Exotic Flowers in Boston

Many believe there’s nothing sexier in this world than a hot car.  The speed, body and build of an automobile has been known to be one of the greatest aphrodisiacs- a real turn on to those who love to live life in the fast lane.  There is something to be said of this theory since many models are engineered to entice buyers by their “sex appeal” in the showroom. How about you? Do fast cars turn you on?

PHOTO via khaleejtimes.com

If they do, you may be interested in knowing that for every perfect car, there is the perfect flower by which it should be accompanied with.  Judging by the same means of style, shade and personality, we can accurately “couple” classic beauties with their blossoming counterparts. So, the next time you’re cruising the streets for a great bunch of blooms that will look snazzy with your baby on wheels, think about one of these varieties.  Chances are that your taste for cars will carry over with the same preference for flowers!

If you’ve been following what’s trending in gardening news, you probably noticed that succulents are still one of the most requested plant species for at home gardens and summer events. These exotic and beautiful creatures have been implemented in everything from bridal centerpieces to patio potting, making them a popular purchase at local nurseries.  What exactly is the definition of a succulent? Succulent:  Succulent plants, also known as succulents, are plants that have some parts that are more than normally thickened and fleshy, usually to retain water in arid climates or soil conditions. The word "succulent" comes from the Latin word “sucus”, meaning juice, or sap (According to Wikipedia).  If you have a backyard soiree to host over the next few months, succulents might very well be your best friend when it comes to table arrangements and decor.  For reasons of cost effectiveness, versatility in shape, interesting texture and readily availability, most greenhouse, nursery and florists are now stocking up on this particular inventory throughout the whole year.  If you haven’t already experimented with succulents within your flower beds or deck window boxes, I’ll give you another reason for enticement…

Succulents are amazing in the fact that they are grown in many, many shades of color.  It is possible to find species in tones of red, orange, yellow, green, pink and purple so no matter what your preferred palette might be, there’s sure to be a plant in this family that will certainly please.  

Here are a few of my favorite breeds:

Hens and Chicks

Panda Plant

Jade Plant

Pincushion Cactus

Crown of Thorns

Fun Facts About Succulents:

1. They originate from arid, dry climates so they need little water to survive.
2. Succulent jewelry making is becoming a big thing in the arts community including necklaces and bracelets.
3. Overall, succulents are pest resistant so they won’t get “buggy” like other varieties.
4. They will weather well indoors once winter arrives in New England.
5. Cacti are succulents but not all succulents are cacti.  The “Christmas Cactus” is an example.

In the world of flowers, we are constantly sorting different species into a multitude of categories for a variety of different reasons.  For starters, it helps the pros generalize the bloom’s properties as well as project its performance characteristics when deciding which flower will work the best in each alternating piece sent.  What this really means is that florists are constantly problem-solving issues like climate control, maintenance and availability of products for clients in an effort to keep customer satisfaction high and steady.  Years ago, we could almost generalize a template for commercial versus personal floral sales consumption, being able to pinpoint a list of suitable flowers for contrasting types.  As you can imagine, it started making things blatantly predictable and maybe even a bit boring, which are two reactions we look to ban in the floral industry.  Luckily, new trends are able to mix things up a bit where we find unlikely varieties of flora and fauna being utilized in unconventional ways.  Because of this, not only are designers able to give a fresh spin on traditional bouquets typically sold for cash and carry but we’re able to actually cut costs depending on the species.  An excellent example of this is the revived popularity of the dandelion.

photo via https://www.amazon.com/Dandelion-Taraxacum-officinale-Seed-Needs/dp/B002TB2OIO

I know what you’re thinking… It seems crazy, right?  A dandelion is commonly looked upon as a mere weed in the midst of a garden but what happens when you relabel this little yellow bud as the central attraction to a beautiful centerpiece?  Not only are dandelion’s much cheaper in price (most of us could probably go pick a bunch right from our backyards) but they also arrange easily with a wide spectrum of flowers.  Once a mainstay in Roslindale Square, Dandelions Flowers is no longer next to Delfino's, but its legend lives on.

When we think of Christmas, often shades traditionally associated with the season come to mind.  Red, green and white are the go-to palette for most florists and interior decorators who are given the job to transform homes into a festive place to have warm gatherings with friends and families.  While it’s safe to say that these three shades have no plans of ever going anywhere, I was pleasantly surprised to find that metal tints are making their way to center stage to close out 2017 and WOW do they bring a wonderful sense of style!  Gold, silver and bronze may have always been applied in small doses throughout holiday decorating but this year, they become more than just your basic accessory...  

