”

Exotic Flowers Makes a Big Difference with the Caring Bouquet

Boston is a beautiful city filled with impressive museums, outstanding music venues, IVY League schools, delicious eateries and a talented community of residents who keep this town hopping. It remains one of the hottest locations in the country for residency and touring, while still maintaining it’s historical charm that Bostonians have come to cherish.  Although there is tight knit sense of belonging and pride, Boston is not without its problems that many other urban areas face-particularly the difficulties endured by our homeless population.  

From the year 2014 to 2015, Massachusetts saw a 25% spike in those without housing reporting an estimated 1, 600 families without shelter.  In 2016, the numbers were still staggering accounting a minimum of 600 individuals who were continually homeless.  In response to this epidemic, organizations have responded by doing whatever they could to assist this demographic such as hosting clothing drives, organizing sock drops, holding food banks, supplying career assistance and providing hot meals for those hungry in their community.  One Boston non-profit, referred to as The Women’s Locker Room Foundation, decided to tackle another issue facing those who were homeless and seized the opportunity to raise toiletry donations for local women’s shelters.

The WLRF began four years ago when a group of women came together with the purpose of raising personal cleansing products through surrounding businesses and individual contributions.  Founder and CEO, Suzie Canale, became inspired to start-up the 501 C3 after working in a Boston church, which served the community by offering luncheons, outreach programs and weekly social events.  There, she learned about the devastating reality of those left without shelter and became impassioned to come up with a way to get involved.  One area of difficulty she saw of particular concern was the availability of cleaning supplies that were critical to maintaining both health and a sense of dignity.  Items typically found in a women’s locker room such as basic hygienic goods were sparse if possessed at all.  With the help of Murphy Hearl, Helen Wyche and Akiko Kaneko, a board of directors was soon founded in September of 2012 and continues to disperse much-needed sanitary products to local women’s shelters quarterly throughout the year.  Luckily, the WLRF hasn’t been alone in their efforts to make a change and has been greatly assisted by the help of a residential Roslindale flower shop, Exotic Flowers.  

Three years ago, management decided to create a stunning bouquet filled with an array of multi-colored pink flowers that would be called“The Caring Bouquet” where a small percent of the proceeds would go directly to The Women’s Locker Room Foundation.  The brightly mixed arrangement filled with roses, carnations and other stunning seasonal blooms is offered exclusively on their website and is offered to customers who are looking for a gorgeous presentation as well as an important cause to assist.  Due to the generosity of Exotic Flowers, The WLRF has been able to pack, ship and deliver toiletries such as toilet paper, soap, shampoo and toothpaste to New England shelters including Marguerite’s Place, The Oasis Foundation, The Women’s Lunch Place and the Lazarus House.  “The Caring” bouquet has become a large part of the non-profit's success and has raised over $1500 since January of 2014 where every “Caring Bouquet” sold helps facilitate a pursuit to assist the homeless population of New England.  

If you’re a florist, you’re probably laughing already since you are well aware that Valentine’s Day blizzards are a probable occurrence if you’ve set up business in New England. Some of us believe that there is a long-standing curse against the flower industry where at some point we must have ticked off the “flower Gods” in some way or another to deserve this heinous punishment.  It is after all our Super Sunday so to speak-I mean seriously, why can’t the weather turn incremental on a holiday like Saint Patrick’s Day or Halloween?  

photo credit via Boston Globe

Valentine’s Day means that we have one day to deliver the goods, a forty eight hour time frame to get the job done so a mess of powdery white stuff can really slow things up!  It’s not like we’re going to take the day off and go home or anything.  We’ll still be up at four in the morning, tackling last minute orders and sending out drivers onto the icy streets while they curse us under their breath.  It’s just the nature of the beast and because Valentine’s Day is the #1 flower holiday on the calendar, we must carry on and bite the brute of the New England winter.  

If you’re new to the industry, you might be wondering if there is anything you can do besides biting your nails while watching the weather channel the week before the big day.  Well, there is!  Take it from some of the old dogs that have been through many snow challenging Valentine’s Days who have learned a trick or two on how to keep your cool in the event of a nor’easter.  You can’t just lock up and try again next year-no way!  By using a little forecasting in your planning, you’ll be able to have a strategy that works for your business in the case of a snowed-out February 14th.  Here are some tips that industry old timers swear by and keep them from having a disappointing Valentine’s Day.

Pre-Delivery

If you start seeing that scary swirl on the meteorologists map than you should always be prepared to deliver early.  Offer customers an incentive such as a rebate or coupon to purchase flowers for the preceding days instead of on February 14th.  By doing so, you’ll get a head start for delivery workers as well as excite patrons with a slight reduction in cost.  Don’t think for a second you’ll lose too much money because of the deflated holiday profit margins -it’s way better than being stuck with thousands of roses with no place to go!

