Sending Smiles ~

Wow, it's almost August and the tropical flowers are in demand. Orchids, Ginger, Bird of Paradise and even these huge Heliconia flowers are in the shop this week. Yup, that's me in this funny self portrait trying to show you how big this flower is. It's only fitting when the weather gets hot that we think about palm trees and island florals, right? Heliconia, how cool are they? Heliconia is named after Mount Helicon, the seat of the Muses, the nine goddesses of the arts and sciences in Greek mythology. Heliconia, also popularly known as lobster-claw, wild plantain or false bird-of-paradise, is a beautiful flower with multi-color bracts and varied flower structure.They have bracts are so large and colorful that they almost hide the flowers altogether. This keeps the flower's sweet nectar from other birds so that only specialized birds can get to it. Heliconia grow from 3 to 30 feet! Next time you are looking for a single bloom or two for a special vase, why not consi

It's amazing how often we use wheat grass at the shop both in party work and just daily floral arranging. What a fun, happy and fresh product. Imagine my surprise when I did a bit of on-line research to learn more about it and found out that it's been cultivated for over 5,000 years and has been prized for it's nutritional properites. I had no idea! At the shop we often use wheat grass as place card table decor, like in this picture. For this event, wine corks were used to hold the escort cards and also helped convey the wine theme from the moment guests arrive! We usually take it right out of it's growing tray and put right on the table. Seeing the roots and mini seeds at the base are part of it's charm! It's also fun to use in glass vases lined with moss with a flower or two added and you have a quick, inexpensive centerpiece. If you are looking for something fun and natural to decorate your next party, think wheat grass!!

Hallie's Bouquets , originally uploaded by Georgianne at Monday Morning Flowers . It's hot and so are the flower colors this season. Last weekends wedding for Hallie was so much fun to create and this weekend we have lots of orange and hot pink tones going out of here again. The temperature is over 100 and what better way to compete with the blinding sun but infusing amazing color into your life? Can you imagine the look on someones face who receives a flower bouquet in these bright colors!! Did you know that flowers physically make people happy and color has a lot to do with? Well it does. Bring flowers into your life, bring some home and send them as gifts. As Martha says "It's a good thing"! To see more of our flower selection visit our website at http://www.sendingsmiles.com/ !

Tin Pails , originally uploaded by Georgianne at Monday Morning Flowers . One of the things I love so much about flowers is how many ways you can take th exact same blooms but make them look completely different depending on how you arrange them. Spikey, loose and airy and you have a wild flower look. Tight, compact and round and you have a more formal English Garden feel. What fun and add in so many different flowers and colors to choose from - well, it's mind boggling. Sending someone a gift of flowers for a special occasion but don't know their personal flower style? I always suggest to my customers to take clues from their homes or even how they dress. Do they dress in bright colors? A mixed arrangement in many different colors is likely a good choice. Is their home decor more minimal or contemporary? Perhaps send a monofloral (all one flower) display such as all stock, tulips, gerbers or lisianthus that is arranged in a clear glass cube or cylinder vase. Do they wear je

Wow, talk about a term that gets over used. Not all "local" florists are local. Some out-of-state telemarketing and online firms pose as local florists. These companies mislead consumers into feeling they are ordering flowers from a local florist, but without their knowledge, are being call-remote forwarded to another state. These firms charge higher fees and take business away from legitimate local florists. Consumers are deceived into thinking they are doing business with a local company when they're not. That's unethical and unfair. Any local florist would be happy to assist you with your out of town orders but they will let you know upfront that they are using an affiliate shop to make the delivery. To make sure you are doing business with a local professional florist, just follow these tips from the Federal Trade Commission. Ask for directions to the shop. If they hesitate or refuse, chances are they are not a real florist. Deal only with shops that list their

Workaholic? Me? Yes, I admit it, I work a lot but the truth is I love what I do. Some people have hobbies but me, I don't need one, my work not only keeps me challenged but gives me purpose. Do I take time off? Yes, of course I do. Whenever time allows I love hitting up the local flea market, walking the local towns and business such as Princeton, Lambertville and New Hope. Local Vineyards are my favorite, especially during the summer because they force to me to be outside but allow me to indulge in my love of local wine. Meeting friends at Hopewell Valley Vineyards for home made pizza, a local band and wine... well, that's practically heaven for me. Stopping at the local farm stand is next in line on my list of favorites. Each Sunday during the fine weather Lawrenceville brings out all the local farmers including chicken farmers and cheese makers to sell their fresh product to the locals. How fun! Can I go every weekend? Nope, but when I can, I go. I encourage you, no m

Well, it's official. I will be serving on the Advisory Committee for Floral Management Magazine. Floral Management is a fantastic trade publication that has been my "bible" over the years and is created by the Society of American Florists, of which I am a member. In case you did not know, SAF is the only national trade association that represents all segments of the U.S. floral industry. Our 15,000 members are the industry's top retailers, growers, wholesalers, importers, manufacturers, suppliers, educators, students and allied organizations. SAF is the face and voice of a strong, unified floral industry! I'm so honored not only to be a member of SAF but to be asked to serve as an Advisor to a publication that I admire....well,  let's just say 2010 is starting off on a wonderful note for me!! Thanks SAF for everything you do for Florists and I promise to "advise" to best of my ability!! For more information on this wonderful trade organization vis