Exotic Flowers in Boston

This season it's all about keeping cozy, enjoying hot cocoa, and bringing frosty snowmen in from the cold to add delight and charm to your holiday decor.

Welcome home winter with a cozy bundled-up ceramic snowman mug, fill it with cocoa and keep those warm holiday feelings all season long. This mug is FDA-approved to safely serve and store food.

This festive friend features red roses, miniature red carnations, miniature white carnations, white sinuata statice, douglas fir, white pine, oregonia, and birch. Delivered in a Send a Hug® Snowman Mug.

This charming mug also makes for a great teacher or coworker gift, either filled with flowers or without.

Supply is limited.

Calling all ski lovers out there!  I bet you have been enjoying this snowy winter and hitting the slopes as much as possible… Am I right?  From the months of December through March, thousands of New Englanders race to places like Sugar Loaf and Wachusett to pass this chilly time of year with some fun on the peaks.  Exercise, entertainment and beautiful views keep skiing the top hobby for most Bostonians, with new families joining each year to learn the ropes.  If you’re one of these people, you know there’s nothing better than flying down a mountain at warp speed with the wind rushing through your hair as you take that next jump with maybe one exception…  Perhaps some down time in the lodge?

photo credit: via aboutflowers.com

Experts in this industry know that a large percentage of customer satisfaction depends on the client’s comfort when they return from a day out in the snow.  Top architects and interior designers purposefully create areas that are warm and pleasing to the eye with the intention of refueling guests with luxury surroundings.  Crackling fireplaces, soft leather couches and a stained wood interior reflecting the natural beauty of the great outdoors are all a part of the floor plan owners look to present to increase winter vacation experiences.  The overall goal being to send visitors home in a relaxed mindset.

Of course, if we’re talking about how to set the stage for a stunning snow lair, we obviously can’t forget the impertinent role of accessorizing with flowers, right?  If you’ve ever stayed at any one of these ski resorts, I’m sure you’ve noticed there is almost always a floral centerpiece featured inside the lobby which reflects the sentiment of the location.  Often, these pieces utilize varieties mirroring the essence of the mountains such white astilbe, heather and flowering branches.  The idea is to design arrangements that appeal to all the senses while visually being free flowing.  Berries such as privet are great additions to this look as well as hypericum and bittersweet when the season allows.  Often, many assume that these flowers have to be “Christmasy” in color but red, white and green are not the only hues to choose from.   Beautiful mixes include white/gray/green, lavender/green/gray and blush/gray/white are a few color combos to put at the top of the list.  There can always be variations of these pairings but I like these the most when trying to reconstruct the efforts in my own home.  Yes, that’s right-there’s nothing stopping you from making your own mountain lodge ski piece even if you have no plans of hitting the slopes this year.  Just remember these tips and you’ll be able to whip up your own wintery bouquet!

-Select stems that are longer in length as opposed to short.

-Bend branches to make a waterfall-like shape rather than a compact format.  

-Choose varieties customary to mountain regions such as wildflowers, feathery foliage and leafy greenery.

-This is one time when you might want to forget roses and go for something more daisy oriented to create an authentic presentation.

While some (like myself) choose to hide underneath layers of wool and fleece during the colder months of the season, others relish in the snowy months doing whatever they can to suspend the colder days of the calendar.  There is skiing, ice skating and snow shoeing to partake in the chilly outdoors while other indoor activities such as sewing, knitting or cooking appease to others.  For many of the creative types wandering around New England, they see yet another way to explore the beauty and enchantment our home as to offer by tapping into to their imaginations and diving in to their love of flowers.  If you find yourself in this category and adore this season’s blissfully, beautiful charm, why not design arrangements that are thematic of the snow and ice we are surrounded by (probably until next spring)? Truthfully, by using specific accents and a certain variety of blooms, you’ll be able to build gorgeous displays of winter inspired presentations.  Here are a few tips to get you going!