Don’t Be Overly Zealous

For some of you who are just learning about the flower biz, you might get a little too eager when buying for your first Valentine’s Day.  If the weather has been choppy and there is a high likelihood of storming than play it safe and cut back your purchases from wholesalers.  You won’t get stuck with dead flowers and your suppliers won’t be knocking down your door holding expensive bills you can’t pay back in March.

If You Get Stuck

It happens to everyone at some point of their floral career where they blow a holiday and are left with a lot more product than anticipated.  Go easy on yourself.  This is an industry where learning and experience are everything so take notes on February 15th and record what went right and what went wrong.  Next year is bound to be more successful.

Americans celebrate Valentine’s Day by sending flowers, chocolates and Hallmark cards filled with romantic gestures of intention.  Annually celebrated on February 14th, we see our stores and flower shops filled to the brim with red and pink decorations, cupid shooting arrows and other symbols relating to love between two people.  Since we’re used to this traditional presentation typical to most states in the USA, we sometimes don’t realize that other people across the globe carry out these festivities in a whole other manner.   Not everyone observes Valentine’s Day by dining in dimly lit restaurants, gifting their lovers with sensual bouquets of blossoms or satisfying their sweetheart’s “sweet tooth” with a box of sugary treats.  No, it’s a big world out there, encompassing hundreds of thousands of different customary practices -particularly when it comes to the holiday designated to “amore”.  Curious by this, I decided to research a few outside cultures and see how we match up!  Is perfume, lingerie and long stem roses all that’s needed for the rest of the world or is there a differentiation between the United States and other countries?  You’ll be surprised to read what I found out…   

Photo credit via Jeff Leatham

Denmark

This is a country that loves to celebrate February 14th and has always had an overall strong appreciation for flowers.  While blooms are definitely apart of their romantic rituals, they opt instead to give their honeys pressed white snowdrops instead of fresh arrangements.  Cards are also exchanged but are referred to as “gaekkebrev” (a joking letter) that holds a funny poem instead of our typical use for sentimental varieties.  

Wales

Wales is a really interesting place to discover during Valentine’s Day as well because they have no use for roses or other generalized gifts during their holiday.  Celebrated on January 25th in retribution for their patron saint of love, the Welsh choose to give their mate a spoon made with beautiful designs that represent a feeling or trait.  Many become very valuable with age and are past down as family heirlooms throughout the generations, sometimes re-gifted as a token of luck during marriage celebrations.  

Philippines

This is a place that really understands romance at it’s highest!  While we focus on “stuff” to give our valentines, they utilize this special day with ceremony-MASS CEREMONY!  Thousands of couples gather together in areas such as community-based organizations, parks and even malls to recite their wedding vows.  Instead of walking down the aisle as a single couple, Philippine lovers prefer to say their “I do’s” in front of a multitude of others, truly sending out a message of love to all.  

What is the top gift for women on Valentines Day?  Is it a box of chocolates or a dozen red roses?  Those gifts are certainly popular but lingerie remains the top requested item for the holiday.  The reason is because lace and silk make a woman feel sexy, appealing and most importantly, wanted by her someone special.  Now this can sometimes become problematic for the shy guy unwilling to brave it alone through stores selling undergarments.  We have all seen that male customer enter Victoria Secrets with a hat pulled down over his eyes and that hilarious stutter when a sales person asks if she can help him find anything in particular.  It can be a rough task but knowing beforehand exactly what you want to purchase takes a whole lot of pressure off.  How are you supposed to know what she likes?  Research is the key and here are a few tips to get you started.

                                       photo credits on this page Adriana Lima via Victoria's Secret

Color plays a huge impact when buying bras, underwear, teddies or nightgowns.  Certain shades reflect certain personalities and role-playing so take a little time to notice what her tastes and preferences are in the bedroom.  White can be a great choice which represents more of the “play hard to get” kind of girl but black might also be the way you want to go if she’s more of an exotic or serious partner.  Red works well for women who love playing the seductress and pink pairs well with the flirtatious type.  Yellow and blue are your safety picks when you’re not quite ready to choose a bedroom personality for her yet.  If you really want to indulge in the fantasy, buy her something in purple, which stands for passion and sexuality.

