Exotic Flowers in Boston

Quickly usurping the prevalence of the Christmas Poinsettia, forced bulbs are becoming a holiday staple. Amaryllis and Narcissus bulbs are not only easy to grow, but affordable. At Exotic Flowers in Faneuil Hall, an Amaryllis or Paper White Kit which includes a container and soil can be purchased for $9.95. Our Boston greenhouse also offers individual paper white bulbs at $1.25 each.

An Amaryllis bulb arrives in its infant form somewhat resembling a large onion with straggly roots. The process of getting an Amaryllis bulb to bloom is quite simple. The bulb should be nestled in a container of potting soil about one inch bigger than the bulb. Choose a decorative container as transplanting at a later date may prove a challenge.

Ideally, your soil should be sand based for support and fast drainage. Amaryllis can easily suffer root rot if they sit in a muddy soil. When planting your Amaryllis bulb, spread out the roots and leave about one third of the bulb above the soil line.

Water thoroughly upon the initial planting, but do not water again until the bulb begins to shows signs of growth; then water sparingly. Remember, do not drown this bulb. Traditional Amaryllis varieties mature in about three to six weeks. Plan accordingly for your December decor. Amaryllis kits and bulbs are also great holiday gifts for both children and adults.

Narcissus, also known as Paper Whites are even easier to grow than Amaryllis. Narcissus can be forced in soil or water. Narcissus bloom rather quickly. Because of their affordability ($1.25 each), Exotic Flowers in Boston suggests planting several at different intervals.

If planting in soil, Exotic Flowers' growers suggest following the same procedure as growing Amaryllis bulbs. If planting in water, the greenhouse staff at Exotic Flowers suggests pouring sea glass, pebbles or marbles in a clear glass container. Place the paper white bulbs closely together for support with the root ball facing down. The bulb roots should barely touch the water. If the roots submerge in the water, the bulb will rot. Additional water should not be poured over the bulbs or they will rot. Significant growth can be expected in less than two weeks.

If you do not have a green thumb or the desire to try. Both Exotic Flowers in Boston and Roslindale will be offering pre-planted Amaryllis and Narcissus for your apartment, house or office.

Yearly, the Society of American Florists (SAF) sponsors the Outstanding Varieties Competition where distributors offer the floral world their best fresh cuts in hopes of taking home 'Best in Show.' In 2010, the competition took place in Orlando, Florida at SAF's Annual Convention.

Rick Canale of Exotic Flowers in Boston, Massachusetts was chosen to be one of the nine judges. Rick was chosen to judge spray roses and standard roses as well as "The Best in Show,".

Below are some of Rick's comments regarding the competition.

"By judge Rick Canale's evaluation, Equiflor/Rio Roses 'hit a homerun.' 'It's a true red, has a big head and opens beautifully,' said the owner of Exotic Flowers in Boston. 'Consumers will love it,'."

Canale: "You get a lot of bang for your buck with this variety,". 'For prom work in particular, he'd reach for 'Purple Sky,' as one stem easily yields a corsage and a boutonniere.'

"Canale called it 'an instant conversation piece,'."

The Orange Vision Spray Roses from Esmeralda Farms: "For celebratory orders, Canale suggests this mandarin-colored variety beside lime green flowers, adding that its long laterals make 'Orange Vision' a dream for designing."

The Silver Bell Spray Rose from Golden Flowers: "It's the perfect petal to please purple seekers, Canale added, of what he calls a 'season-less' hue, not too light nor too dark." He also awarded high marks for the bud's uniform head size. "That offers great symmetry and balance,".

Snowflake Spray Roses from Golden Flowers: "It's perfect in every way," said Boston Florist Rick Canale who considered Snowflake second only to Best in Show winner, Jiuhabo Sweetie. "It's a real, true white and buds' opening are just picturesque," he said.

Most of the commentary of this blog post was taken from Katie Hendrick's article regarding Best in Show in the November, 2010 issue of Floral Management

Veterans Day 2010 - Proclamation President Barack Obama

"On Veterans Day, we come together to pay tribute to the men and women who have worn the uniform of the  United States Armed Forces. Americans across this land commemorate the patriots who have risked their lives to preserve the liberty of our Nation, the families who support them, and the heroes no longer with us. It is not our weapons or our technology that make us the most advanced military in the world; it is the unparalleled spirit, skill, and devotion of our troops. As we honor our veterans with ceremonies on this day, let our actions strenghten the bond between a Nation and her warriors.