Using white flowers may be an obvious step in the process but many times people aren’t aware of the large spectrum of species available to them when designing a piece representative of winter.  White cymbidiums, hyacinth, anemones and peonies are excellent substitutions for more boring options of mums and roses.  Implementing sparks of gray is also a great way to further push the motif like sprigs of lamb’s ear, silver brunia and pussy willow.  If done correctly, a mixture of these two-color tones is simply stunning and makes a perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering.  When selecting a vase, keep in mind the look you are going for such as selecting a metallic container to inspire an “ice” appearance or a frosted bubble bowl to mimic snow.

Here’s another great example of using the natural beauty around us to turn an ordinary flower arrangement into a winterized bouquet.  Think white birch vases that are becoming very popular and can be bought in craft stores such as AC Moore and Michaels.  Adding hints of green can be a remarkable way to transform your piece into a tree-like model and if you really want to impress onlookers, add a few berries and pine to complete the conversion.  Eucalyptus is another great foliage to keep in mind for these arrangements as well as mimosa greenery.

One last piece of advice is to always add flavors of blooms that you prefer over what is seen on the cover of a magazine.  Many times, we get the false impression of what is available when we become sucked in by these professional images and regret not making our own rendition with what we have on hand.  Winter centerpieces can be made in a variety of ways and if you keep the color palette and texture in mind, whatever you come up with is assured to be absolutely stunning.  

Baby, it’s cold outside!  New England winter weather is a season of snow, ice and gusty winds that make us all want to find warm and comforting ways to take solace until the spring returns once again.  Perhaps your method is to light a fire or invest in a nice wool sweater- if you’re from these parts, it’s a guarantee you’re looking for anything to heat your body and mind up! One way to put the sizzle back in your life is by stimulating the senses such as sight and smell.  By surrounding yourself with pleasurable triggers that ignite these sensations, we can encourage inner happiness to fight off the freezing months.  One way to go about this task is to select particular types of flowers that are known to be excellent inducers of warm and fuzzy feelings.  For some it is their shading of petals and for other varieties, the scent is the beneficial element to create this magic spell.  If you’re having trouble with the wintery blues this season, try picking out one or more of these stunning blossoms to pick your spirits up and out of the cold.

For the Aroma

Freesia- Freesia is one of the best blooms to add to your home from December through February because the smell it fills a room with is absolutely unforgettable.  Not too sweet and not too strong, this incredible spring flower will waft you towards your Eden of heated sanctuary.

Hyacinth- Hyacinth is another great example of a bloom that has the magic power to elude you into thoughts of warmth and peace.  Available in a wide range of colors, you won’t have any problem finding these buds in your local flower shop this winter as well as other floral carriers in the area.

Narcissus - Paper Whites are one of my own favorites because you can either use them in arrangements as a cut stem or watch them grow from a single bulb.  The scent is pungent- I’ll warn you but if the smell appeals to your nose, they will probably become a frequent investment for many winters to come.

For the Sight

Charm Peonies- Oooooohhhh, Charm Peonies are an A-Lister in many high-end flower shops and the reason lies in the truth that these remarkable blossoms are stunning enough to be left alone in a vase by themselves. The bushy outer layering of the petals looks like feathers and the deep red shading resonates with many as meaning passionate, intense and alluring behavior.  

Anemones- Anemones are another go-to during this time of year, offering a naturally cheerful vibe to any area where an arrangement is displayed.  Not only are the heads adorable in pretty shades of purple, red and white but the foliage is just as enticing due to its wild appearance.

Happy New Year my fellow floral enthusiasts!  It’s a brand-new year and we have safely left 2017 behind us with the hopes that 2018 will definitely be an even better one for us all.  If you’re in the flower biz or just a major flower fan, you’re probably wondering what we can expect for upcoming trends.  I for one, am really excited about what the forecast foresees as the next popular line of design when it comes to arrangements for both weddings and events.  Although there are always the looks that stay with us due to their constant demand in the market, you’ll be pleased to know that expert designers are whipping up a fresh batch of gorgeous blooming expressions which will take 2018 to greater heights than ever before.  Realizing we all have our favorite bouquet combinations and color palettes, there’s still room to expand our taste to include some of these special new creations.  Check them out and see what appeals to you!