Body types can determine the right style for your sweetheart so it’s another area that you need to pay close attention to.  Take notice what her best physical assets are (legs, back, use your imagination) and select outfits that show them off.  Silk slip nightgowns are really flattering on a full size woman as is a great bustier.   Bra and panty sets are perfect for a woman with height and for the slighter gal, a teddy combination with wrap is the right choice.  If she’s on the petite side, try a two-piece thong and push up bra made solely of lace.  Several lingerie companies suggest purchasing a robe to accompany the undergarments bought making this truly a romantic gift tailored specifically for your special someone. 

 So you’ve figured out a plan and now you need to know where to go.  Victorias Secret is the heavy hitter in this category and has several locations around the Boston area including Copley Place, Newbury Street, Legacy Place and Faneuil Hall.  If you want to try somewhere else, check out Intimacy, also in Copley Place, La Perla on Huntington Avenue, and Forty Winks in Cambridge.  All of these companies carry high-end , beautiful sleepwear that also promises to “wow” your girl this Valentines Day!

Did you know there are over 100, 000 different varieties of roses?  Out of those, there’s another few thousand species of red, which are still the most popular color requested for Valentine’s Day floral deliveries. Now, you might think a rose is just a rose but some species have made a name for themselves based on their exotic beauty, durability and pristine formation.  Due to these impeccable characteristics, growers devise a list of the most spectacular burgundy, maroon, crimson, scarlet, and ruby shades to promote to wholesale and retail customers around the world.   While super stunners such as “Darcy”, “Chrysler Imperial”, “Eternity”, “Black Magic” and “Samourai” have remained some of the top favorites by florists, a new breed is taking the industry by storm and is expected to become a hot seller for the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday.

photo credit via Rosaprima

The Black Pearl Rose

The “Black Pearl” rose is becoming one of the hottest items this season and judging by its appearance, there’s little argument as to why.  The deep lush tone of blood red crimson is truly invoking, as is the flower’s velvet petals that promote a romantic effect when paired next to candlelight.  Being a relatively new variety, the Black Pearl is RosaprimaInc.’s premier pride amongst their other products and is referred to as the “crown jewel” of the rose world.  Sold exclusively by the rose grower, this stunner is cultivated in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador and shipped to designers who utilize the stems in prominent arrangements saved for their most exclusive clientele.

Football fans are getting ready for their favorite day of the year next Sunday, the ultimate showdown between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons!  Hosted in Houston, Texas within NRG Stadium, people are on the edge of their seats to find out who will win the 51st annual sporting event that is sure to cause quite a commotion since Tom Brady has yet to be defeated by the southern team.  Another reason to stay glued to the TV is to watch how the quarterback yields his revenge after being suspended for the first four games of the season.  Experts are predicting a spitfire competition to see who will be the recipient of the Lombardi Trophy so be sure to plan ahead with food, décor and of course, flowers!

If you’re hosting this year’s Super Bowl and are thinking beyond making a vat of chicken wings and nachos for your guests to enjoy, you might want to think about a little décor to go along with the menu.   Team banners, t-shirts and color- coordinated settings are always fun but perhaps a few flower arrangements could be just what you need to spruce up your evening?  Here are a couple of samples for both Patriots and Falcon fans to select from and if you know you’ll have friends and family over who are routing for different teams, try a combination of the two to set an exciting Super Bowl mood!

New England Patriots

When coming up with design for floral pieces based on the Patriots, keep in mind that that there are three colors to play with: red, white and blue.  This gives you options of either combining the three or placing single colors in vases throughout the area you are entertaining.  Red roses, white hydrangea and blue delphinium are excellent varieties that will work well, either separate or together.  Other substitutes can also include red gerbera daisies, white phlox or blue dyed pom-poms.  

Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons also have a similar color scheme going which will work really well if you’re planning to create both for your party.  Featuring again red and white hues, you can easily implement white daisies and red carnations for centerpieces for a festive yet inexpensive presentation.  This team jersey also has black woven into the fabric, which can be interesting if you can find black millet, black roses or black calla lilies to incorporate within the bouquets.  

Camellia Flower Lady Song

She sang the trot like she owned the narrative,

as if she was singing about her inner most secret.

-The lady who lost her lover

The place where she met him

The Place with the Camellia flower

By Dawn of Lighten

photo credit via monrovia.com

The camellia is a beautiful flower that is delicate in appearance and prefers warmer, tropical climates to grow within instead of cold or arid environments.  The original origins can be traced back to Japan and China where it was first developed and then later taken over to Europe where it flourished in the warmer areas of the continent.  Certain places such as the Borromeo Islands are also said to have a healthy harvest of camellia varieties where their colors expand outside of typical white, red and pink shades and into variegated hues.  The foliage is equally stunning having flashy wax leaves that add to the flower’s dramatic presentation.  While its physical features have inspired the flower to be symbolic of admiration, beauty and repentance, the camellia has grown to symbolize further meanings throughout the years and across the globe.