... Long after leaving the uniform behind, many veterans continue to serve our country as public servants and mentors, parents and community leaders. They have added proud chapters to the story of America, not only on the battlefield, but also in communities from coast to coast. They have built and shaped our Nation, and it is our solemn promise to support our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen as they return to their homes and families..."

At Exotic Flowers and Lombardi Florist in Boston and Roslindale, we are proud to be lead daily by a veteran. Arnold "Sonny" Canale proudly served in the U.S. Navy on board the destroyer USS Buck761. Sonny served during the Korean War as a machinist mate and received his honorable discharge.

Sonny brings his miliary background to work on a daily basis. Employees are trained daily in discipline, honesty and most importantly respect.

Some observers may feel that this regimentation is a bit intense for a Boston flower shop. Exotic Flowers however feels that our military influence is integral to our success as Boston's Premier Florist.

Large corporations often speak of core values, mission statements, policies etc... Small businesses like Exotic Flowers in Boston and Lombardi Florist of Roslindale also have these agendas. Of course, we are a family florist and not quite so cold and callous about our policies. Although we have a written handbook, many of our of core values emanate from our family principles. Occasionally we like to remind our Exotic Flowers Boston staff of our policies in writing. In last week's paycheck, we reminded our staff what some of our core vales are:

• Exotic Flowers sells the highest-quality flowers and plants available.
• Our goal is to not only meet our customers expectations, but to exceed them.
• As Boston's Premier Florist, all employees of Exotic Flowers realize the importance of sending and sharing our clients' emotions.
• Our goals as a family owned Boston florist are to create financial stability through Referrals and Repeat Business.
• The staff of Exotic Flowers and Lombardi Florist realize the importance of community, our neighbors and the cleanliness of our neighborhood.
• Exotic Flowers strives to create and nurture relationships with our vendors.
• The leadership at Exotic Flowers in Boston and Roslindale promotes the wellness of our staff and clients by touting the health benefits of flowers and plants.
• Exotic Flowers believes in education and involvement. We believe in industry groups like SAF (Society of American Florists); social media groups like Facebook; and local groups such as Little League or the chamber of commerce.

Exotic Flowers has suspended issuing new customer cards. We want to know your name not your customer #. About ten years ago, we relaunched our customer card program.

Retailers all over have touted the success of their customer card programs and how they increase business. In 2001, Exotic Flowers introduced the Alizarin (the color of the card) Card at a roll out of over 10,000 customer cards.

The Alizarin Card entitled holders to instant account access; Alizarin Card Priority (delivery services unavailable to non card holders); personalization and special promos.

Why did we scrap the cards ??

• we want to know our customers by name, not by#
• we want to know your likes & dislikes; we do not just want to have our hand in Your Pocket

Of course, the cards will always be welcome at Exotic Flowers in Roslindale or Faneuil Hall or at www.exoticflowers.com

We are a family owned and operated business. Relationships are more to us than transactions. We send and share your emotions; our relationship is a lot more than a customer #. Our relationship starts with us knowing your name.

Some Florists are just too uptight when it comes to weddings. Weddings and funerals are two of the largest pieces of the independent florist's sales. Florists in Boston and New England need to embrace and appreciate that the newly engaged would choose them to create their wedding flowers.

Below is an information sheet to prospective clients from one of the larger wedding florists in New England. Exotic Flowers' viewpoint is countered in bold.

"In order that we may provide you with the attention and service you deserve, please keep the following in mind when planning your flowers.

 1. Please make an appointment. Because our bridal consultants are often attending to the details of other weddings, they are not always available to assist you properly. Yes, an appointment would be great, but we know you are pressed for time and often impulsive. Please come in any time we're open.

2. If you are part of an event site package, we suggest you consult with us no later than five months prior to your wedding date. Five months. Are they kidding? Package weddings are often the more simple ones and we will treat you no differently than any other bride and groom.

3. Have wedding and or dress colors chosen. Do not sweat it if you have not chosen your colors yet. We all know your mother in law will choose hers at the last minute.

4. Please be on time for your appointment. Each consultation is for 90 minutes. Yes, please be on time. Our attention span is short and we do not wish to lose our patience. ;-)

5. Please try to limit the number of people you bring with you. This is Your day. Bring whomever you want with you.

6. Please silence all cell phones. In a perfect world, we would appreciate it. But guess what ? While you're here, our phone is going to ring.. a lot. So we feel, yours can ring as well. We know how busy you are and half of our job is to make your life easier.

