Exotic Flowers in Boston

The Charles Street Flower bouquet was created to offer Bostonians a floral gift that reduces stress. In iour hurried lives, flowers can help us relax and take a moment to enjoy beauty. Why Charles Street ? Located in the West End, this Beacon Hill street offers Bostonians a picture perfect inviting stroll for its residents. Also, Charles Street Flowers was a crown jewel of the Boston flower seen.

If you’ve ever visited one of our many impressive hospitals here in Boston, you may have noticed several have an area of the building, which facilitates an aura beyond what we traditionally recognize as “medicine”.   Healing gardens have become a popular asset to health care facilities around the country promoting the idea that green spaces can positively affect the outcome of a patient’s condition.  Typically located on rooftops of buildings, these areas often nourish lush plant life and flowers, offering visitors a chance to heal the body to relieve physical ailments.  These needs can be fostered through the spiritual, social, behavioral and psychological facets of an individual and have been known to be quite successful in boosting the overall positive energy in visitors.  

Mass General Hospital Healing Garden - photo via C7A

Interestingly enough, health agents have gone beyond simply setting up pretty gardens to gaze upon and instead have come up with an entirely new division of alternative therapy, which surrounds itself around the importance of growing.  As defined by the American Horticulture Therapy Association, “Horticulture Therapy is the engagement of a person in gardening and plant-based activities, facilitated by a trained therapist, to achieve specific therapeutic goals.”  This practice may be experienced in a “sensory garden”, an alternative type of plant system that is designed to specifically affect the senses of taste, touch, sound, sight and smell.  Often, water features such as small waterfalls or running riverbeds are added amongst plants specifically chosen for their texture and aroma.  

The Stoneman Healing Garden photo via crja.com

Luckily, Boston is loaded with healing gardens that have been of great assistance to hospital patients for some time now.  Facilities such as the Dana Farber, Mass General Hospital  and the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden in Harvard, Massachusetts are some of the most stunning examples we cherish in our city.  

1. I have long been an adorer of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum here in Boston and always make it a point to visit at least twice a year or more if the time allows.  Since I was very little, I remember being drawn to the enchantment of the three-tiered mansion that once belonged to the Gardner Family showcasing an impressive collection of art, music and plantings.   Most notable proprietor, Isabella or otherwise known as “Mrs. Jack” born on April 14, 1840 (a fellow Aries), was a feverish collector of paintings, artifacts and other beautiful treasures, which she displayed in a revolutionary fashion.  Instead of exhibiting her cherished items on walls typical to museum fashion (such as the MFA), Isabella decided to present her artwork in a more intimately elaborate array.  If you’ve ever been to the Gardner, you’ll be familiar with this fact as you pass by Renoirs and Segal’s hung in tiny rooms alongside an assemblage of antique spoons and shoes.  The appeal to wander through Isabella’s house marveling at her priceless compilation is more than a cultural experience, it’s a personal one.

For many Bostonians who have journeyed through the museum, one of the utmost attractions is the stunning garden that blooms year round in the center of the architecture.  Depending on when you go, there is a courtyard filled with seasonal plants and flowers that patrons can photograph (without flashes) or sketch in the interlude of enjoying the other pieces of fine art.  As a person who is crazy about the idea of strolling through a Victorian stone building growing blossoms through the center, I couldn’t recommend this day trip more to others with similar interests.  But perhaps gardening isn’t your thing and ask, “Why should I bother to go?”  That’s a very good question… The Isabella Stewart Gardner museum is such an important example of Bostonian art history that I can name several reasons why you should tour the vicinity whether you’re into botany or not.

1. “Blossoming” Artists:  Student artists will not only be able to take a lesson or two from the impressive renaissance portraits on display but can actual get a hands on experience drawing and sketching the garden itself.  The museum provides pencils and paper for anyone who would like to take the time to capture the beauty in their own expressive way.  
2. Mystery Lovers:  If you like a good who-done-it then you’ll love trying to solve the mystery of the famous March 18, 1990 heist where 500 million dollars worth of artwork was stolen.  The crime has never been solved but the frames are still left empty on the walls.
3. Philanthropists:  Isabella was more than just an art collector; she was one of the largest philanthropists in her time within Boston.  She relayed millions of dollars to special causes such as Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Industrial School for Crippled and Deformed Children, Animal Rescue League and Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
4. If You’re Cheap:  The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum has great deals on tickets such as free entry on your birthday, $2 dollars off admission prices if you wear Red Sox gear, Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders receive free entry on the first full weekend of each month and if you’re name is “Isabella” than you have free admission for LIFE

