The Guy’s Guide to Buying Flowers at Valentine’s Day

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1. Don’t forget!   Valentine’s Day is always on February 14^th.  This year that falls on Tuesday.  Here’s a little memory trick…it’s 9 days after Super Bowl Sunday.  Put a reminder in your smart phone now!  Even easier…pay attention to the Super Bowl ads and notice the one featuring supermodel Adriana Lima.  I know you can do that!  It will be touting the services of one of the big, national marketers of flowers.  That will remind you to order flowers for your sweetheart.  Extra credit…when Adriana comes on, turn to your wife or sweetheart and say “hey, she looks kind of like you, but not as pretty”.
2. Don’t order from the big, national marketer of flowers.   They are middlemen, so be strong and ignore the entreaties of Adriana.   You’ll get better, more personal service and lower prices from your local florist.
3. Don’t send flowers in a box.  Another reason to buy from your local florist is so you can send a professionally designed arrangement in a vase.  The national marketer/middlemen may offer you flowers that will be sent overnight; but they will arrive in a box.  If your valentine loves to arrange her own flowers, and has the time and vase to do it, that’s fine.  But she’ll probably want her flowers to arrive ready enjoy.  And when you add all the extra charges when you send flowers in a box, you may not even save much money.
4. Order early!  It also may save you some serious money, as many florists will increase prices prior to the holiday.   Other reasons… you may be able to secure a better delivery time, stores and phone lines won’t be as crowded.
5. Have the flowers delivered early.  This may save you money on the delivery charge, and also get you the kind of recognition you want.  Florists will be swamped on Tuesday the 14^th.  Your flowers will be the center of attention if you send it to her home on Saturday or Sunday, setting the mood for a romantic weekend, or to the office on Monday.  Florists deliver flowers in bud stage.  They generally open over 5 days or more, so they’ll be at their peak on the 14^th.
6. Consider colors other than red…  Red and white are certainly not the only romantic colors.  Show some style and creativity.  With roses in particular, there are many gorgeous varieties and colors.  Let your florist pick the nicest, freshest available.
7. Consider products other than roses…  How about orchids flowers or an orchid plant?  Throw around terms “Phalaenopsis” and “dendrobium” and you’ll get instant respect.  Spring flowers like tulips, freesia and hyacinth are also abundant and beautiful this time of year.

Thanks for reading… www.fieldofflowers.com   1.800.963.7374  (1.800.96.FRESH)

You can call, click or come in to one of our Field of Flowers flower markets in Boca Raton, Miami or Davie, FL for over 100 varieties in store every day…plus supplies, vases, containers, everything you need to express yourself with flowers. Make your own arrangements, or order exquisite arrangements by our floral designers. Pick up in-store or ship fast and fresh locally or worldwide.

Special Events – Orchid Celebration Kicks Off Tomorrow…Sat, Jan 21

Thanks for reading… www.fieldofflowers.com   1.800.963.7374  (1.800.96.FRESH)

You can call, click or come in to one of our Field of Flowers flower markets in Boca Raton, Miami or Davie, FL for over 100 varieties in store every day…plus supplies, vases, containers, everything you need to express yourself with flowers. Make your own arrangements, or order exquisite arrangements by our floral designers. Pick up in-store or ship fast and fresh locally or worldwide.

3 Simple Ways to Add Orchids to Your Life

Orchids are a favorite flower of many and it is no wonder why — they have a simple yet undeniable elegance and come in an abundance of colors, shapes, and forms. Here are a few simple ways to add orchids to your life…

1. From simple to elaborate centerpieces – Orchids add a beautiful touch for any occasion. Here are some examples…

In the photo at the top of this post, a simple and elegant look is created by taking a single stem Green Cymbidium Orchid cut to a shorter length, adding a little bit of bear grass and placing them in small square cube for a very simple and elegant look. Use just one, or line up a few of these simple arrangements for more impact.