Wedding Bells

If you are getting married this year, be on the lookout for the popular arrival of headwear wreaths.  This whimsical natural display appeals to both the environmentalist and the couple hoping to infuse an ethereal feel to the garments worn by flower girls, bridal maids and even the bride herself.  The theme is light and airy combined with an angelic touch that creates a stunning platform to say, “I do.”  Many of these wreaths are made from soft pedaled flowers such as ranunculus, sweet pea and tea roses but others can be constructed using pieces from eucalyptus and magnolia leaves which also work well.  As for bouquets, visionaries predict pink on pink on more pink so if this is your favorite hue- you’re really in luck this 2018.  If this seems a bit much, ask your florist to cut back the tone with hints of gray and white.  By mixing in these colors, you’ll decrease the “pop” of pink while presenting an elegant wedding style.

Party, Party, Party!

When planning a party or other special event this upcoming year, keep in mind the newest tone to create a huge sensation-mauve.  You might be wondering where in the world you’ll be able to find this rare hue but funny enough, there is a list of species which are grown in this exact shade.  My favorites being lisianthus, ranunculus, drumstick allium and sweet pea, which appear almost as a cross between gray and purple.  Pair this with peach, gray, white or cream and you’ll have yourself a beautiful décor!  Just as we discussed previously in the wedding section of this post, don’t be surprised if the pink, pink, pink theme seeps into the realm of 2018 party planning.  Again, if this isn’t your cup of nuts, mix it up with the mauve to cut up the boldness of these arrangements.

Okay… Okay… Who out there is starting to wonder when the heck temperatures will rise again suitable for human existence?  Nine degrees?  Five degrees?  Negative 2 degrees?  I mean, seriously- are these weather conditions or points on a graph?  It’s no wonder why we’re all a bit cranky due to wrapping up under fourteen layers of fleece, wool and down comforting material.  Who wants to appear like the Abominable snowmen every day they show up to work or (god forbid) out on a date for dinner?  It’s almost embarrassing the outerwear we’re required to wear to deflect the nastiness of the frigid New England winter.  It’s a tough season with tough conditions so we need to do all we can do to push ourselves through to sunnier days ahead.

By now if you’re a real local, you probably have a list of useful items and practices that help you trudge through the harsher days of the calendar.  Good book?  Delicious casserole recipe?  A wood burning fire?  These are all great ways to evade the ice and cold associated with this time of year but if you’re into flowers- I may have my own tip in mind for you!  It’s a fact that growing plants and flowers can lift up your mood so why is it so unbelievable they may be able to warm are thoughts too?  I dare you to disagree with the notion that placing comforting knickknacks around your home can actually decrease aches, pains, depression and anxiety based emotion.  Throughout time, people have been implementing their own personal touches of therapy when the snow outside keeps falling so it’s high time you tried a little botanical magic to include in your practices, too.  Here are a couple of the best blooms to brighten the forces of warmth and keep you nestled contently until the spring rolls around again!

Color

This is probably an obvious factor but it’s one to bare reminding if you don’t already know… Flowers that typically symbolize warmth usually tend to be grown in shades of red, orange and yellow.  Clearly-this is based on the association with fire but funny enough-the color combo works.  If you’re not into this scheme, data shows that blooms harvested in dark purple are efficient as well so search for plum hued blooms like calla lilies, ranunculus, and hyacinth.  

Varieties that Look and Act Fantastic as Floral Warmth Givers:

Orange Mokara Orange Roses Yellow/Red Sunflowers

Red James Story Orchids Eggplant Lisianthus Purple Lilac

Red Amaryllis Plum Hydrangea Black Eyed Susans

Orange French Tulips Purple Anemones Yellow Marigolds

Red Amaranths Purple Sweet Pea Chocolate Cosmos

We are well into August now and I hate to tell you- but our flowerbeds are coming to an end for another year.  It’s sad, I know to see such a beautiful miracle of colorful blooms meet their demise when it seems like we’ve only just started to enjoy the warmer weather.  I personally get a little down when the new season shows signs of ascending down upon us and grow weary of the days ahead where my green thumb’s work will be buried underneath mounds of snow.  Yes, yes there’s always next year to look forward to but still- if you’re like me, the whole presumption can feel a bit depressing…