Its that time again for all of New England's garden lovers to enjoy the world famous Boston Flower Show! Running through Sunday, March 20th, spectators will be left in awe at the presentations made by our cities most prominent designers.  This year’s theme, “Nurtured by Nature” promises to be a special one where all exhibits must reflect this idea throughout their entire display of flowers including props, containers and subject matter.  From divine intricate sets to scaled landscaping, this year’s show is already being named one of the best in its history!  You also won’t want to miss the judging for who wins best for creativity, complexity and originality, which has categories for both experts and beginners.  How exciting, there’s just no telling who will achieve solid gold thumb stature!

photo via: rutlandvermont.com

And that’s not all…

Along with the stunning floral installments, there’s a whole bunch of other programs and events to take notice of as well.  There will be lectures from guest speakers who are industry leaders as well as demonstrations for those who want to learn the tricks of the trade.  If that’s not enough- bring your wallets and purses because the marketplace has a fantastic lineup of vendors selling beautiful accessories including hats, silks, baskets, jewelry and more!  It's quite an impressive line up so get ready for a fun filled four days enjoying the Boston Flower Show of Boston!

Things to Keep in Mind if Attending:

1. Parking is limited although there is shuttle service available from nearby garages.  Parking on the grounds is competitive so arrive early!

2.   Tickets are available for $20.00 per adult, $17.00 for seniors and only $10.00 for children.  Make a day out of touring the beautiful flowers arrangements and let spring inspire you!

3.  The Address for the Boston Flower Show is:

The Seaport Hotel

200 Seaport Boulevard

Boston, MA 02210

The wreath is hung-check.

The outside lights are twinkling-check.

The holiday cards have been sent-check.

There’s only one thing left to buy for decoration and that could only be…The Christmas Tree!

It’s the most important display item of the holidays, the star of the show, the Pièce De Résistance!  Selecting the perfect tree is a monumental decision, which can sometimes even decide the whole décor feel for your holidays!  Do you like them furry, fragrant or with a particular green hue?  With so many varieties to choose from such as the Noble, Balsam and Douglas fir, the selecting process can become a bit overwhelming!  There are a multitude of factors that go into deciding what type of tree is right for your family so you might need advice on where the best places are to go looking…

Lucky for Bostonians, we have many tree lots within our vicinity, which carry several different species along with affordable ornaments and lighting options.   Depending on your budget and preference, you’ll surely b  e able to find the ideal specimen for your home to enjoy throughout the season!

Smolak Farms

315 South Bradford St

North Andover, MA (617) 648-5759978-682-6332

Allandale Farm

259 Allandale Rd

Boston, MA

(617) 524-1531

snow flocked trees at Exotic Flowers in Boston.

Exotic Flowers

609 American Legion Hwy

Roslindale MA 02131

617-247-2000

www.exoticflowers.com

Greenwood Tree Farm

96 Dudley Road,

Billerica, MA

978-667-5380

We already know how fabulous Boston florists are, don’t we?  Possessing contemporary innovation, a wide variety of premium product and an outstanding reputation for knowledge within the industry, Boston floral designers are among the most elite in the country.  From the east coast to the west coat, Boston still trumps the skill and ingenuity compared to others in the business and there’s a good reason why!  Our finest florists are gifted with particular qualities and characteristics that set them apart from the rest.  It’s true!  Just take a look at some of these fun facts about our city’s fabulous florists that continually make them rise above the rest.

• Mother Nature’s A Blessing To Boston Florists

Mother Nature plays a huge part in assisting buyers and designers from the northeast region and the reason why is because we are susceptible with four different seasons of change.  Unlike other regions, this allows us to have a deeper knowledge of texture and color.  Boston florists tend to have a richer compilation of tones and shading as well as utilizing a larger variation of height and size within their work.  Not only does it make the centerpieces, bouquets and daily arrangements more interesting to consumers, there is a constant theme of “change” making these pieces overall more enjoyable.

• Boston Florists Are Wicked Smart!

Boston florists are among the highest educated in the industry possessing a 75% percent rate of college graduates.  Popular degrees range from business administration to agriculture, forming a well informed community of intelligence within operation, marketing, design and management.  Boston florists are also known to be extremely supportive of local design schools.  Not only do they participate by aiding learning branches with grants, scholarships and internships, they proactively help to prepare and ready the next generation of talent within the industry.  

