TheBloomCloset

What's the difference in Valentine's day Flowers?

2009-01-19T19:45:00.000-08:00

When you go from Florist website to Florist website looking for Valentine's Roses, and you view different prices and wonder why one set of Valentine's Roses is different from the next? Well, I thought The Bloom Closet would explain some of the reasons...

Here is a example...This is a design from Teleflora...here is the description..

A dozen red roses arrive perfectly arranged in a clear glass vase.

This design features roses in what looks like a 8" tall vase, but notice there is no description on how tall the flowers are, really no description at all. One reason for this is that a Teleflora florist will be more likely to fill this order since no size is listed, so instead of getting the nice size arrangement you are looking at, you may get Short Stem Roses, sometimes labeled medium, the total length of the rose is 15" long (40cm), and the buds are generally 1" in diameter and 1.5" high. They cost $59.95 and a 13.99 service fee.

The Roses from 1-800Flowers look about the same, except they are one sided, meaning that you have a wall of greenery in the back, nothing wrong with that, just not the usual style for the holiday. So if your Valentine sits in the office they can look at there flowers or they can look at the back of their flowers so everyone else can enjoy them.

They do list a size though, 22" high. So they are probably using a 19" rose (50cm), which is a little larger and the same price point at $59.99.
But they are offering a free delivery, but then they charge a $13.99 Service Fee.

These are the Roses from FTD. They are listed as long Stemmed, but they have no length listed. They also are priced higher at $69.99 and their service charge is $14.99, but you still don't know what size you are getting.

Now, here are The Bloom Closet roses. The Bloom Closet uses our 60cm Red Freedom Roses. We use a color 9" Vase, pink for pink roses, red vase for all other colors, different greeneries, such as ruscus, tree fern, Leather leaf, lily grass and long stem, 23-25 long (60 cm) roses, with nice size buds. We also like to add decorative touches to our arrangement, such as a dragonfly, bee or a butterfly. Our rose arrangement is about 26-28" tall. Our roses will cost $59.99, and our delivery is $8.95. That's it, no special handling or service fee, just the roses.

And if you purchase your Valentines Flowers now, pay regular price and save some money, the rose prices rise closer to the holiday, so order from The Bloom Closet Today and save some money!

Bloomers

2009-01-14T17:49:00.000-08:00

We have a new section on the website called "Bloomers" .

Bloomers are just those little cute arrangements that are great pick me ups, there are many kinds, some flowers with fruit, some with fresh ivy, and the are served up in a 6" Bubble Bowl Vase that everyone will love, so check them out on the website at www.TheBloomCloset.com

and click on Bloomers!

Columbia County Magazine Top 100

2009-01-12T18:10:00.001-08:00

We are very happy to say we came in 3rd Place in the Columbia County's Top 100 in the Best Florist category. So thanks to all the customers that voted for our shop, I really appreciate it!

Check out the site for specials

2008-12-19T14:08:00.000-08:00

Remember to check out The Bloom Closet.com for our specials! We are delivering in Martinez, Evans, Grovetown and parts of Augusta. Check out our specials, we have some cute things for Christmas!

New Website

2008-11-15T14:03:00.000-08:00

Hi, we have updated our website with a new look and a lot of new options.
Here are a few....

You can now shop by color.
You can shop by $ amount.
You will need to registar, when you do, you can add addresses to your address book of regular orders, so you can choose from them when you want to order instead of finding your information all the time.
All the photos on the website are my designs. This is what your flowers will look like, and you don't have anything to worry about.
We also have a gallery section to check out our store photos and our wedding gallery.

I am adding some more sections to the website, we are working on our Budget Bridals section for wedding package bouquets, and we are adding a silk and gifts section as well, so please check out all the differences! Thanks...

Best of the City on Comcast on Demand

2008-11-13T09:59:00.001-08:00

We have been featured as Best in the City with Comcast on Demand.
Here's what you do....

Go to The "On Demand" Screen
"Get Local" Section
"Best of the City"
"Style and Shopping"
And pick "The Bloom Closet" and take a look at our shop and flowers!

Unique Funeral Arrangements

2008-11-12T07:34:00.000-08:00

We have been honored to do a couple of unique funeral pieces this past week,

one for a member of Ducks Unlimited.

We used some Duck Decoys with Protea, amaranthus, poms, daisies, seeded euclaptus, with straw, lotus pods, lilypads, blue thistle with praying mantis bugs, dragonflies and little tree frogs. It really felt outdoorsy, and good tribute for a man who was a outdoorsman.