For a more dramatic centerpiece you can use the yellow Oncidium orchids shown here with fresh cut lemons in large square glass cubes. This photo show three cube vases lined up against each other and the yellow orchids with yellow lemons adds pizzazz and a very fresh spirit. The same idea could use limes, oranges, or other fruits. Mix and match colors to match your setting.

Or…use colorful floral foam to add simple distinction to a bunch of fresh cut orchid stems. Use can use complementary or contrasting colors, bright or mellow, to set the right tone and mood. Add further style with a thin ribbon wrapped around the floral foam.

2.  Wear orchids – For an elegant up-do, you can take a few white Cymbidium blooms and pin them in your hair. They are an eye catching add on to any look. With the vast selection of different orchids and colors, the options are endless.

3. Orchids can be used in various ways to help decorate any party scene, from a wedding to a dinner party.

Above, a few green and purple Dendrobium Orchid stems with a purple ribbon accenting a rustic chair, perfect for a splash of color.

A dinner party place setting becomes complete with a vibrant green Cymbidum bloom to welcome  guests. If green isn’t your color, then choose from various other bright and welcoming shades.

Interested in Orchids? Join us for our Orchid Celebration, Saturday January 21st through Sunday, January 29th, 2012 at Field of Flowers in Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, and Miami, FL.  All orchids — plants, fresh cut stems, and orchid flower arrangements will be 20% off. Special events and demonstrations both Saturdays. Check here for updated schedule.

You may also be interested in reading this recent post, Flowering Facts: Orchids…25,000 different varieties in this vast plant family!

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Thanks for reading… www.fieldofflowers.com   1.800.963.7374  (1.800.96.FRESH)

You can call, click or come in to one of our Field of Flowers flower markets in Boca Raton, Miami or Davie, FL …with over 100 varieties of fresh cut flowers in stock every day including a complete selection of Orchid plants, fresh cut Orchid  flowers, flower arrangement, and floral supplies. Everything you need to add orchids to your life. In store…or we deliver flowers throughout South Florida.

Spotlight on “Tangerine Tango!”

Voted Pantone’s color of the year for 2012 is “Tangerine Tango.” 

If you’re looking to add a punch of energy to your space, then Tangerine Tango is the color for you!  What better way to do add this dynamic color of the year to your home or office then with flowers…

At Field of Flowers, we’ve been classifying flower arrangements in the Tangerine color palette for years. See our a full selection of Tangerine flower arrangements here.

View this link to see more of this bright and vibrant color in action at the Pantone website: http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/category.aspx?ca=88

Tangerine Gerbera Dasies in Glass Cube from Field of Flowers – Boca, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale – Davie, FL

Thanks for reading… www.fieldofflowers.com   1.800.963.7374  (1.800.96.FRESH)

You can call, click or come in to one of our Field of Flowers flower markets in Boca Raton, Miami or Davie, FL for over 100 varieties in store every day…plus supplies, vases, containers, everything you need to express yourself with flowers. Make your own arrangements, or order exquisite arrangements by our floral designers. Pick up in-store or ship fast and fresh locally or worldwide.

The Language of Flowers: What is the language of flowers?

The phlox flower meaning is appreciation. We appreciate your visit!

The Language of Flowers…it’s the word “the” that makes it sound so certain, as though there were just one meaning to each flower and one common worldwide language. The truth is that humans have been attributing meanings and symbolism to flowers for many centuries now, from the ancient Greeks and Turks, through India and China to Victorian-era England; and the meanings are not always consistent across the globe.

Take for example the chrysanthemum (aka “mum”):  the Victorian interpretation might be “truth” or “optimism”, while the Japanese might interpret the meaning as “long life” and “happiness”.  Or the peony: which the Victorian society might interpret as “anger”, while the ancient Greeks seemed to think the peony represented healing.  We use the word “might” because there is documentation of several meanings within these societies, and it isn’t always clear which were the most popular usage.

