Why are Flowers Important?

The economic times over the past few years have been difficult for many of us.  People are always looking for ways to save money rather than spend it, and trying to figure out what they can cut out and do without that just isn't important.  I have even had people say to me, "well, I don't think I'll send flowers for a birthday, or well wishes or to express sympathy, because flowers just aren't that important and they die anyway."

Aside from making me a bit sad because this attitude cuts into the bread and butter of my business's bottom line, I really feel that I have to disagree with them because flowers are much more important than they think.

Why are flowers important?  Well, flowers are important because they make people feel something.  That's right, people get emotional over flowers, or maybe not the flowers themselves, but over the thought of receiving them.  Think for example of the person who has just lost a family member.  Sending flowers to the home for sympathy allows the grieving family members to focus on something else besides their loss.  The beauty of the flowers and the sentiment behind them gives that person a bit of brightness and cheerful thoughts in an otherwise somber situation.

Flowers are important to the healing process of someone who is sick or who is recovering from an accident or surgery.  Many times keeping a person in good spirits is the key to helping them recover.  Receiving flowers can cheer up their thoughts, put aside down feelings and provide hope and warm wishes from people who care.

Flowers are important to someone having a birthday.  As we get older, we tend to downplay birthdays and ask people to not make a fuss.  Whether we like to admit it or not, deep down, we enjoy people making our birthdays special, and flowers are guaranteed to make your day better. 

I still run some of the deliveries for the shop from time to time, and watching the expressions on peoples faces when I hand them an arrangement is amazing.  I often say that I'm not in the business of selling flowers, I'm in the business of giving out smiles.  People usually light up and feel special because they receive flowers.  It makes me feel good inside too because I know that I brought a smile to someone's face.

So the next time you think that maybe flowers aren't important, just remind yourself of how flowers made you feel the last time you received them.

It's Poinsettia Season Again!

Aren't they beautiful?

Now that you've got a poinsettia, you either treated yourself to one or you received one as a gift, how can you make sure you keep it healthy and happy once it goes home with you?

That's one of the most common questions we get at the flower shop, and while poinsettias do tend to be a somewhat temperamental plant, there are many things you can do to encourage your poinsettia to live a long healthy and brightly colored life.

Temperature is probably the most important factor in keeping your poinsettia healthy.  The poinsettia should never be exposed to temperatures less than 55 degrees, so if you live in a cooler climate, NEVER, let me repeat, NEVER take them out of a store if they are not protected with a sleeve or some type of wrapping  if it is cold outside, even if it's only for a few minutes.  On the other side of the climate spectrum, if you want to prolong the bright color of the poinsettia bracts, daytime temperature should not exceed 70 degrees.  They prefer indirect natural daylight, and at least 6 hours daily is best.

Poinsettias require moderately moist soil.  You should water your plant thoroughly when the soil surface feels dry to the touch.  You should completely saturate the soil when watering your poinsettia, however, after watering, remove it from it's foil, plastic or other covering, and pour off any water that has run through the plant.  Poinsettias can not be allowed to sit in any standing water because they are highly susceptible to root rot which causes leaf drop, and ultimately will kill the plant.

While there is a bit of extra effort involved in keeping your poinsettias beautiful, it is well worth the effort.  Enjoy your poinsettias and these busy days on the way to the holidays!

Barb 

6th Annual Holiday Open House is Right Around the Corner!

Hi Everyone!

Just checking in with you to let you know that we have a special event coming up on Friday and Saturday, November 19th and 20th.

It's time for our 6th Annual Holiday Open House at Barb's Bouquet & Gift Basket!  It's hard to believe that the end of November will mark our 6th year in business here in downtown Mifflinburg, PA.  The tough economy has taken it's toll on my business just as it has on almost all industries in the country, but I'm proud to say that we are still hangin' in there.  I owe most of that to the loyal customers that we have who believe in us and appreciate the floral artistry that we provide for them.

To say thank you, and to introduce new folks to our shop, we offer a warm welcome each year to the holiday season.  Our holiday open house lets you see all the great items that have arrived in our gift shop for the Christmas season, and we'll be offering everything in the gift shop at a 20% discount both days!  We'll also be serving a variety of refreshments for you to enjoy, and everyone who makes a purchase will receive a free gift!

We've got a little bit of everything for decorating and gift giving.  You can check out our selection of candles to warm the heart and home including Crackling Wick jar candles from Time and Again; Jar candles, votive candles and tarts from Good Scents Candles and locally made Soy candles.  We have gift merchandise from Blossom Bucket, the Heartland Collection, Ganz and Tender Heart Treasures; Plush animals from Russ Berrie, and Christmas ornaments, figurines, home decor items and lots more!  Of course you can also enjoy our colorful variety of fresh flowers and green plants, not to mention our gourmet gift baskets!

Hope you can come by and see what we have to kick off your Christmas shopping.  Hours for the open house will be 9am - 6pm Friday and 9am - 2pm Saturday.  Hope to see you then!

Barb

Back from the Design Show!

Hi everyone!

What an awesome weekend event!  Me and the designers at Barb's Bouquet & Gift Basket attended a design show on Sunday at Dillon Floral Corp., one of my flower and plant wholesalers.  They do this for their customers every year, and this year's show was absolutely wonderful!  The featured designer was Rene' Van Rems. Rene' is an international designer and a Dutch Master Designer, as well as author of several books on hand tied floral designs.

Attending shows like this is the perfect way for people in the floral design business to keep up to date and in touch with the latest design trends.  It's also a great way to inspire yourself and challenge yourself to expand your design style.  I've attached a few pictures from the show, but honestly, the pictures don't do justice to the beautiful designs we saw at the show.  Hope you enjoy them though.

Gotta go now; it's time to use some of my newly found design inspirations! See you soon...Barb

Welcome to the Official Blog for Barb's Bouquet & Gift Basket!

Hi Everyone!

I decided that it was time to start a blog for the shop.  It's my intention to use this space to share my knowledge of flowers and design, and to help spark your interest and love of flowers.  In the coming weeks, I will be posting some basic information about care and use of flowers along with fun facts.  I eventually hope to be able to post some short demonstration videos for all you "do it yourselfers" out there to help you understand some basics of composing a nice design.

Please feel free to offer suggestions as to topics you would like to read about, and I will do my best to make this a fun place for everyone who loves flowers!  I'll post again soon, in the meantime, check out our website http://www.barbsbouquet.com.  I have some great pictures posted there of wedding designs and other floral artistry!

Barb Yost, Professional Florist
Barb's Bouquet & Gift Basket