Some florists get it and some do not. As a florist, I know we are not curing cancer. The catering business has a famous saying "it's just chicken on a plate,". I agree. At the end of the day, there are much more important things in life to stress over.

Sweetest Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in October every year. This holiday does not catch much exposure in the Northeast. But in the Great Lakes Region, Sweetest Day rivals Valentine's Day as a day for sweethearts to show their affection. The celebration is marked with small gift giving such as flowers, candy, and greeting cards.

Traditionally, Exotic Flowers in Boston and Roslindale has tried in vain to promote flower purchases for this holiday; hoping that some of Boston's college students would bring their traditions to Boston. In 2010, Exotic Flowers decided to drop the Sweetest Category from www.exoticflowers.com. The sales over the years have shown very few orders.

Along with Sweetest Day, Exotic Flowers also chose to drop Bosses' Week (10/11 thru 10/15) from our category list as well.

Boss's Day is traditionally celebrated in the United States and Canada every October. This holiday was created as a way for employees to show thanks to their bosses. Although, we can think of no better way to show thanks than fresh flowers from Boston's Premier Florist; we also feel that the best thanks an employee can show her boss is to do their job well.

We appreciate every floral order for both Sweetest Day and Boss's Day, but we also feel that our clients October dollars can be spent wisely on all our Halloween and Harvest offerings.

"
"Pay close attention to where you are walking." I uttered these words shortly before I dropped a full case of glass hurricanes and pillar candles while setting up flowers for Exotic Flowers at the Decordova Museum in Lincoln, MA.

Sunday October 10th, 2010 - was one of the busier wedding days of the year. First, Columbus Day Weekend is always a busy wedding weekend. Second, many brides and grooms sought the 10-10-10 wedding date for its cosmic connection.

Exotic Flowers of Roslindale was on the grounds of the legendary Decordova Museum and Sculpture Garden. When setting a wedding at any type of museum, there are lots more rules than a function hall. For example, no rose petals. Bring a vacuum, stay so many feet or inches away from the displays and above all do not spill any water and do not break anything.

The Exotic Flowers staff and I, had the honor of working with Jessica Kriley of the Decordova. Jessica is friendly, professional, efficient and truly welcomed us into her arena. La Fete Catering of Natick was the chosen caterer. What a truly inspirational showcase that Amy Colombi and the crew delivered.

The fun part happened when I dropped the case of glass and smashed three hurricane lanterns right on the dining room floor and I sliced my ring finger wide open. Thankfully we always bring extra vases and band aids along with us for any event. The Exotic Flowers events kit not only includes, bandaids, but tape, matches, ribbon, scissors, pins, business cards and even a sewing kit. Sewing kit ? Sure, we have had to help with last minute tailoring for guests and wedding party members.

My advice to anyone planning flowers for an event.

• arrive early
• bring extra flowers
• bring extra vases
• pack a Flower Event tool kit
• bring a camera (see above)
• if someone has to bleed, make sure it is you.

About ten years ago, Chef Tony Ambrose owned and operated the Ambrosia Restaurant on Huntington Avenue in Boston. Ambrosia was famous for its highend dining, its trend setting crowds and its surly chef.

Ambrose ran his kitchen at an intense level with high stress in his quest for perfection. Ambrose, an expert in his field, has a storied history of berating staff and clients alike.

One time, a dinner party had questioned the waiter on the freshness of the fish which they had been served. Ambrose, the perfectionist, considered this complaint an assault on his restaurant, character and his craft. He promptly came from the kitchen to quickly berate the client and their taste buds. Professional ? No, of course not. But Ambrose was an artist, an expert in his field who was blinded by his ambitions to perfect.

In Boston, Exotic Flowers is owned and operated by the Canale family. Sonny Canale is the Tony Ambrose of the floral industry. Sonny has honed his craft for over 50 years as Boston's Premier Florist. His quest for perfection in floral design and growing plants has kept  Exotic Flowers at the forefront of the floral industry.

Although Sonny has never publicly humiliated a customer, customers may have witnessed the intensity of a high energy design room at Exotic Flowers in Roslindale. There is a lot of yelling and a bit of cursing, especially in the mornings. Professional ? No, but Sonny is an expert and artist. His quest for perfection has kept Exotic Flowers in business for over fifty years.

If any client, visitor, employee or friend has ever been offended or intimidated by the surly florists in Boston, we are sorry. Our goal is never to offend, but to give you the best.