Exotic Flowers in Boston

There are many people out there who have been given the birthdate placed in the very special month of December.  For some, they relish in the notion of being surrounded by seasonal festivities of lights, trees and wreaths and believe this only accentuates the happiness of celebrating a birthday.  For others, there’s quite a different story…  For those who lie on the latter side of the fence, you may feel cheated by the idea of having to share a day which was supposed to be dedicated to you and only you with heavy hitters such as Christmas or Hanukkah getting in the way.  Have you ever perceived your birthday as being seemingly less important and perhaps experienced with less enthusiasm due to the busyness of the season?  What about the terrible gift labeled, “For Your Birthday AND Christmas” that’s supposed to be perfectly acceptable as a combined present for both?  Face it- you’ve probably felt robbed at one point or another and can sympathize with new babies born on December 28th.  

In my family, we actually have a triple header in this department with three birthdays all falling just before and after Christmas.  My husband, who observes the earliest of the trio on December 4th, constantly grudges about his youthful disappointments of having his day meshed with other yuletide fetes and reminds us annually of the importance of throwing a proper ceremony dedicated solely to a birthdate.  The second to place is my youngest falling on December 11th who relishes knowing the holiday tradition of putting up the tree will always happen on his birthday.  Last but not least is my oldest son who even though had the due date of December 25th, didn’t officially arrive until two days later on the 27th.  He doesn’t seem to mind in the slightest bit of his post-holiday remembrance and instead chooses to use the celebration of the season to his advantage.  After all, it is the happiest time of the year and who wouldn’t look forward to and encore of presents?

I suppose we’re all different (what do I know?  I was born on April 5th) but wouldn’t it be nice to be given a few pointers on what these December babies feel is appropriate birthday etiquette?  For starters, presents should never be wrapped in Christmas paper because they feel that the wasted effort is an insult to their occasion.  Secondly (as I mentioned before) don’t even try to sneak past a gift (no matter how large or expensive) that is said to be meant for both a birthday and a holiday.  In their world, this is absolutely sacrilegious.   A third tip is to never bake them a Santa or menorah cake accept in the situation where the request has been made.  Although there typically tends to be tons of sweets and treats around this time of year that you could quickly pass off, most December partygoers really wants a typical cake.  The last piece of advice you should be wary of in case you are planning to gift flowers is nixing poinsettia plants or red/white arrangements for floral birthday gestures.  Stick to bright colors that are reflective of the celebration and wait to give these “Christmasy” displays of blooms until after their special day.  Everyone wants to feel special on their birthday so make sure to put in the effort by sticking to this guide if you have a loved one celebrating a birthday this December.

If you’re an art fan like I am, you may have come across the infamous painter Thomas Kinkade at one point or another.  1 in 20 homes across America owns an original painting by the artist whose work appealed to a wide variety of eclectic tastes and preferences .  His brilliant use of chiaroscuro – the use of strong contrasts between light and dark, made him a favorite for many enthusiasts who are moved by the unique style and emotion he depicts throughout his work.  Critics who often criticized his shallow perception within this field are often brutally abutted by popular perception of the market which continues to drive up Kinkade’s marketable value.  One reason behind this is the note of inspiration behind his work that is commonly said to be attributed to a religious region- a source of his true passion.  Others argue that many of his ideas stemmed from a deep connection to the outdoors and the importance of “home” and what that truly meant.  You can’t miss the abundance of houses featured in the vast majority of his paintings and the gorgeous colors typically emanating from within the structures.  Although Kinkade passed away at an early age in 2012, his artwork still goes on to affect thousands of people with his talent for using oils.

Art dealers aren’t the only one who strive to keep Kinkade’s memory alive since the flower world has decided to take a piece of his essence and add it to this season’s holiday floral line!  Thanks to the visionaries behind Teleflora, this December customers will be able to purchase the very first, “Thomas Kinkade's Family Tree Bouquet”.  Using varieties of carnations, magnolia leaves, white pine, noble fir and cedar, the scent of the arrangement is just as appealing as the Christmasy vision it illuminates.  Not only does the centerpiece feature these stunning hints of the yuletide season, each one comes with a Thomas Kinkade hand sculpted, ceramic collectable that can be saved and reused for years to come.

