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Exotic Flowers in Boston

What Place Does a Boston Florist Have in The Baseball Hall of Fame

Posted by Rick Canale on Thu, Jul 10, 2014

Baseball Hall of Fame

At Exotic Flowers in Boston, we are baseball fans. We celebrate the grand old game any chance we get. On Opening Day, we have a company cookout. We have partnered with the Boston Red Sox and sponsored many little league and softball teams over the years. If you're in Roslindale and talk baseball, rest assured your florist in Boston will always 'talk shop,'. 

Baseball and flowers go hand in hand. Glenn Stout tells us, in his book Fenway 1912, that on April 20th, 1912 Fenway Park opened and pots of flowers greeted the fans. Think about it, pots brimming with flowers welcome people. Baseball people knew this 100 years ago. Baseball Hall of Famer Bill Veeck planted the ivy at Wrigley Field in Chicago in 1937 to make patrons feel more welcome. Yes. Baseball, flora and fauna go hand in hand.

cooperstown collection flowers resized 600 Flowers and baseball provide a spark of nostalgia. Whether you recall Fred Lynn crashing into the Fenway wall in 1975 or the beautiful flowers on your grandmother's dinner table, these images create a bond and experience that your cell phone cannot. The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum on Cooperstown, New York celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. At Exotic Flowers, we have partnered with the Hall of Fame to bring our clientele The Cooperstown Collection. Exotic Flowers will donate twenty percent of the purchase price of specially designed baseball themed floral arrangements and gifts to the Hall of Fame to help raise money and awareness for this valued American Institution. The world needs more museums.

Rick Canale

On another note, Exotic Flowers is proud to announce that the team we sponsor in Westwood, Massachusetts won its championship. The Westwood River Bandits had an amazing run of 12 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie as it captured the third grade championship. 

Tags: Baseball, Red Sox Florist, Bill Veeck, Fenway Park, Boston Florist, Rick Canale, Baseball Hall of Fame

Top Things to do in the Boston area for Father's Day

Posted by Rick Canale on Tue, Jun 10, 2014

Father's Day is all about treating dad to a special day. Create your own memories with your dad, your kids' dad or even someone who is just like a dad. Boston has some exciting and fun things to do. Many of these venues are tailor made for dad. From history buffs to sports fans, here are the staff at Exotic Flowers' top things to do on Father's Day in the Boston area.

Codzilla Boston thrill rideZip across Boston Harbor at 40 miles per hour. Codzilla is a forty minute thrill ride across the ocean. High energy sounds of ACDC enhance the ride. Share this exciting ride with your dad. Create a lasting memory and start your own Father's Day tradition.

fenway for fathers day

Take a walk into Fenway Park this father's day. Every Father's Day, the Red Sox allow a stroll around the warning track, admission is free. I know we are getting a little tired of the same old, same old from the Red Sox. But if you have not tried this, why not check it out this year. Jerry Remy's around the corner is also offering some great Father's Day specials. 

USS Constitution in Boston

You know Dad loves the History Channel. Why not take him to the real life History Channel ? The USS Constitution is a living breathing museum. In celebration of its role in the War of 1812, celebrate its centennial and Father's Day with a visit to Old Ironsides.

The Patriots Hall of Fame

Okay, I know it's not in Boston. If you're like me, you consider Foxboro a town in Rhode Island. But Dad loves football and the Patriots. Why not take him to luch at Patriot Place. While you're there, he can visit the Bass Pro Shop and visit some really cool football memorabilia at the Hall at Patriot Place. Maybe even get dad a new Tim Tebow jersey while he is there.

 

These are just a couple of our favorite spots. Of course, a few of our honorable mentions include Battle Ship Cove in Fall River (a real life Military Channel); Butcher Boy in North Andover for a the griller in your life, he will thank you; or take a ride to Mystic, CT and check out their awesome aquarium.

