Sending Smiles ~

Another Fun Blog Post by Designer Nicole ~ Enjoy and send us photos of your Trees!  If you're anything like me, seeing the circle of life play out in gardening is absolutely astonishing.  Follow these easy steps and please let us know if you have results! Step one: Obtain a pineapple with firm green leaves (not yellow or brown).  Make sure it's not over ripe by tugging gently on the leaves.  If they pop off, your fruit is too ripe for this project.  Make sure there are no scale insects ( these look like small gray spots at the base of the leaves). Step two: Cut off the crown and strip some of the lower leaves so that some of the stem is exposed.  Trim any fruit flesh without cutting the stem.  The flesh could later rot your plant. Step three: Turn the crown upside down and let it dry out for about a week so that the cut end and the leaf scars harden. Step four: Float the crown in a glass of water until the roots grow out.  Be sure to change the water every couple of days and

We love doing floral decor for events, especially baby shower, like this one from last weekend. The Mother of the Mother to Be did not want the typical baby decor and so this "Story Book" Themed event was elegant and whimsical. Floral centerpieces in creams and green using hydrangea, roses, veronica, ivy, mosses and fresh mint smelled heavenly in the room.  Working with Mary from Mary Bradley Events is always wonderful. She is dedicated, detailed and a dream come true as far as event planners go. I could not have done this event without her!  Loved these mini centerpieces that went onto the cocktail tables.    This story book tree graced the gift table at the Westin Hotel in Princeton. This party is a perfect example of how to blend natural elements with great success! 

Back in 2009 I was asked to write a blog for Flower Shop Network called "Bloomin' Blog" and I really had fun writing it. Fast forward 4 years to 2013 and nothing has really changed so I thought it might be fun to re-post. Hope you enjoy!  Me ~ oh how I have changed in the last 4 years I've  noticed over the years that what I love most about my job is something that an average person usually hates. What is that, you wonder? It’s diversity, change, constant evolution and sometimes even chaos. The day in the life of a florist is anything but boring or mundane. I’ll bet if you asked someone what they thought it would be like to be a florist for the day, most would answer with cliche. The most common ones  I've  heard over the years is “It must be fun to play with flowers all day”. Play? Who said anything about playing. Last time I looked it was my job to be a florist, not my hobby. Another personal favorite is “It must be so calm and relaxing being surro

Succulent Plants ~ what are they and how do you care for them by Alanna  Drzyzga Summer is approaching which makes me think about succulent plants. When they became popular last year we even held a terrarium making class featuring these easy to care for plants!  The plants that seem to be growing in popularity around the shop seem to be succulents; mostly because they are unique and virtually indestructible. We've blogged about them before and I’ll do it again. Hopefully this time with a little more insight. Succulents are categorized as any plant with a unique water storage organ. They store ingest water through their leaves, stems and roots. No matter what variety of succulents you are growing, including cacti, the general rules remain the same. Light : Succulents do enjoy the sun and being outdoors, especially this time of year. The leaves will tell you what you need to know about the amount of light the plant is getting. If the plant is getting too much sun, it can

Peonies  and Garden Roses     By Nicole Foy Peonies are one of the most requested flowers for bridal bouquets but few people realize just how limited of a time frame they are available.  If you live in the Northeast, you have already seen them come and go in a matter of a week or two.  In terms of wholesale availability, they are available from about mid May to mid June.  They have been known to be available year round but the prices tend to differ dramatically from Spring to the other three seasons a year.  And with Peonies already being an expensive flower even when the are in season, many have asked if an appropriate visual, as well as more economic, substitution is available...   I have always suggested the garden rose, which differs from a traditional rose.  Garden roses are much more delicate and have fluffier petals much like the look of the peony.  They are also equally as fragrant which is one of the many appeals of both the peony and the garden rose.  Many love th

I just had to share. In honor of Quaker Bridge Mall's remodel they just posted a photo of their old sign. How fun is this that on that day ~ October 19th, 1996, we were not only there to see that Giant Cookie in Center Court but to also build a 70' foot balloon arch over it. I know it might not look big in this picture but it took almost 500 helium filled balloons to create and had so much "pull" from all that helium that it dragged me across the floor while creating it! It's still the largest spiral balloon arch that Kevin and I have even created together.  Not only was it great wonderful to see every one's expressions as they saw this cookie and our arch, it was also our wedding anniversary. The couple that create arches together, stays together! 

Everyone knows we have flowers and plants but not everyone knows we have fun gift items. Is someone you know crazy about Music? These mugs are fun, don't you think?  Cute gifts for women and girls ~ mugs, banks, picture frames, wine glasses, coasters and candle holders in bright and vibrant colors!    Love these new towers of treats. They make fun gift and we deliver them too. They are not available via our website .    TJewels jewelry is our latest addition and we've had to restock already. Who says you can't buy something for yourself? This affordable line of jewelry has something for everyone!   Just in a new line of handbags for Spring and Summer. Prices start at just $40!    Don't forget that June 16th if Father's Day . We have lots of fun gift ideas for dad in addition to plants, goodies and flowers.