Refreshingly, one color that top designers are convinced will be a hit during December celebrations is champagne.  Most people might wonder what this exactly means since there is sometimes a controversy over what the exact tint champagne actually is.  According to the dictionary, the metallic sheen is referred to as, “a name given for various very pale tints of yellowish-orange that are close to beige. The color's name is derived from the typical color of the beverage Champagne.” If you’re still confused, one way to navigate these tricky waters is to rely heavily on blossoms of peach, blush pink and cream.  Excellent species that will work to your favor are soft garden roses (which grow in both of these colors), as well as stock, ranunculus and even certain types of Asiatic lilies.  You can mix any combination of these together or use one specific variety to feature in your arrangements.    

Another idea to keep in mind is to create the effect by using props such as holiday baubles, jewelry, ornaments, lights and other trinkets luminescent of the champagne color.  By using props, you can add to the theme by placing white or cream blossoms in the center or incorporate pretty tea lights to set off the right glow.  In this picture, we can see that the designers relied heavily on this notion by arranging faux stems of spray painted gold poinsettias and silver/pink balls to the side of the container.  This makes a gorgeous centerpiece and will live long past New Year’s if you’re planning a second holiday party.  If you think you can pull it off, combine these two theories by mixing together stems of blush and cream roses with glittered ornaments surrounded by a bed of pine.  This piece won’t only impress people with the champagne effect but will also show how much effort you’ve put in to following the latest yuletide seasonal trends.

Many people prefer the color green when asked for their favorite shade but what do you do when selecting the same tint in your flowers?   Sure, red, orange, yellow, blue, purple, and pink are easy to come by in the floral world but green is a lot harder.  If it makes you feel any better, a person who is drawn to this shade is often considered exotic in nature, much like the varieties that might appeal to you!  It’s a common misconception that lovers of green will only have the option of selecting dyed green carnations or roses, which are – less face it - only a practical decision around Saint Patrick’s Day.  

The truth be told, I can assure you, there is in fact a multitude of gorgeous flowers grown in your preferred likeness.  Although few existed decades ago, green has become a trendy color, increasing the shade’s demand.  Botanists and growers spend millions of dollars cultivating this fashion forward hue so that customers like you can enjoy them!  If you’re not sure where to begin, check out this list of spectacular green blooms that can be ordered from your local florist.

Green Anthurium

If green is your color, you might want to become knowledgeable about tropical plants and flowers because there are many species available to you.  Preferring climates with warmer wet conditions, it is a safe bet New England won’t have many of this type of flora and fauna harvesting in the fields although they are shipped here quite regularly.  One sample is the anthurium, which has a shiny textured surface and a heart-shaped head.  They can get a bit pricey but are well worth the cost because they are long lasting and stunning to behold.  

Green Hellebores

This variety is one of my all time favorites to grow in my garden but I also adore it as a cut flower, too!  These heart spring blossoms have pretty star heads and are attached in clumps much like hydrangea.  Depending on the type, the green can sometimes change to maroon as the season wears on but there’s also a soft shade of emerald that carries with the flower while it is still in bloom.  

Green Succulents

If you haven’t been introduced to succulents yet, I bet they will be right up your alley because they grow in a wide array of greens ranging from light to darker shades.  You can place these inside your house in pots or enjoy them out on the patio during the warmer temperatures.  They’ll be easy to find as well since most greenhouses carry succulents, being a popular purchase for gardeners.  

I don’t know if you know this but with each changing season, it brings a whole new floral palette of design, color and contrast.  Living in a busy hub such as Boston, you can only imagine the diverse transformation our florists make once the calendar flips back to the springtime months of the year.  I for one am thrilled for the fresh rejuvenation of different species and varieties being used in bouquets and vase work.  It’s not that the hardy species we live with in the colder months such as roses, gerberas and hydrangea aren’t nice but I’m sure you agree with me it’s time for something different.  

In the past, pastels have owned April, May and June as the top requested style in everything from cash and carry out to wedding bridal jobs.  It’s pretty easy to figure out why since ranunculus, sweet pea and hyacinth are among the top natively cultivated varieties as well as the highest imported from countries around the world.  Their delicate and soft presence does mirror the slight increase of temperature and the rebirth of nature re-growing again but I’ve got to tell you…the theme is getting a little old.

