Sending Flowers
By admin | January 5, 2009
The internet is a great resource for information. But when ordering flowers, you should be aware that things are not always as they seem. More and more, “order gatherers” have built websites to entice you to purchase your flowers through them. Some of them even buy ads in your local yellow pages. These companies often work in a call center, far removed from the recipient of your flower gift. Oddly enough, they call your order out to a local florist after retaining a portion of your money! Local florists are looking to re-educate the public about how consumers can get a better value when ordering DIRECT. A recent conversation with a Southern region florist;
“If a customer calls my shop directly, they will get a better value. I don’t charge service fees. If they pay for $60.00 for flowers and our $6.00 delivery fee, the flower arrangement will be worth $60.00. That order through an “order gatherer” would come to me at a value of less than $45.00. It’s something consumers should be aware of.”
In addition, call centers are not staffed with professional florists. Customer Service has become a real issue. Complaints from consumers using these “Order Gatherers” are on the rise. Another comment from a retail florist;
“These companies don’t know what I have in stock. They never even touch a flower. Customers who call me direct know what they are going to get, no guessing. I can offer suggestions based on my floral experience. I can get details about the delivery specifications. Direct contact between the consumer & florist will always produce better service and value.”
Here are the advantages of ordering your flowers from a REAL local florist;
A Better Value!- 100% of your order is applied to your flowers and delivery, No extra fees!
Professional advice- Only a professional florist can offer you expert advice to your floral questions . They can suggest creative floral ideas for any occasion. Talk to the people who know flowers, not just pictures of flowers.
Availability- By talking directly to the florist you know what flowers/gift items are available.
In Store Promotions/Sales- You may discover that the florist is offering a sale or special promotion that you were not aware of.
Your Specific Details- You can specify any little details about your order, even delivery specifications. Errors are common when your order is relayed through a middleman. When calling the local florist, your order is placed right at the source.
You are supporting a small business within the community- A business that in turn supports their community, keeping it thriving economically.
The florist you are ordering from should have a local address. Ask them when you call, “Are you the flower shop that will be designing my order?” and “What is your address?” By taking precautions, you will get beautiful flowers designed from a professional florist all at a better value.
Flowers are the ultimate gift of expression. You deserve the best value for your money. A REAL local florist will provide you with beautiful flowers, professional advice & service.
Tenley McDonald- Former Florist- Now Co-Owner of http://www.flowerpowernetwork.com (Online Directory of Real Local Florists) Ms. McDonald has over 14 years experience in ~Consumer Relations/Marketing ~Customer Service Management ~Floral Design. Please email the Author directly for reprint permission of this article.
info@flowerpowernetwork.com
Tags: florist, florists, flower, flowers, funeral, gift, love, roses, sympathy, Valentine, valentines dayOrchid Care
By admin | May 28, 2008
Any flower or plant will require a good amount of looking after, none more so then the orchid. The orchid is a tender flower that must be carefully looked after for maximum growth potential. The orchid must be planted correctly, with the right feed, the lights must be correct, and temps must also be accurate. After all that you must know when and how to water the orchid. All of this is worth it for the simple beauty an Orchid can provide.
Low light is necessary for certain orchids to grown and mature. The orchids that will need low light are called warm weather orchids. Typically they should be put in a place in the house that isn’t too sunny. Warm weather orchids are usually the Paphiopedilum or Lady Slipper, Phananelposis, and the Oncidium. These orchids should be behind the curtains, blinds, or even in a corner of the house. The leaves of the orchid should be a bright green color, if the color is different it probably means the orchid is getting either too much, or not enough light.
Another set of Orchids need larger amounts of light, these orchids are called high light orchids. The high light orchids are ones that grow best with plenty of sun light, so you most likely want to place them in direct view of the sun in your house. The high light orchids are also healthy when they have the vivid green color leaves, if the color is off it probably means they need more light. The high light orchids are called the Cattleya, Dendrobium, and Vanda.
Temperatures must fluctuate for each type of orchid in order for it to stay healthy. Static temperatures, like you would find in an incubator will hurt, and eventually kill orchids. Temperatures should range from 80 degrees during the day, to as low as 55 degrees during the evening hours. In order for the orchid to bloom it needs to store carbohydrate energy during the day, to survive the cold nights. If it is able to do this it will blossom into a robust flower full of color.
Make sure to water the orchids early in the day so they are able to dry out by night. Orchids are tender flowers when it comes to watering and must be treated carefully in order to achieve the best results possible. Orchids should be watered as early in the morning as possible to gain the best chance for dry out by evening.
The type of water used with orchids is extremely important. Orchids are best fit for rain water, because tap water typically has chemicals in it such as chlorine. Rain water will help the orchids reach its full growth potential each day, without compromising its colors, and natural beauty.
Clark Covington is a successful author who provides information for Gift of the Month Clubs. Find more on orchids and flowers in our flower of the month club and plant of the month club sections.
Tags: flower, flowers, garden.gardening, gift, gift of the month, gifts, home, orchid, orchids, PlantsBouquets - A Simple Gift that Says a Thousand Words
By admin | May 7, 2008
Bouquet is a French word with no English equivalent, for an arrangement of cut flowers.
A bouquet is the most common form of gift-wrapping for a bunch of flowers. The individual flowers are separated, cut and preened of dead leaves, then arranged and tied into a wrap. The wrap is usually done with a waterproof material as the bouquets are usually kept damp, but may contain a porous block that the stems are embedded in, or a plastic bubble filled with water. Bouquets are bought from florists and some gift shops but due to their simple design and mobility, they are also sold at filling stations and local shops for people who are in a hurry. There is also a growing market for online flower sale and delivery.
Arranging the flowers in a bouquet is an internationally acknowledged art form. This is known as floristry and works flowers, grasses, and herbs into an artistically designed display. The style of the design changes from florist to florist and also between eras and nations. The florist must have a good eye for design, good knowledge of botany, and be able to discern what kind of display the customer needs. The types of flowers will need to be different depending on the occasion, also changing for different seasons such as Christmas or Valentine’s Day. Also cultural differences occur. A white flower in many western countries signifies purity and cleanliness, while in some Asian countries is a symbol of death. In some eastern European countries, giving a bouquet of yellow flowers to a lover means that you want to part with them.
Bouquets are usually best suited for temporary use. The flowers do not last very long and are so used as a gift to present on a date or special occasion, and also a bouquet needs to be put in a vase as it is not free standing. For a floral gift that can be used as a centrepiece a wreath or similar arrangement is used, where the flowers are attached to a backboard.
John Gibb is the owner of Bouguet ideas
For more information on the Bouquet ideas check out http://www.bouquet-sources4u.info