It is for this unavoidable truth that I make sure to bask in the last weeks of summer gardening with feverish tenacity in the hopes that these memories might just carry me through yet another stormy New England winter.  Even though we can see the tall stalks of hollyhocks begin to bend and the heads of gigantic sunflowers withering their heads, we can still take it upon ourselves to do some last minute snipping, caring and tending for our beautiful flowers.  The generation of gorgeous blooms is a talent that shouldn’t be taken lightly so why should our determination to preserve these triumphants not be weighed as equally?  Just by completing a few final floral tasks, we cannot only savor the sweet success of the gardens we’ve created but also encourage next year’s harvest to be one that flourishes healthily.  Take a moment to see if you’ve made sure your garden remains in good hands for the colder temperatures and don’t forget to snap a couple of final pictures to last you until next April!

1. Clean out all debris surrounding the plants to make spring-cleaning a little easier next April.  You’ll thank me later…
2. If you have pine needles nearby, sprinkle some at the base of the plants.  If we have a frigid winter, your flowers will thank you for the extra blanket.
3. Remove shoot perennials that have sprung from the master source to avoid unwanted spreading that might choke other root systems.
4. Make a vase of cut flowers that are still blooming.  You might as well make a bouquet for yourself!

I bet it’s not a total shocker when you hear the fact that New Englanders are the highest rated tourists to tropical islands during the months of December through February.  We’ve all been there when the eerie bleakness of the winter gets to us and we just have to find escape even if it’s just for a few days of fun in the sun.  New Englanders have a lot to battle during this season including expensive heating bills, early nighttime fall and debilitating light deprivation just to name a few… It’s a tough time of year for many of us and it’s only natural we’d seek refuge to someplace warmer.  If you’re thinking about jumping on the bandwagon, you might want to review this list which has the top five most visited tropical islands...by us!  Check out these beautiful destinations and see if one of them just might be the perfect place for your winter getaway!

The Maldives

These incredible low lying islands are home to crystal aqua marine waters, white sand and stunning coral reefs that beckon snorkelers by the thousands.  The huts are their signature calling card where visitors can sleep and fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean.

Bora Bora

This South Pacific Island has long been the fantasy for many travelers seeking warmth and exotic surroundings.  French owned, the colors of the beaches and water reflect an omnificent property and have become home to beautiful animals such as turtles and stingrays.  Many foodies also enjoy it here since Bora Bora has an A Class reputation for delicious cuisine.

Santorini

This one is definitely a place I want to visit because the water is a magnificent electric blue and the beaches are actually carpeted with red sand.  I enjoy learning about history as well making this a perfect match for me since Thira and Akrotiri are also located here to explore.  

Galapagos Islands

Another dream of mine is to experience the beauty of the Galapagos Islands because of the pristine beaches that lay on the islands coast and the wildlife which breeds on the land and water.  Funky species of birds and aquatic life flourish here and are fun to discover and you can even pretend you're Charles Darwin himself!

Palawan

These Philippine islands are a must visit if you’re looking for a wonderland like adventure this winter.  Not only is the ocean infused with breathtaking blues but it also possesses swirls of emerald green that excite photographers from around the world.  If you get bored hanging out on beaches too long, you’ll love that Palawan also is home to a very cool jungle where hiking is a favorite activity.

So far, we’ve been pretty lucky in New England this winter avoiding snow storms and other undesirable weather but for many who like to keep active outdoors with sports, it’s been a bit of a challenge.  Without a nice blanket of snow to cover the ground, activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are out of the question.  Yes, I know you can always visit a ski resort which pumps that white stuff out no matter what the temperature is but not everyone wants to pay for expensive tickets. The sky is dark, frigid and often depressing to say the least so what can we do to stay active, healthy and happy until the warmer months arrive?  