Most famously, the camellia was brought into popularity after it was used as the focus of Alexandre Dumas’s novel, La Dame aux Camelias.  The book became such a huge success that the flower inspired renowned operas such as “La Traviata” by Verdi.  After these masterpiece’s debuted, the flower could be seen worn as lapel bouquets (boutonnières) and became quite trendy within the fashion and floral world.  One of the camellia’s biggest advocates was handed straight from the imperial designer, Coco Chanel.  

Fascinating enough, the camellia’s importance and symbolism varies depending on what country and region you happen to be referencing.  For instance, while the flower means young sons and daughters when discussed in China (also southern China’s official flower), Korea chooses to acknowledge its importance in terms of loyalty and faithfulness.  In Japanese culture, camellia’s mean “divinity” but in England, it is used as a gift to express a romantic interest from a secret admirer.  Can you guess what the camellia symbolizes in the United States?  Not only is it the state of Alabama’s official flower but the camellia means beauty, passion, longing and desire.  

Dark Thorns

Darkness,

it seeps through every crack and corner,

gathers up your tears,

never lets you go.

On the other hand,

thorns may do the same,

but you can get past thorns…

By Adriana Wilson

Oct 30, 2015

In the flower world, there are a zillion different colors, textures, shapes and sizes that give every bloom their unique distinction among the others.  It is due to this fact that people are drawn to particular species which appeal to their personal tastes.  For example, those who are drawn to powerful aromas may opt for a bouquet of lilies while someone else might enjoy varieties that are architecturally interesting.  In this case, orchids would be an appropriate choice as well as tropical breeds like birds of paradise, heliconia and protea.  Whichever way you sway, there’s something for everyone within floral cultivation, even if you’re someone who likes a prickly assortment.

Flowersthat produce thorns have always received a bad reputation and it is mainly due to the notion that they cause more pain than beauty.  While I admit I’ve had my fair share of “bites” from roses while on the design bench, I’ve learned that thorny blooms really do have a lot to offer.  Bright color, expansive heads and fascinating details make them a welcoming commodity to most importers around the world.  Mother Nature may have tested these varieties by gifting them with “handle with care” stems but the floral industry isn’t backing away.   By wearing appropriate gloves and learning a thing or two about texture and tone, designers are whipping up gorgeous arrangements using some of the prickliest species in existence!  Keep your eyes out for these featured florets that are popping up everywhere in 2017.  

Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year so it may not be convenient for those who have to work early the next day to dine in a restaurant.  For those of you who are night owls, this won’t present a problem but for people like me whose schedules begin at daybreak, I’m planning on celebrating at home.  It doesn’t have to be another boring evening in front of the TV if you’re in a similar situation, heck no!  There are plenty of ways to spice up a Valentine’s Day festivity with your special someone without ever leaving the house!  Believe me, there are some benefits to this strategy such as not having to deal with traffic, saving money and most importantly having the flexibility to be as creative as you want.  There are plenty of ideas you can use to ensure a saucy evening with your honey and guarantee a holiday that neither of you will ever forget.  Try these few tricks of the trade and start preparing a night of unforgettable romance within the comfort of your own abode.

photo credit via En Vogue

Set the Ambiance

Restaurants aren’t the only ones who know how to set the scene for an intimate ambiance!  Break out some votive candles and turn the lights down real low to recreate the stage in your living room, dining room or bedroom (no one’s judging you).  If you have a working fireplace, spark that baby up too because it’s a well-known fact that flames from the hearth inspire flames of the heart.

Cook a Decadent Meal

It’s pretty important that you devise a menu that will leave your lover wanting more.  Successful dishes that have been noted as aphrodisiacs are oysters, mussels, and other varieties of shellfish.  If you aren’t into these ocean treats, try red-hot chili peppers, which are said to trigger erotic hormones when ingested.  Be sure to also include a tray of fruits like bananas, strawberries and watermelon along side a bowl of melted chocolate or honey.  Let your sweetheart dip these delicious goodies in their choice of syrup and watch how quickly things heat up!

photo credit via Victorias Secret

Get All Dolled Up

Whether you’re a man or a woman reading this, don’t forget that you are the main dish that’s being served up for the evening.  What I mean is, don’t get tempted by a comfortable pair of jeans or god forbid, your favorite sweatpants as the attire for your Valentine’s Day dinner.  You have the opportunity to wear whatever sexy thing you have hanging in the closet (think lingerie, cowboy boots, boas) and you might even be able to use that imagination of yours to come up with something wild.  You’re in the sanctity of your own home so don’t be afraid to get a little crazy!