• “Flexible” Is Their Middle Name

It’s true that Boston companies struggle with a heightened expenditure of gas, electricity and rent than many other florists but this only allows them to be able to think outside the restrictions of cost better than competitors.  Bean Town’s finest are well crafted in downsizing, upsizing and substituting floral varieties when a client is strapped on a budget.  Being one of the largest importing cities in the industry, local buyers have a firm understanding of market trends and availability leading the customer to higher grounds of satisfaction.  No matter what the occasion calls for, designers are ready to sculpt and mold pieces that reflect all ends of cost while still presenting a stunning visual affect.  Their flexibility is so accommodating, there leaves no reason why Bostonians can’t enjoy fresh flowers year round!  

Outings for Dad on father’s day

It’s Father’s Day so why not treat the big guy to a special outing just for him and the family to enjoy?  You know he’ll want the traditional barbecue dining experience but really, there’s a lot more you can do for dear ole dad than just feed him!  Boston’s neighboring locations has great deals, offers and promotions that are devised especially for him.  Whether he likes to visit the city’s restaurants, take in a sporting event, shop for his interests or stroll though a lovely museum, chances are we’ll be able to find the perfect activity that will let him know how much you appreciate everything he does.  Take a second to check out these exciting exhibits and events created for Father’s Day on Sunday, June 21^st!

South Shore Arts Festival

119 Ripley Road

Cohasset, MA 02025

Monday – Saturday: 10 – 4 Sunday: 12 – 4

If your dad is one crafty guy, you might want to think about taking him to this fabulous exhibition featuring booths filled with homemade art and bric-a-brac.  Celebrating its 60^th year of fun filled activities including live music and children’s entertainment, this show is entertaining for the whole family!

Zombie Escape 

628 Somerville Ave.

Somerville, MA 02143

http://roomescapeadventures.com/boston/

Okay, this trip is just so cool and while it’s not meant for all dads, it might be perfect for yours!  Enter a room for one hour with eleven other people and solve clues and puzzles to escape a chained zombie that will be released if you can’t find the answers that will lead you to the key that unlocks the door.  This isn’t for the faint of heart but if you think your dad has what it takes, this fear factor challenge will be remembered for years to come.

Father’s Day Sail                   

Head Office: PO Box 51091  

Boston, MA 02205  

Phone: 857-366-4635

Ahoy Mates! 

If the ocean is where he’s the happiest, than why not take him to this special event where you can help hoist the sails and take a trip on the Tall Ship located in the Boston Harbor.  Explore sailing techniques taught by experts, learn all about the majestic history surrounding this beautiful boat or just lay back and enjoy the warm breezes off the waves.

Boston You're My Home Promotion

Expecting a new baby?  Anticipating a loved one’s soon to be bundle of joy?

Traditionally, children’s books have always been the number one choice for baby gifts, specifically ones that are written about the geographic region where the child has been born.  For example, “Make Way For Ducklings” and “Goodnight Boston” are two favorites that hospital gift shops almost always have on hand.  While these are definitely classics to all of us, young listeners and readers now have another option available to them.  If your new addition will soon be calling Bean Town their home, you now have another option available to add to their library collection.

At Exotic Flowers, we have the perfect promotion that celebrates this spring’s special deliveries!  For every $75.00 spent on a gift basket or arrangement for a baby boy or girl, Exotic Flowers will send along a free copy of “Boston You’re My Home” children’s book along with the delivery.  Whether it is sent to the home or to one of our city’s great hospitals including the Brigham and Women’s, Mass General Hospital, Newton Wellesley, Tufts or any other one of our medical center treasures, Exotic Flowers will include a special signed copy by the author with your order.

Why is “Boston You’re My Home” the right storybook for your little Bostonian? 

Written by local author, Suzie Canale and illustrated by Roberto  (also from Boston), “Boston You’re My Home” is a bedtime tale revealing all of the amazing features that makes living here so wonderful.  Mentioning sites and attractions such as the Isabella Stewart Museum, The Arnold Arboretum and The Union Oyster House, the story gives a glimpse into all of the special music, food, sports arenas and historical venues that they will soon be experiencing!  Not only does the book list specific locations that have made Boston infamous around the globe, but it also gives a look into the extraordinary people which we are lucky to have living and working here too!  Our firefighters, police force and emergency response teams are celebrated within the story as well as the concept of Bostonians being a beautiful and eclectic mix earning our proud namesake, “The Melting Pot”.   Written in poetic rhyme, the illustrations exude strong color and definition and successfully impress with visual renditions of landmarks including the Swan Boats, the Emerald Necklace and Old Iron Sides. 