 

 

 

 

Tags: Baseball, Fenway Park, Father's Day, Patriot Place, Boston Harbor Cruises

The Exotic Flowers in Boston Father's Day Gift Guide

Posted by Rick Canale on Tue, Jun 03, 2014

Father's Day is Sunday June 15th. Don't take your dad for granted. He appreciates being appreciated. Whether you buy him a card, a balloon or even a rose. Let your dad know how much you love him.
At Exotic Flowers in Boston, we currently have five full time fathers on staff. The dads at Exotic Flowers have put together a list of the gifts they would love receive this Father's Day.
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  • An antispasto fileld with tasty bites of olives, cheeses and salty meats is sure to please the men in your life. Throw in a bottle of red wine, an afternoon of the History channel and you have an event that rivals Super Bowl Sunday.
Fathers Day Gift
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  • The mini solar emergency radiofrom LL Bean. Hurricane season started June 1st. This is a must-have item for your dad's or husband's emergency kit, bedside stand or car. Or even if he just likes to listen to Joe Castiglione and the Red Sox in the back yard. Affordable, practical and comes from one of our favorite companies, LL Bean. Exotic Flowers in Boston has taken many pages from the LL Bean customer service program.
fathers day steaks
  •  They say a way to man's heart is through his stomach. While dad is listening to his new radio in the back yard. Why not pick him up a few thick ribeyes from Butcher Boy in North Andover. Of course, you do not have to leave Boston to buy beef, but Butcher Boy is the best in business. 
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  • While your dad is in the backyard grilling his steaks and listening to the Red Sox, why not help beautify the yard. Many make the mistake of buying dad tools and plants for him to plant. Why not give him a break and have the staff at Exotic Flowers send our Mixed Summer PlanterThis delightful planter bustles with lovely flowers and long-lasting garden plants. With so much to offer, it'll make the days of summer brighter.
boston childrens book
What better way to celebrate father's day than reading your children a book. This is one of the best memories you can ever share with children, a father reading to their child.

Tags: Baseball, Father's Day, Steak, Exotic Flowers Employees, Red Sox

Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe - His Love Shown in Flowers

Posted by Rick Canale on Tue, Jan 07, 2014

DiMaggio and Marilyn Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe remain one of the most famous couples in history. Eventhough their marriage lasted only nine months, DiMaggio and Monroe's relationship is legend. Joe's affection for Marilyn was always visible in many gestures. Seven years after their marriage, we can see evidence of his affection by this New York florist's receipt for two dozen roses. Forty years later this same order would be $200. I did try and see if Goldfarb Flowers of New York was still in business, but had no luck.marilyn monroe florist resized 600

DiMaggio who was known to be serious, private and reserved rarely let others know his many acts of kindness for Marilyn. Upon her tragic death, DiMaggio even tended to all the details of her funeral. At her funeral, Joe's affection was again shown with flowers, below is a picture of a funeral heart of roses for Marilyn.

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One often hears that flowers say what words cannot. Joe DiMaggio was a man of few words, but his fans can see that he expressed himself with flowers.

After Marilyn's death, Joe also arranged for flowers to be put at her grave every week for more than twenty years. DiMaggio realized the importance of beautifying her grave with fresh flowers and the importance that flowers have in our lives.

Marilyn Monroe grave flowers

August 4th, 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's death. Marilyn Monroe remains a cultural icon and her fans continue to show their affection with fresh flowers at her grave. flowers at Marilyn grave resized 600

Fresh flowers at the cemetery remain the best way for us to keep in touch with our loved ones.

Tags: Cemetery Flowers, Baseball, Joe DiMaggio, Marilyn Monroe, Funeral Flowers

Top Gifts for the World Series from Exotic Flowers in Boston

Posted by Rick Canale on Wed, Oct 23, 2013

2013 World Series Flowers
Of course no better gift for the World Series would be tickets and a win for the Red Sox. But if you cannot get tickets to Fenway Park, then why not send your favorite baseball fan flowers from Boston's Premier Florist.
Here are the top gifts for baseball fans from Exotic Flowers in Boston.
world series florist 

You're sure to score a home run with and baseball fan when you give her red roses in an amazingly realistic baseball mug she'll use for years.

The bright bouquet features 10 red roses accented with oregonia and is delivered in an oversized ceramic baseball mug. only $59.95

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This patriotic arrangement is such a stunning way to honor the hometown heroes of Boston.

Red roses and carnations, white asiatic lilies and alstroemeria, blue statice and an American flag fill an exclusive blue glass cube. It's certain to be appreciated from sea to shining sea.

Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Exotic Flowers. Only $69.95

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Dads, grads, boys and baseball lovers of all ages will think you're an MVP when you send this winning basket. Full of ballpark favorites and more, perfect for a picnic or a pick-up game in the park. You'll score a home run with this yummy basket that includes a real baseball, of course.

