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Posted by Rick Canale on Wed, Mar 29, 2017

Autism Awarness Day/Month - April is Autism awareness month and April 2nd is Autism awareness day. We have not only supported this cause by donating Red Sox tickets to Sophia's Grotto's fundraiser, we will be donating 30% of all blue rose sales on Sunday April 2nd to show our support as well. Wearing blue on that day also shows your support as the world "Lights It Up Blue."

 

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photo credit via CBS Boston

Opening Day April 3rd - we have set our window display for baseball. As polled by most Bostonians, spring begins on Opening Day. On Monday, we will be celebrating Opening Day with a series of social media posts as well as ballpark fare for staff lunch. You are encouraged to wear Red Sox gear to work that day. In partnership with the Jimmy Fund, for every Exotic Flowers staff member who wears Red Sox gear we will donate to $10 to the Jimmy Fund to support its Red Sox Rally Campaign.

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Tags: Baseball, Fenway Park, Blue Roses, April, Opening Day, Autism, Autism Awareness

#OpeningDay Window Display

Posted by Rick Canale on Sat, Mar 25, 2017

At Exotic Flowers, we are huge baseball fans. In a recent poll, Bostonians considered Opening Day as the first day of spring. Take a peak inside our shop window display as we get ready for opening day.

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Tags: Baseball, Red Sox Florist, Fenway Park, Opening Day, Window Displays

The Lost Art of Flowers at a Baseball Game

Posted by Rick Canale on Mon, Apr 18, 2016

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photo credit via: twitter.com/BSmile

If you go to baseball games as much as I do, you will witness all types of ceremonies at the ballpark. Famous first pitches, tributes to heroes past and present and on occasion the host will incorporate flowers into the festivitives. Flowers at a baseball game goes back more than one hundred years. Author Glenn Stout tells us in Fenway 1912 that Fenway Park had planters filled with flowers to greet fans on the grand opening of Fenway Park.

The photo above shows Babe Ruth alongside a horseshoe of flowers. The floral arch was a symbol of luck and success. While these tributes are not quite as fashionable as before, they can still be made. One step better would be to have a florist design for the times. So many major league parks have an event every night before the first pitch, it's time to bring back flowers back to the diamond.

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photo credit twitter.com/BSmile

Above Hall of Famer Phil Rizzuto makes his MLB debut in 1941 underneath a floral horseshoe. Once again flowers at the ballpark marking history and symbolizing luck. 

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photo credit: via twitter.com/BSmile

Knowing the Babe's reputation as a playboy, I am not sure if he was gving or receiving this hand tied bouquet.

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 AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye

Thankfully, across the Pacific, the Japanese still honor the game and each other by having managers exchange floral bouquets.

 

 

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Tags: Baseball, Red Sox Florist, Fenway Park, Red Sox, Baseball Hall of Fame, Nostalgia

The Best Valentines Gifts for Men

Posted by Suzie Canale on Mon, Feb 02, 2015

Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest gift-giving holidays of the year specializing in flowers, chocolates, jewelry and lingerie.  On February 14th, women all over the country will be unwrapping treats from their sweethearts with romantic and sentimental gestures in mind.  Wait a minute, what about a gift for him?  Ok, so he leaves toothpaste in the sink and sometimes snores too loud but all in all, he’s a great guy and maybe it’s time to reciprocate the gesture with a thoughtful present this year.  You might think that there’s no real appropriate Valentine’s gift for a man since it may seem kind of sappy but with some careful research, you can find something perfect for him.  Don’t kid yourself, men like attention just as much as we do although they may seem to hint otherwise.  Valentine’s Day treats can be meant for both him and her so be mindful not to forget your sweetheart this February!