It is the Victorian use of flowers for communication which is most commonly referred to as the Language of Flowers.  In those days, flowers and floral arrangements were used to send coded messages, in a way that evaded the strict communication code between ladies and suitors of the time. The flower type and its color shaped the core of the meaning, though the presentation of the flower was equally important. If the blossom was presented facing upwards, a positive thought was intended. But an upside down blossom meant the opposite.  Flowers could even be used to answer a question – a flower handed over with the right hand meant “yes” and with the left meant “no”.

These Victorian suitors may also have benefitted from the fact that flowers in their beauty often say more than words can. In the early 1800’s, the poet Thomas Hood wrote, “sweet flowers alone can say what passion fears revealing.”  There was such a romance to it all, and what better to symbolize romance than flowers?

In the late 1800’s several, several dictionaries were published with the Victorian-era interpretations of flower meanings…and that is when is became more evident that there were sometimes several, inconsistent meanings of the same flower —  though it seems safe to say that the red rose has consistently represented love and romance.

Vanessa Diffenbaugh’s best-selling novel, The Language of Flowers, tells the story of a young woman from the foster-care system who uses the Victorian language of flowers to communicate with others and make sense of her troubled past. She also uses the duplicity of these flower meanings to help her main character, Victoria, recognize and deal with the unexpected. It’s a beautiful novel, and Vanessa is kind enough to share a free download of Victoria’s Dictionary of Flowers here.

And here is our list of the most popular flowers and their meanings.

Flowers have always been a heartfelt gift of friendship, love, and respect…and they help you send your message in a unique way.  We encourage you to have fun with the language of flowers…your flower gift recipient will be delighted.

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Thanks for reading… www.fieldofflowers.com   1.800.963.7374  (1.800.96.FRESH)

You can call, click or come in to one of our Field of Flowers flower markets in Boca Raton, Miami or Davie, FL for over 100 varieties in store every day. Let our blossoms, bouquets, and flower arrangements speak for you in their poetic language.

In store, online…and we deliver flowers throughout South Florida.

Flower Arranging and Floral Design Classes at Field of Flowers

If you would like to sign up, call 1.800.96.FRESH(37374)

Learn floral arranging from the experts at Field of Flowers.  It’s fun… it’s friendly… it’s fascinating!
Our program consists of three weekly classes, each one hour long. Working with a talented instructor, you’ll personally create a new and exciting arrangement each week, using fresh cut flowers, live plants, accessories and/or accents. You’ll learn the basics of balance, color, layering and design. And perhaps make wonderful, new friends in the bargain!

Click here to see the list of our class schedules!

Classes are available at these Field of Flowers locations:                                            Davie Flower Market 5101 South University Drive, Davie, FL 33328                            Boca Raton Flower Market 8177 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33434                     South Miami-Dade (Full Service Florist & Design Studio) 8803 SW 129th Street Miami, FL 33176

Thanks for reading… www.fieldofflowers.com   1.800.963.7374  (1.800.96.FRESH)

You can call, click or come in to one of our Field of Flowers flower markets in Boca Raton, Miami or Davie, FL for over 100 varieties in store every day…plus supplies, vases, containers, everything you need to express yourself with flowers. Make your own arrangements, or order exquisite arrangements by our floral designers. Pick up in-store or ship fast and fresh locally or worldwide.

The Language of Flowers: Proust Expresses our Gratitude

Thanks for reading… www.fieldofflowers.com   1.800.963.7374  (1.800.96.FRESH)

You can call, click or come in to one of our Field of Flowers flower markets in Boca Raton, Miami or Davie, FL for over 100 varieties in store every day. Let our blossoms, bouquets, and flower arrangements speak for you in their poetic language.

In store, online..and we deliver flowers throughout South Florida.

Image featured is our Two Dozen Roses in Glass Sphere.  The quote, “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom,” is from the French novelist, Marcel Proust (1871 – 1922).