Peanuts, pistachios, Cracker Jacks, three different kinds of pretzels and good old-fashioned root beer are teamed up in this basket. Anyone will have a ball with this gift! only $79.95

 

Tags: Baseball, Red Sox Florist, Red Sox, World Series

Red Sox Continue to See Importance of Flowers - Yaz Statue Ceremony

Posted by Rick Canale on Mon, Sep 23, 2013

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photo credit: Laurie Sparks
 
On Sunday September 22nd, 2013 the Boston Red Sox dedicated a statue to baseball Hall of Famer and living legend Carl Yastrzemski; a long overdue tribute to an amazing baseball player and gentleman.
At the dedication ceremony, the stage was decorated with an abundance of green and white flower arrangements featuring roses, bells of ireland, and cymbidium orchids. The Red Sox also gave red rose boutonnieres to former players like Yaz, Dwight Evans, Jim Rice and Ted Lepcio.
YAZ STATUE CEREMONY LAURIE resized 600photo credit: Laurie Sparks
The Red Sox have often seen the importance of incorporating flowers into their events. There is even record of pots filled with flowers for the opening of Fenway Park in 1912. The Red Sox hung a floral wreath over Johnny Pesky's retired #6 in Fenway Park upon his death. Hundreds of Red Sox employees wore Red rose boutonnieres on the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park in 2012. 
The Red Sox even had a red rose ceremony for Pesky at Fenway Park in 2012.
While the Red Sox do not always ring up Exotic Flowers in Boston for these events, we are honored to include Red Sox players Doug Mirabelli, Mike Timlin, Mike Cameron, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Andrew Bailey, Darnell McDonald, Mike Aviles, Victor Martinez, John Olerud, Adrian Beltre, Tim Wakefield, Ted Lepcio and Jonny Gomes as past and present clients.   GOMES resized 600

Tags: Baseball, Red Sox Florist, Fenway Park, Ceremony Flowers, Red Sox, David Ortiz, Boutonnieres

Vintage Baseball Theme Wedding

Posted by Rick Canale on Sat, Sep 07, 2013

This past July, I celebrated my tenth wedding anniversary to my amazing wife Suzie. Many people renew their vows on this special anniversary and even seek to recreate a new wedding all over again. While Suzie and I did not renew our vows, some theme weddings caught my eye. My favorite was the Home Field Advantage featuring an an entire vintage baseball wedding.

Below are some photos from Realweddingsmag.com that showcase this ultra cool baseball wedding. PhotoByShoops©RealWeddingsMagazine TheCouple12 resized 600

The stunning bride is carrying jasmine, hydrangea, scabiosa spheres and accents. This lush bouquet really keeps the vintage timeless look for this theme wedding.

baseball place cards

what a cool concept replicated old tobacco baseball cards that also serve as place cards for the guests. This would be the only wedding place card I would ever keep, a true collectible.

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antique crates, vintage banners along with vintage bats and catchers masks; also having this wedding on the field really brings this wedding home. The addition of baseball fare like hot dogs, apple pie and bottles of coca cola make this a wedding to remember.

cracker jacks

another great keepsake gift includes gift wrapped cracker jacks. 

I don't think my wife would be on board for this themed wedding. But I would love to be a guest if anyone is having a wedding like this. You could even have your justice of the peace be a real umpire. The list of possibilities is endless. 

Tags: Baseball, Weddings, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Favors

What Can Buying a Baseball Card Teach a Florist About Customer Service ?

Posted by Rick Canale on Fri, Jul 19, 2013

Recently, I was on Cape Cod for July 4th with my family. While walking on Main Street, I happened upon an old fashioned baseball card shop. Unfortunately, baseball card shops are a dying breed. When I was a kid, I collected cards in the thousands and still have them. I forced myself to go into the shop, look around and even buy something.

I really wanted to show my support and even relive a bit of my childhood at the same time. Unfortunately, the windows were dirty (#fail), the lights dim (#fail) and a counter guy who seemed a bit more interested in his computer (#fail) than engaging the many clients entering the door to browse.

I was aware of some newly released items that unfortunately the shop did not have. That was okay. You cannot carry everything. But while I was there clients seemed interested and wanted to buy, but some things were out of reach, not priced and the salesman remained glued to his computer. (#fail)

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Finally in hopes of recapturing a little American spirit, I grabbed a 1968 Topps Willie Horton baseball card for $1. I know, this shop will not close early with this sale. But every sale counts and who knows a $1 dollar sale that day could turn into a $5000 Mickey Mantle card sale down the road.

Well as I  handed my purchase and my $1 bill to the salesman, still at his computer (#fail). He asked me to go to the register (#fail). Go where the customer goes. He rang my sale = $1.06 (I forgot tax but it is only 6 cents). He offered a bag (must cost at least 3-4 cents) I deferred. He then really should waived the six cents but did not. (#fail)

I won't be back. Not really angry about the six cents, just the indifference of the staff. After all, who in Boston buys a Willie Horton card ? What a great conversation starter.