Just by taking a look around us, we can matriculate our own unique vision of flowers in springtime.  Bulb plants are naturally popping up from the ground such as red tulips, yellow daffodils, blue crocus and purple grape hyacinth (my fave).  We don’t have to get complicated by our selection if we merely become aware of what is on hand already!  Grab a pair of clippers and take a walk through your yard noticing all of the new generation the earth is accomplishing.  If you have a perennial garden, you might have access to a whole other trough of goodies such as delphinium, poppies, clematis and alliums.  All of these different kinds of blooms might not exactly match perfectly at first glance but when you combine them all together, you’ll be amazed by the outcome.  Designs do not always have to match so get a little wild and try making your own springtime bouquet based on the gifts that Mother Nature has already given us here in New England.  Be bright, be bold and GO FOR IT!

Whenever a new year rolls around, you have to expect a whole new floral fad to go along with it!  Although 2016 focused on compact arrangements styled after European influence using soft and neutral colors, 2017 is showing signs of a completely different look for the future.  Architecturally inspired pieces are being scene photographed on the hottest industry covers and are likely to be the next big thing in flowers!  Sticks, branches, leaves and other minimalistic material are being sought to replace “bushier” blooms such as hydrangeas and asters.  Orchids such as cymbidiums are replacing these blossoms and changing the “smoothed out” style to a much brasher, funkier appeal. Think sleek, sharp and tightly groomed, florists are after this edgier method of combining stems and hopeful that Bostonians will take to the trend.  Pastels and even hues are also out and have been replaced by tones that acutely contrast one another in ways never seen before. A year ago, we would have thought these colors clashed but now experts can’t get enough of the fascinating demarcation.  We’re raising the bar for floral design in 2017 so take a peek at what’s going to be hot and what’s not!

In - Orchids continue to be the mainstay. Vandas, Miltonia, Cymbidiums and Phaelenopsis.

In - Reds, blues and Greens for colors. Check out the new Black Pearl rose from Rosa Prima.

Out - round, mounded and compacted arrangements. It's about time this design style has died. While appreciated in its simplicity, skilled floral designers have grasped the importance of symmetry and framing each flower. 

Out - Blush Pinks, Cream and White-All Pastels. 2017 is all about colors and energy. If we can have an orange president. Expect lime greens, purples, deep reds and greens to pop the landscape. 

October and November are sensational months to take advantage of a stroll through New England’s gorgeous woodlands.  Everything is alive with warm color and freshly scented-perfection when it comes to autumn magnificence along our forest pathways. Fortunately, nature enthusiasts aren’t the only ones becoming inspired by this stunning setting.  In fact, the florists of Boston are also paying close attention to this seasonal display and are actively transforming their September centerpieces into new designs that reflect this current trend.  By utilizing particular shapes, hues, sizing and scents, designers are successfully replicating a forest motif throughout their floral work and are seeing a huge appeal from their clientele.

photo Ted Mishima via francoiseweeks.com

Internationally recognized floral designer Francoise Weeks will be hostong a floral workshop in Arlington, MA this weekend. 

Friday and Saturday, November 4 & 5, 2016, 9AM to 4PM each day

Hosted by Barbara Popolow of:

Derby Farm Flowers & Gardens
218 Massachusets Ave
Arlington, MA 02474

If you are looking to ramp up your design skills, the staff at Exotic Flowers in Boston recommends this workshop. 

Over the summer, you probably caught the glimpse of the succulent mania that swept over every flower shop, home furnishing store and nursery located in the New England area.  If you loved the new trend, you’re in for a treat because the fad is continuing throughout the autumn season and will be expanding beyond simply vase displays and window boxes.  Previews reveal that these beautiful, soft little cacti are beginning to show up in delicacies, restaurants, clothing/apparel outlets, décor stores and even wineries!  One reason why this highly adaptable plant is taking the flora and fauna world by storm is its delicate yet sturdy appearance.  Another explanation is the cool colors that are now being cultivated across the different varieties.  Many succulents come in shades of light to dark green but now we’re seeing new hues of red and maroon, which pick up the palette and make them useful in a variety of eclectic presentations.  The other positive attribute that makes these babies a high commodity is their resilience to drought.  They can go for a long period of time without any water at all and still survive by only being tended to sporadically.  As a matter of fact, the soil is even a contributing benefit to the plants allure since they prefer rocky sand and pebbles for easy drainage.  Lucky for designers, this sets the perfect stage, which is much more eye appealing that planting in dirt.

The design benches and garden centers aren’t the only place where you can find this product and certainly not the only area where they are becoming useful, either.  “Creatives” everywhere are figuring out how to incorporate succulents into their work and putting the “wow” factor back into the floral industry.