PLENTY!

The state of your health depends on more than just the number read on your scale and demands further attention to maintain a balance for your mind, body and soul.   By including some of these suggested pursuits in your weekly agendas, you’ll see fast, positive changes that will support your health when the dreariness of the season gets to you!

Mind

We know that’s it’s important to keep our mind just as strong as our body but sometimes we forget and neglect the fact that our brains need to exercise, too!  Your local library is the perfect place to begin looking for preferred material that will get your neurological thinking directed in the right place and spinning again like a well oiled machine.  Read a great new novel (maybe even join a book club), check out the programs offered and start using that library card of yours!  You’ll find a huge assortment of material to devour plus engage within a community that possesses both literary and socializing attributes.

Body

You may not be able to stand the cold long enough to enjoy a long walk in the woods for the next few weeks but there are many movements you can do to keep yourself limber until the sun warms us up again!  Five minutes of simple calisthenics everyday will get your blood flowing and you endorphins spiking, plus you can do them anywhere in your home making it hard to make excuses.  Think knee bends, sit-ups or jumping jacks to get you started and don’t forget a trip to the mall or grocery store can also promote healthy benefits due to all that walking you’ll be doing while you shop!

Soul

Feeding your soul is a lot simpler than most people think…  It can be anything that relaxes you such as attending a yoga class, enjoying a favorite hobby or even just listening to music.  Don’t over think this to the point where your booking flights to tropical islands because most of the time, all you need is a few minutes to take care of you.

If you’re a florist, you’re probably laughing already since you are well aware that Valentine’s Day blizzards are a probable occurrence if you’ve set up business in New England. Some of us believe that there is a long-standing curse against the flower industry where at some point we must have ticked off the “flower Gods” in some way or another to deserve this heinous punishment.  It is after all our Super Sunday so to speak-I mean seriously, why can’t the weather turn incremental on a holiday like Saint Patrick’s Day or Halloween?  

photo credit via Boston Globe

Valentine’s Day means that we have one day to deliver the goods, a forty eight hour time frame to get the job done so a mess of powdery white stuff can really slow things up!  It’s not like we’re going to take the day off and go home or anything.  We’ll still be up at four in the morning, tackling last minute orders and sending out drivers onto the icy streets while they curse us under their breath.  It’s just the nature of the beast and because Valentine’s Day is the #1 flower holiday on the calendar, we must carry on and bite the brute of the New England winter.  

If you’re new to the industry, you might be wondering if there is anything you can do besides biting your nails while watching the weather channel the week before the big day.  Well, there is!  Take it from some of the old dogs that have been through many snow challenging Valentine’s Days who have learned a trick or two on how to keep your cool in the event of a nor’easter.  You can’t just lock up and try again next year-no way!  By using a little forecasting in your planning, you’ll be able to have a strategy that works for your business in the case of a snowed-out February 14th.  Here are some tips that industry old timers swear by and keep them from having a disappointing Valentine’s Day.

Pre-Delivery

If you start seeing that scary swirl on the meteorologists map than you should always be prepared to deliver early.  Offer customers an incentive such as a rebate or coupon to purchase flowers for the preceding days instead of on February 14th.  By doing so, you’ll get a head start for delivery workers as well as excite patrons with a slight reduction in cost.  Don’t think for a second you’ll lose too much money because of the deflated holiday profit margins -it’s way better than being stuck with thousands of roses with no place to go!

Don’t Be Overly Zealous

For some of you who are just learning about the flower biz, you might get a little too eager when buying for your first Valentine’s Day.  If the weather has been choppy and there is a high likelihood of storming than play it safe and cut back your purchases from wholesalers.  You won’t get stuck with dead flowers and your suppliers won’t be knocking down your door holding expensive bills you can’t pay back in March.

If You Get Stuck

It happens to everyone at some point of their floral career where they blow a holiday and are left with a lot more product than anticipated.  Go easy on yourself.  This is an industry where learning and experience are everything so take notes on February 15th and record what went right and what went wrong.  Next year is bound to be more successful.