Also heard that the store is up for sale and closing. Owning a small business is hard work. People really want to go stores, it is up to the retailer to astonish and delight its customers.

 

Tags: Baseball, Customer Relationships, July 4th, Customer Service

Red Sox Go On Winning Streak with Flowers in the Dugout

Posted by Rick Canale on Wed, Jul 17, 2013

jose iglesias flowers resized 600 Who says flowers don't belong in baseball? Just ask Red Sox Jonny Gomes and Mike Napoli. They recently purchased flowers for their third base coach Brian Butterfield in Seattle. Since this purchase, the Red Sox have won four straight games and the flowers remained in the dugout for each game.

Infielder Jose Iglesias was given the charge of caring for the flowers and making sure they had safely made the trip from Seattle to Oakland.

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On Friday, July 19th the Red Sox will host the Yankees at Fenway Park. I have already reached out to Napoli and Iglesias via twitter to offer Exotic Flowers in Boston delivery service to the dugout for the second half of the season. 

Let's hope the flowers bring a stroke of World Series fortune to the Red Sox.

Tags: Baseball, Red Sox Florist, Boston Florist, Boston Flower Delivery, Red Sox

Rockies, Cubs, Nationals, Orioles know Flowers & Plants Welcome Fans

Posted by Rick Canale on Fri, Apr 12, 2013

wrigley field ivy chicago cubs resized 600
in 1937 Baseball Hall of Famer Bill Veeck planted the ivy at Wrigley Field. The idea was to create a park in the city where people felt welcome.
I think I have been a baseball fan since I was born. The game was always on tv or the radio throughout my childhood and remains that way today. My earliest major league memory comes from the 1975 World Series when Fred Lynn crashed into the wall at Fenway Park. I was four years old. 
Having grown up in the flower business, I have always been in awe how flowers and plants make such a difference in people's lives. Whether sending orchids in Boston, receiving roses in Roxbury or planting hydrangeas in Hyde Park, it is amazing how much happier flowers make us all feel.
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The Colorado Rockies' Coors Field has one of the most majestic treescapes as its showcase in centerfield.
Recently I read an article in greenProfit magazine, John Friel provides his insight on the importance of plants and people and our quality of life.
With some quotes from Dr. Charlie Hall and co-author Madeline W. Dixon, Friel writes " Plants mean business: 'Aesthetically-pleasing landscaping welcomes customers (and) enhances their perception of the quality of products and services. Consumers... pay higher prices, travel further and shop longer in a store that they perceive to be a quality establishment,'." This theory is most evident at the ballpark. In 1937 Bill Veeck, led by Philip Wrigley planted the ivy and trees at Wrigley Field. In 1912, author Glenn Stout tells us that the Red Sox had installed planters filled with flora and fauna to welcome fans to the new ball park in Boston. Unfortunately, the Red Sox have lost their way a bit and the park often appears cold and commercial and less welcoming one hundred years later.
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in 2008, the Washington Nationals built their new ballpark and installed cherry blossom trees in and around the park.
Friel goes on to write, "Plants love tourists: 'Parks and botanical gardens (are) effective tourist attractions... food, transportation, lodging, etc. represent additional revenue for local businesses (and) a city's economy. This revenue gets filtered back into the economy and adds to financial prosperity.' "
Who would have thought that flowers actually make money? So many people look at flowers as a luxury. "Landscaping yields, on average, a 109% return on every dollar spent." It is no mystery that new style ball parks have been created to welcome fans. Places like Camden Yards in Baltimore and PNC Park in Pittsburgh have been created to welcome fans. While concrete and steel stadiums like Veterans Stadium and Riverfront Stadium have been torn down. 
flowers and fancies resized 600 photo credit Flowers and Fancies, Baltimore, MD.
The Orioles, Red Sox, Reds, Twins and Yankees have all been known to celebrate their opening days and World Series with flowers. Of course, some teams see the importance more than others. The Yankees have been know to have hundreds of floral arrangements throughout their stadium during the World Series. My pal Eddie Wingrat of Flowers & Fancies in Baltimore has been creating the opening day flowers at Camden Yards for more than twenty years. See the spectacular arrangements he created in the above photo for 2013.

Tags: Baseball, Red Sox Florist, Bill Veeck, Red Sox, Baltimore Florist

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