Mirroring the warm feeling the artist inflicted in each and every canvas, designers have worked out a beautiful and festive tribute to his memory using seasonal flowers and greens.  These blooming works of art not only can be used as a fantastic addition to your celebratory dinner tables but also make the perfect gift to that special someone on your list.  Enjoy this precious holiday creation today by calling your local florist~

If you’re one for cuddling and canoodling around the fire, you’ll absolutely adore the new “Bear Themed Floral Extravaganza” many Boston florists are defining their holiday line with. Teddy bears are EVERYWHERE this Christmas, from stuffed animals being propped within centerpieces to bear designed containers showcase seasonal blooms.  These cute creatures are popping up in every inch of creative space that has designers quick on their feet to come up with new and interesting ideas to further market this trend.  Both children and adults can revel in the sweet popularity of teddy bears this December and if you’re looking for thoughts on how to create your own this season, here are some fun arts and crafts using flowers that will keep the whole family busy through Christmas.

This is an expert level project but if you have the tenacity to try it- Go for it!  You’ll need a wedge of oasis that’s been carved into the shape of a bear and a bunch of small button pom-pom daisies.  Once the material has been formed, cut the flowers about 1 ½ inches long and stick the stem into the pre-soaked oasis.  Be careful not to put too many in one spot or leave holes in the back. Once the bear is complete, you can either put him in the middle of an arrangement or place him inside of a cup or bowl depending on the size.  Tie a red ribbon around his neck and you have a beautiful gift for someone special!

If the oasis teddy bear seems a bit too challenging, then here’s a great option that is easy-peasy to make.  Browse the shelves of discount stores such as Job Lot or Christmas Tree Shops since they almost always have a collection of teddy bear coffee mugs available for sale.  Once you’ve found the one that you prefer, take it home and fill it with seasonal blooms such as pine, red berries and red/white roses.  These make excellent presents for children and teachers which can be made quickly at a minimum cost.  Plus-they’ll have the perfect cup to enjoy hot cocoa when the weather turns cold!

Sometimes we think about ways to use a prop in the most complicating ways when a simple answer is standing right in front of our noses!  Those stunning Christmas trees you just purchased are going to need lots of trimming with decorations so why not use teddy bears as this year’s theme?  Again, shop local discount outlets for low cost teddies and stick them here and there throughout the branches or string them to make ornaments.  The kids will love the cuddly presentation and the effort you made to bring joy to them this holiday!

We love Star Wars and cannot wait for the release of The Last Jedi. We are celebrating the Star Wars franchise by bringing back our Glow in the Dark Roses. 

GLOW GARDEN- glow in the dark roses- I gotta say, they are pretty cool!!! Although a very new product in the market, there are three different versions of glow in the dark roses.

• Type 1- are ALL NATURAL by Glow Gardens- The brand we had at our facility to sample were by Glow Gardens. This product is all natural, no harmful chemicals. There is only one distributor (Glow Gardens) in Colombia and Ecuador. This is liquid that is applied to the actual petals of the flower. There is no residue, build-up etc on the flowers. By looking at them, you would never know there was a glow in the dark liquid.

The Last Jedi releases December 15th. Stop into Exotic Flowers in Roslindale from December 15th-24th and mention this blog for a free Star Wars gift. 

As you’ve probably noticed, streets are slowly being filled with lit up homes dressed in garland and other festive décor that lets everyone know it’s their favorite time of year.  For decorators and floral designers, it’s the busiest time of the year where they put their creative thinking to the test to manifest stunning holiday pieces that will encourage the holiday spirit.  From trees to pine roping, experts are hard at work accommodating their customers tastes and needs to produce beautiful reminders that Christmas has indeed arrived.  One area of particular interest is the demand for personalized hanging door wreaths which are an increase of demand.  In past years, trends have shown an absence of interest in this item but in 2017, wreaths look to be making a gigantic comeback.

One reason why they are returning to so many Christmas lists is the fact that this symbol encompasses the true meaning of the season, which embraces unity, love and the centrality of togetherness.  The circular shape of the ornament is the expression of eternity where there is no end, just the continuation of interwoven branches that signify the bonds between family.  The significance of the wreath dates back to centuries ago where people made their own decorations using material they had available and replicated formations of icons they found of importance. The circular shape being one that held the most importance during celebrations-particularly Christmas.

Although you see many wreaths made out of pine, there are many different types sold in tree lots, flower shops or ones you can whip up on your own.  You can use a variety of materials to create breathtaking décor to be placed on your door and several can be found for little to no cost at all.  Here are some of my favorite branches and foliage which are fabulous for this type of project:

Leather Leaf

Eucalyptus

Pussy Willow

Grape Vine

Privet Berries

Ruscus

Boxwood

Evergreen

Dried Flowers and Herbs

Depending on what you have chosen for greenery, you can add ornaments to the piece by using a hot glue gun to secure the items.  Ribbons, pine cones and small charms make wonderful additions to holiday wreathes or you can forgo further design to allow a natural style for you to enjoy.

The holiday season can bring a lot of anxiety and stress to shoppers who are constantly in search for the perfect gifts.  Finding that special something for someone you love can be tricky when sledging through the endless racks and bins of department stores of meaningless nick nacks.  Then of course, there’s the strict budget we put in place that every year becomes more and more expanded due to inflated cost increases and seasonal demand.  It’s enough to make a person CRAZY went they find themselves a drift in this typical December situation so it’s high time we started thinking of better options that will make wonderful sentimental gestures but won’t empty our wallets in the process.  Luckily, it just so happens that Boston florists have the precise suggestion to end this yuletide disaster and per usual- they’re answering with flowers.

While there are loads of flora and fauna that make wonderful gifts, experts are heavily pushing the idea of bulbs that are incredibly affordable and fun to watch growing.  Weeks after the Christmas tree comes down, those who have received a stunning bulb will get to enjoy the memento and keep the holiday mood with them as they watch the bud open.  There are many ways to share these interesting blossoms such as wrapping them up in cellophane or starting the bulb on your own by placing the bottom in a vase filled with an inch of water.  Depending on how savvy the person you’re thinking of is in the garden, you can decide which way will work best in order to evade premature rotting.  If this idea sounds like one that may just solve this year’s conundrum of problems, check out these different species that are all swell examples of flowers to give this Christmas.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis still remains the #1 flower to gift during the holiday season and the reason lies within noticing the plant’s beautiful shades of red, white, pink, peach or stripe that coats each petal.

Hyacinth

Hyacinth are fabulous varieties to give to someone special because of their cheerful structure, pleasant aroma and symbolic representation of the spring season ahead.

Paper Whites

If you enjoy a strong, sweet scent, these pretty little blooms make amazing presents that will fill fresh scent in every room of any home.   

Allium

Alliums are fun to watch sprout because they lay on the exotic side and promise to be different for that person who seems to have everything.  

It’s time to hang those wreaths, plug in some lights and get that wrapping paper ready because the holiday season is finally here!  If you are already writing down your list of to-do’s, you might want to make sure choosing a Christmas tree is one of your top priorities.  What would the holiday season be without the fresh scent of pine wafting through the house and the sparkling of ornaments draped on each bough?  You simply cannot do Christmas without the “piece de resistance”!  Now, not every tree is the same in the lot so you’re going to want to go shopping with a bit of insight on the varieties available and the differences between them as well.  A tree is never just a tree in this business and you’ll need to bring your holiday savviness when you set off on this mission.  Here are a few facts to consider as you browse the selection.

Possible Species You May See in New England:

Blue Spruce Green Spruce

Balsam Fir Fraser Fir

White Pine Noble Fir

Listed above are probable species you might catch site of when selecting your tree.  With careful study, you’ll notice that these trees all vary in size, width, shade and texture.  It all depends on the family’s (or decorators) preference when it comes to opting for one or the other.  Be on the lookout for these specific features which will help you to navigate the path to your dream tree!

Blue Spruce-Pretty tree with an oblong shape that has a pointy top which is perfect for hanging a glowing star.

Balsam Fir- The number 1 choice for Bostonians is the balsam because it has a long-lasting lifespan and a pungent aroma that holds for the season.

White Pine- One of the largest species to grow in the forest; for those who like a “showy” Christmas display, this one’s for you!

Green Spruce-Although these are beauties, they possess wicked sharp needles and the branches are loaded with them… Be careful if you have little ones at home.

Fraser Fir- This tree has a great shape for Christmas decorating because the body is a uniform pyramid and the branches twist upwards to prevent ornaments from sliding down.

Noble Fir- These guys can come in a variety of different shapes and sizes but they are stunning for the holiday occasion due to their soft leafage and strong branches.  They are rare around these parts since they thrive on warmer Washington and California temperatures.

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.