If you are expecting a baby Bostonian this spring and are planning to send flowers or gift basket, choose Exotic Flowers’ fresh approach to celebrating their city with early literacy incentives.    

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10^th so Bostonians are making their plans to honor their favorite person in their lives-mom!  Restaurants, flower shops and candy stores will all be bustling, stocking up on inventory that will make perfect presents for loved ones.  Of course, the holiday guests of honor adore a delicious brunch with family, beautiful bouquets of spring blossoms and boxes of decadent chocolates decorated with a bow but what if we tried something different this year?  Keep in mind Bean Town mom’s do considerable heavy lifting when it comes to contributing to their households, raising children and well, everything else in between.  Maybe this year, we should gift our superwomen with a gesture reminding them of how we appreciate all of their hard work!  Boston natives are in luck because it just so happens this city is home to some of the best spas in the northeast!  Whether you’re looking for a manicure, facial, pedicure or package deal, you can bet that Boston beauty locales are preparing their salons for spectacular treatments and services.  If you don’t know where to start your search, meander through this elite list of spas we have situated in town!

G20 Spa and Salon

278 Newbury Street

Boston

617-262-2220

The G20 Spa and Salon on Newbury Street is one of Boston’s highest regarded facilities because of their impeccable reputation and cutting edge beautifying technology.  Besides that, it’s just a really cool place to visit!  Offering rooftop lounging deck, brine inhalation therapies, waterfall rooms and even a skylight hot tub, there’s something for everyone and lots to do for the entire day.  Along with other traditional services such as nail and hair care stylists; this Boston spa tops the chart as also being one of the forerunners in “green” spa living.

Bella Santé

38 Newbury Street

Boston

617-424-9930

Bella Sante should be another priority website to visit when considering a spa package for Mother’s Day!  Located in the Back Bay, this salon offers the basics plus a multi variety menu for packages including “Hand and Foot” massages, “Head to Toe Body Ritual” pampering and a “Be Radiant” treatment bundle.  If dad wants to get in on the action, Bella Santé will change any of these services into a “couples” experience adding romance to any mommy’s special day!

Chuan Body and Soul

250 Franklin Street

Boston

617 451 1900

If you’re looking for something contemporary, check out Chuan Body and Soul, which provides new age treatments promoting relation and inner meditative healing.  This upscale facility bases their services on ancient Chinese medicine, utilizing both natural and spiritual therapies throughout their spa menus.  If you want to try something fun, add the Tao of Detox to your gift certificates that prepares patrons with algae body wraps and acupressure massages. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a celebration honoring the birthday of one of America’s most beloved icons.  Celebrated on the 3^rd Monday of every January (although his birthday is officially on the 15^th), the nation pays homage to King’s detrimental efforts towards the civil rights movement against racial discrimination.  The act to officially observe Martin Luther King Day came after King’s assassination in 1968 but it wasn’t until 1983 when it became a federal holiday.  Signed by Ronald Regan who initially opposed the bill, the act became effective after the president realized that he was severely outvoted by the House of Representatives. Although the bill had been mandated, there were still a few states, which were reluctant towards calling the holiday by its legal name, and instead, combined Martin Luther King Day with other nearing holidays.  It wasn’t until the year 2000 when all 50 states came together and agreed to reserve the event solely for Martin Luther King, Jr.  

People around the United States choose to participate in this occasion throughout many ways including re-listening to his infamous speech, “I Have a Dream”, which still emanates the strength, courage and determination within the words that have said “to appeal to the most sacred touchstones that there are in the United States”.   Bostonians, too, have the opportunity to engage within events set up around the city that propel Mr. King’s profound symbolism of “Let Freedom Ring”.  City officials have elected to put forward great efforts within erecting more and more opportunities for both children and adults to learn the importance of understanding who Martin Luther King, Jr. was and what he stood for.  Check out your local paper and Boston.com to find events thematic of this special day honoring the momentous leadership efforts of Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Boston Holiday Highlights

Dr. King lived in Boston for several years studying for degrees received at both Harvard and Boston University so you know that there will be lots of events to attend honoring this special day!  Here are some that have already been listed:

“Free At Last Sculpture”

Boston University

Free

Boston University Annual MLK Commemoration

1 pm 775 Commonwealth Ave, Boston University

Free

Museum of Fine Arts MLK Day

Speeches, films, exhibits,

Free Admission

Museum of African American History

Beacon Hill Walking Trail

Free 

 Suzie Canale, Westwood Public Library, 2014

Visit Suzie in the children's department of the Westwood Public Library for children's books about Martin Luther King Jr.