Exotic Flowers in Boston

From Our Colleagues at The Society of American Florists:

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — December 2, 2020 — The poinsettia is the quintessential Christmas plant. However, many consumers (namely, pet owners and parents of young children) shy away from it because of the belief that it can endanger a loved one.

Set the record straight on this longstanding myth: The poinsettia is the most widely tested plant and has been proven to be non-toxic. Research trials at Ohio State University revealed that a pet or child would need to ingest more than 500 leaves to become seriously ill. (That said, poinsettias are a decoration and should be kept out of reach of children and animals prone to munching on foreign objects.) About SAF   The Society of American Florists is the only national trade association that represents all segments of the U.S. floral industry. SAF provides government advocacy, education and marketing advice; and connects industry members who want to learn, share ideas and grow; helps the industry recruit and retain talent; and provides guidance to the industry to prepare for and navigate the future. The association was chartered by an act of Congress in 1884. To learn more about SAF or to join, visit safnow.org.

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.

Home for the holidays! An instant Christmas classic, this lush arrangement of red roses and fresh winter greens accompanies a festive Thomas Kinkade collectible with light-up windows (starter batteries included) and hand-painted details.

Hi Rick,

Fern Cunningham-Terry was buried at Forest Hills yesterday.  She was a local sculptor and we have one of her beautiful bronze pieces on our grounds.  Many times, people leave flowers in the arms of this particular sculpture, (The Sentinel).  Of course we had to do the same for her family on the day of her burial.  Attached is a picture of a stunning spray of baby pink roses you father sold me and it looks perfect.  The family was very touched.  Thank you for you and your family’s assistance in reaching people’s hearts when words aren’t enough.

Best,

Janice

"Nature continues to take no notice of the imbecilities of mankind and despite even the bad weather the garden and the roses have never been so fine." - Louis Bromfield

Edith Wharton agreed. "Yes; the garden is the last moral life-preserver left, I pity those who haven't it." 

My wife Suzie's incredible backyard paradise.

Gardening like baking has experience a renaissance during the pandemic. In a disorderly world, your garden not only provides order but solace.

Grow your food, plant some herbs. Color in your world with vibrant blooms. Get dirty. Not all medicine comes in a pill.

Our Roslindale location at 609 American Legion Highway is open and welcoming clients and guests. Things are a little different from years past but everything we do is for our safety and yours.

We are still here every day but our hours have changed a bit. We are here Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. Saturday 830 am to 2 pm and a skeleton crew on Sunday from 9 am to 11 am. As always, sometimes we come earlier and leave later. If we're here, we can assist you. We still deliver six days per week.

A few things we are doing to ease your burdens. 

• Curbside pick up is available. Call ahead and we can bring it out or leave it outside the door.
• In-store service is available. Masks are required. We offer a free mask to anyone who needs one. Please make sure your nose and mouth are covered. A mask is not a chin strap.
• Two stand-alone hand sanitizer stations in the store and a workshop sink with hand soap. All are welcome and encouraged to use.
• All staff is also equipped with branded pocket hand sanitizers. Check out our new logo as a symbol of precious life from a new beginning.
• There are a few familiar items we will not have until Phase 4. Lollipops, pens, and portfolio books will return later.

We're in this together. Your kindness, patience, and support matter. Thank you.

Sometimes we hear people's darkest secrets. Sometimes they make us laugh. A recent phone call below:

EF: 'Good morning, Exotic Flowers'

JM: 'Hi, my husband sent me flowers but you sent the wrong item.'

EF: 'Let me look it up. His name?'

JM: (name blanked to protect the innocent);

EF: 'We do not have anyone by that name in our system. What is yours?'

JM: name given

EF: 'Yes, we have your order 18 red roses.'

JM: 'My husband did not order that'

EF: 'I helped him myself. He was clear about what he wanted'

JM: 'No, we did not order that'

EF: 'He was here this morning and showed me what he wanted'

At Exotic Flowers in Roslindale, the safety of our staff, vendors and clients is more important than any transaction.

We'd like to share our safety standards with you to know how we're working to keep everyone safe.

Processing / Design:
CLEANING / SANITIZING PROTOCOLS
Appropriate PPE will be worn by all employees based on their role and responsibilities and in adherence to state or local regulations and guidance.
Practice frequent handwashing.
Save your resources! Latex gloves are only effective if you are avoiding cross-contamination.
Routinely wipe down all workstation surfaces, multiple times each day with disinfectant wipes or spray.
Routinely wipe down tools and equipment multiple times each day with disinfectant wipes or spray. Don’t forget the cooler door!
No sharing of tools or equipment. This includes knives, shears, buckets, etc. If tools or equipment MUST be shared, they must be sanitized anytime transfer occurs between employees.
PHYSICAL DISTANCING PROTOCOL
Employees must keep a minimum of 6’ distance from other employees and customers.
Mark the floor with tape to promote safe distance.
SALES
CLEANING / SANITIZING PROTOCOLS
Appropriate PPE will be worn by all employees based on their role and responsibilities and in adherence to state or local regulations and guidance.
Practice frequent handwashing.
Save your resources! Latex gloves are only effective if you are avoiding cross-contamination.
Routinely wipe down all workstation surfaces, multiple times each day with disinfectant wipes or spray.
Routinely wipe down tools and equipment multiple times each day with disinfectant wipes or spray. This includes phones, tablets, and keyboards. Don’t forget the cooler door!
No sharing of tools or equipment. If tools or equipment MUST be shared, they must be sanitized anytime transfer occurs between employees.
PHYSICAL DISTANCING PROTOCOL
Employees must keep a minimum of 6’ distance from other employees and customers.
Mark the floor with tape to promote safe distance.
Precautions must be taken to ensure customers keep a minimum of 6’ distance from each other. This can include a designated pick-up area with a clear indication of flow-of-traffic.
DELIVERY
CLEANING / SANITIZING PROTOCOLS
Appropriate PPE will be worn by all employees based on their role and responsibilities and in adherence to state or local regulations and guidance.
Masks should be worn from the van to the recipient’s property / drop-off location.
Practice frequent handwashing.
Save your resources! Latex gloves are only effective if you are avoiding cross-contamination.
Routinely wipe down all workstation surfaces, multiple times each day with disinfectant wipes or spray. In addition to the store, your vehicle is also your workstation! Disinfect those steering wheels and door handles.
Routinely wipe down tools and equipment multiple times each day with disinfectant wipes or spray. This includes phones, tablets and keyboards.
Use hand sanitizer after each delivery to help prevent the spread of germs.
If a delivery vehicle needs to be transferred from one driver to another, it must be properly sanitized.
PHYSICAL DISTANCING PROTOCOL
Employees must keep a minimum of 6’ distance from other employees and customers.
All deliveries are no-contact deliveries. You may not enter a recipient’s home. If you are delivering to a place of business, follow their safety procedures.
Contact the recipient prior to delivery and let them know a delivery will be left at their door. The driver can wait in vehicle to ensure delivery was received.

'Looking at green foliage can enhance creativity, increase calmness, lessen irritability, and restore mental energy. Researchers found that indoor plants prevent fatigue during demanding work.' Men's Health Magazine

Text below from www.aboutflowers.com Workplace Productivity Study: