Exotic Flowers in Boston

From 1979 to 1987, I collected a lot of baseball cards. I ran to the corner store to see the first packs arrive or sat inside the store waiting for the stores to reload their inventory. Topps baseball cards always sold out and I could not never get enough of them. I devoured the statistics on the back. Did you know that Bill Buckner struck out only 26 times in 657 at bats in 1982? I did and still do. I still have many of these baseball cards and grab a handful almost daily and still read those stats. As long as my eyesight will allow, I always will.
Opening Day is here and I could not be happier. Baseball is on the television, the pc, the Galaxy (never been an i-phone guy), the radio and in the air. It's likely that you are not as enamored with the game as myself, but baseball connects us.

Please celebrate Opening Day with me and open a pack of baseball cards. This is my Opening Day tradition and I am honored to share it with you.
see you at Fenway!
Rick

From our friends at DVFlora -

International Women's Day, observed annually on March 8th, is a day to honor and celebrate the influential women in our lives and throughout history - from business to politics, to athletics to philanthropy, to celebrity. It is also a time to celebrate the amazing women we interact with on a daily basis and to express our respect, appreciation and love.

Thank those that have made a difference in your life on this special day!

Boston, MA

Tuesday, November 6, 2018:

 

On Election Day, stop into Exotic Flowers at 609 American Legion Hwy, Roslindale, MA 02131. If you are wearing an "I voted" sticker, then Exotic Flowers will give you a free rose. The first 50 people will get the limited edition Patriot Rose.

 

 

Local Business Spreads Smiles and Stress Relief, Two Bouquets at a Time

 

Roslindale, MA, (October 24, 2018)– Today, Exotic Flowers is joining floral industry businesses in more than 400 cities nationwide to surprise unsuspecting passersby in Roslindale with two free flower bouquets each – one to keep and one to give to a friend, family member, colleague, or even a stranger. The random-acts-of-kindness effort -- called Petal It Forward and organized by the Society of American Florists (SAF), of which Exotic Flowers is a member -- is designed to help people start their day with more smiles and less stress. The effort illustrates new research from the University of North Florida (UNF) that shows living with flowers reduces stress.

 

“Petal It Forward is the floral industry’s way of giving back,” said Jennifer Sparks, SAF’s Vice President of Marketing, citing the nationwide effort was purposefully planned for a Wednesday to help the mid-week slump. Rick Canale of Exotic Flowers wanted to be a part of the nationwide mood-boosting effort, and make a difference in the community. “We have been in this location for 88 years and we want to help make someone's day in the community,” said Canale. “Through the positive effects of flowers, we hope to make someone’s day brighter, and provide a much-needed moment of calm amidst the hectic pace of life,” he added.

 

The research findings on flowers and stress relief, and the need for mood-boosting gestures, seem timely: A survey by Wakefield Research in July showed that 68 percent of Americans experience stress weekly, and 32 percent report feeling stressed daily. Women are even more affected, with 25 percent reporting feeling stress multiple times a day.

 

Canale says the original idea behind Petal It Forward’s ‘keep one, share one’ concept, which started in 2015, came after looking at statistics that showed while 80 percent of people reported receiving flowers makes them happy, even more (88 percent) said that giving flowers makes them happy. “We want to give people the chance to experience both,” said Canale. 

 

In addition to the new research on stress, previous behavioral studies conducted by Rutgers and Harvard scientifically demonstrate the positive impact flowers have on emotional well-being. For information on the effects of flowers on stress research, visit aboutflowers.com/stressless. For research on all of the health benefits of flowers, visit aboutflowers.com/research.

In the past couple of years, Boston residents may have noticed a change in the local florist landscape. Roslindale's Square Dandelions Flower Shop closed over a year ago and both Louie the Florist and Calisi's Flowerland have closed their doors as we.

At Exotic Flowers, we are going to miss our colleagues. We are firm believers in the rising tide and feel that the more flower shops, the more awareness.

 Thankfully, we are still here in celebrating our 88th year as a family owned and operated business in the same location. 609 American Legion Hwy, Roslindale, MA 02131

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.