 Chef-Film

For the Foodie

There are a lot of great gifts you can grab for the guy who loves food such as a gift card to his favorite restaurant or a cookbook written by his most talked about chef.  Great suggestions include southern barbecue publications, the “Food Truck” compilation and “Heritage” written by Sean Brock.  Make sure the cookbook reflects his tastes and you might just inspire him to do more of the cooking in the future!  If you want to add a great accessory, pick up the flick, “Chef” (my husband's favorite movie in 2014) starring Jon Favreau to go with it.  He’ll love brushing up on how to make his top dishes and I promise, he’ll love the movie too!

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For the Sports Guy

Ok, the football thing can drive us nuts sometimes but he loves it so why not pick him up a couple of tickets to the next Patriots, Celtics, Bruins or Red Sox game?  He can take one of his buddies so he can truly enjoy the experience and you can head to the spa for your own entertainment.  It’s a win win present for both of you!

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For the Guy’s Who’s Always On Time.  Or Late.

Men love watches for several reasons.  They’re stylish, fashionable man jewelry and assists in getting them to where they need to go.  Now we’re not talking Rolex here, just a nice piece that looks great at an affordable price.  Several companies exist who provide these but you might want to check out Timex’s “Weekender” watch that has a cool wrist band, contemporary sporty face and awesome affordability in price. 

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For the Cocktail Guy

These are so cool, there’s no doubt he’ll flip when he unwraps them.  “Double Walled Whiskey Glasses” are the newest rave in barware and are so visually appealing that they can be used for a variety of other purposes. Designed in ultra thick glass, the cups are formed in an oval shape with two layers displaying both the beverage and a beautiful sheen from reflected light.  The chic presentation will surely have your guy’s heart thumping this Valentine’s Day!

suzie__ricky_canale Suzie and Rick Canale together since 2000. 

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Tags: Fenway Park, Movies, Chef, Valentines Day

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. 

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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.

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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.

 

 

 

 

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

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

42 Things We Love About Being a Florist in Boston

Posted by Rick Canale on Mon, Apr 15, 2013

Patriot's Day in Boston is filled with an abundance of activities for all Bostonians and New Englanders. From revolutionary battle reenactments to the 11am Red Sox game to the Boston Marathon, this day is a major holiday in Massachusetts. In 2013, Patriot's Day happens also to fall on April 15th. While April 15 is synonymous with Tax Day, this year it is also Jackie Robinson Day.  42 resized 600

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy tells us that 42 is the answer to everything in the universe. Perhaps. But today I just want to share the 42 things we love most about being a florist in Boston in honor of the great Jackie Robinson.

  1. The Swan Boats
  2. The Boston Marathon
  3. Heartbreak Hill
  4. The Celtics
  5. The Museum of Fine Arts
  6. Fenway Park
  7. The Zakim Bridge
  8. Arnold Arboretum
  9. Franklin Park Zoo
  10. Santarpio's Pizza
  11. New Kids on the Block new kids320 resized 600
  12. Paul Revere's House
  13. The North End
  14. Bunker Hill Monument
  15. The Freedom Trail
  16. Athens of America
  17. Hospitals in Boston
  18. Roxbury Latin School
  19. Sam Adams
  20. USS Constitution
  21. The Bruins
  22. Pizzeria Regina
  23. Mike's Pastry
  24. The Public Gardens
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  26. Union Oyster House
  27. The Holocaust Memorial
  28. Castle Island
  29. Gardner Museum
  30. Boston Pops
  31. JFK Library
  32. Newbury Street
  33. The ICA
  34. Beantown
  35. Red Sox
  36. Hubway
  37. New Edition
  38. Faneuil Hall
  39. Walking City
  40. we 'Pahk ah cahs'
  41. Forest Hills Cemetery
  42. Bostonians
of course no tribute to Jackie Robinson we could be complete without recommending the new movie 42. 
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Tags: Fenway Park, Boston Bruins, Patriot's Day, JFK, U.S. Constitution, Boston Florist, Santarpios, Pizzeria Regina, Boston, Red Sox, Boston College

The Boston Red Sox Show Respect with Funeral Flowers

Posted by Rick Canale on Thu, Sep 27, 2012

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The Boston Red Sox have been playing baseball for more than 100 years. They are a part of the community. The Red Sox are our heroes, our co-workers, our neighbors and our friends. Of course, Dustin Pedroia does not call me over his house to play cribbage, but the team employs hundreds of New Englanders and millions more of us cheer them on even when the season is as bleak as 2012.
As a pillar of our community, the Red Sox also show how important flowers are at a funeral or upon someone's passing. The Red Sox realize how important flowers in easing the grieving process. I have personally handled funeral flowers for the team on many occasions. Recently the public got a first hand look on how much the Red Sox value funeral flowers and what they mean during as a symbol of celebrating one's life.
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On Sunday, September 23rd, 2012 the world witnessed Red Sox players past (Jason Varitek, Pedro Martinez) and present (Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz) et al. on the field at Fenway Park presenting single red roses upon the landscaped '6' on the infield dirt. This ceremony not only shows how much the Red Sox value flowers, but also how much flowers serve as a symbol as a celebration of life.
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Even upon Johnny Pesky's death in August, the Red Sox had a wreath of flowers hung over his retired #6 in Fenway Park by our colleagues at Winston Flowers. What is most important of this gesture is that the Red Sox were not even playing at home during this floral installation. The Red Sox were looking to show their respect with sympathy flowers.
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Tags: Baseball, Red Sox Florist, Fenway Park, Flowers as Symbols, Sympathy Flowers, Funeral Florist, Funeral Flowers, Red Sox, David Ortiz

Memories from Fenway Park from your Boston Florist #Fenway100

Posted by Rick Canale on Tue, Apr 17, 2012

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On Friday April, 20th 2012 - Fenway Park will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Hosting the New York Yankees at 305pm, the Red Sox have invited more than 200 former coaches and players to attend this celebrated game. I will be at the game and I am honored to have made the Red Sox guest list. Thank you Red Sox. Welch's Juices have even sponsored over 37,000 drinks so that Fenway Park will host the largest toast ever in the Guinness Book of World Records.
I have some great memories of Fenway Park from hanging around the park collecting autographs and meeting players to collecting my change so that I would have enough to buy a ticket. I even remember once checking the pay phones inside the Sheraton Hotel in Boston in 1985, my friend and I were about 80 cents short. The ticket agent who was in the now defunct ticket station in Fenway Park let us pass. We sat in the mist and rain with about 8000 others fans as the Red Sox played the Mariners. I remember many of those games when it seemed you could count the fans in the park.
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I was born in 1970 and I can remember the Red Sox always on the radio, television and being talked about at the earliest age. My earliest clear memory of the Red Sox came in the 1975 World Series when rookie centerfielder Fred Lynn crashed into the wall.
My first game was a doubleheader in 1978 against the White Sox. I immediately became a White Sox hater but my allegiance changed to them when Carlton Fisk changed his Sox in 1981.
Serving as the Official Red Sox Florist from 2007-2010 was quite an honor, but nothing like my memories from Fenway Park.
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My coolest memory of Fenway Park came on July 24, 1985. My friend and I were outside Fenway Park collecting autographs. Oakland Athletics outfielders Dwayne Murphy and Mike Davis arrived via taxi. They signed our autographs. We then asked Davis who was having a great year if he was going to hit his 17th homerun that night. He responded with 'I am going to hit number 17 and 18 Off the Can (Dennis Oil Can Boyd,).' We were thrilled with his response and pressed him for more information. He retreated and only promised one homerun. Lo and behold, he hit number 17 off Boyd in the 9th inning. What a memory.
I recall my sons' first games on September 26, 2007 and July 4, 2011 like they were yesterday. Fenway Park is all about memories. What are some of your favorites?
The Baseball Hall of Fame (yes, I am a member) is celebrating Fenway's 100th with its Fen-tennial. check out the video here.
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Tags: Red Sox Florist, Fenway Park, Rick Canale, Red Sox

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