We also got to do funeral tribute for a Home Builder. We used Fall Flowers, Green Mums, Kangroo Paw, Green "Jade" Roses, Alstromeria, daisies, delphinum, roses, lilies with accent florals along with a pair of gloves, a level, a blueprint and measuring tape cut up throughout the arrangement.

Personalized Sympathy Pieces bring so much joy and comfort to friends and family members, they conjure up memories, discussions and honor the deceased. Please give The Bloom Closet in Martinez, GA a call if you need anything, we would be honored to have your business.

Store Redo

2008-10-18T19:14:00.000-07:00

We had Comcast on Demand in this past Monday naming us the Best in the City, the feature will be up and running in about 4 weeks, we can't wait! Here is a link to our new Jumpcut Video of the Fall Open House. Check it out!

http://www.jumpcut.com/view/?id=F08E20BA9D6F11DDA96A000423CEF682

Anniversary

2008-09-30T18:33:00.000-07:00

October marks our 4 year anniversary of being in business. Here are some photos of when we first opened, my, how we have changed....I can't believe we had white walls, I have looked at green so long!

Article on the Shop

2008-09-16T20:18:00.000-07:00

Hi, we were honored with a article in the BoomYeah.net newsletter this week, here is the copy of the article that comes out Friday!

Here is the article.....by Max Nunn

The Bloom Closet – Martinez, GA
“To be an artist was my dream and I feel like I accomplished that, just a floral artist! I look at color and I use flowers as the paint on my canvas,” said The Bloom Closet Owner, Jean Gordon-Terpack.

Approaching its fourth anniversary, The Bloom Closet has been bringing life to the community of Martinez, Georgia and the surrounding areas since October of 2004.

Jean’s Aunt Carolyn passed away a few years ago and left some money to Jean’s mother. With that money, and the support of her husband and parents, Jean produced the opportunity to sit back and watch her establishment prosper.

She chalks up all of her learning experiences to trial & error. “The biggest obstacle in starting my new business was getting the business name out in the community,” said Jean.

Jean asserted that her most enjoyable and satisfying aspect of running her own flower shop is the joy that flowers bring to people. “Flowers create memories and brighten moods. When you give flowers, you give an instant memory and you never forget that moment,” said Jean.

The Bloom Closet specializes in personalized funeral arrangements, but also offers fresh flowers, permanent botanicals and gifts for all occasions. Jean’s advice to inspiring entrepreneurs is: “You can start a business on a small budget, just buy as you need and don’t try to expand too quickly.”

Outside of spending time at The Bloom Closet, Jean enjoys painting, designing and of course…gardening. See what extraordinary floral arrangements Jean can create for you by visiting her BoomYEAH profile.

2008-09-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the designs we have done this past week at The Bloom Closet in Augusta, GA....

Please Remember to Vote

2008-09-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

We are getting down to the wire, please take the time and vote for us as best florist in the Metro Spirit, we are #119, and take the time to vote for some of our friends as well.....Martinez Evans Dance Studio, (#74) Best Dance Studio, Fringe Hair Salon (#60, 62, 108) for Best Salon, Best Looking and Friendliest Staff, Andrew Tisdale (133) for Best Attorney, Cindy's Catering (112) for Best Caterer, Twilight Studios (117) Best Tattoo Shop, Estate Jewelry Center (129) for Best Jeweler and many more awesome businesses, so please go and vote for us at www.MetroSpirit.com, we want to WIN!

Garden and Gun Magazine-Best of the New South

2008-09-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

First, this is a photo is of Jack, Jenks and Tom's dog, I love this picture, so I had to include it, oh, and the crinums are gorgeous!

A great new magazine, Garden and Gun, (gardenandgun.com) based out of Charleston, SC, has come out with the Best of the New South, and my good friend at Lush Life Gardens, www.lushlifegarden.com/ Jenks Farmer, was named best Horticulturist, which is a fantastic accomplishment, and I am so proud of him, please check out his article at

gardenandgun.com/stories/features/best_of_the_new_south-166#1

and remember that we are honored to sell his Crinum lilies, so feel free to stop by The Bloom Closet and Check them out, or you can go online at www.lushlifegarden.com/ or if you need them delivered that day, call us or go to TheBloomCloset.com !

Fall Permanent Flowers

2008-08-26T17:07:00.000-07:00

We are in the process of making some fall arrangements, please check them out on the site, or come on by and visit!

Metros Best 2008

2008-08-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

Hi to everyone, I made it back from vacation this week at Disney World, and of course, it RAINED, and rained and rained! It seems like Fay enjoyed Florida as much as Mom and I did! We had a great time celebrating our 4 years in business, so I appreciate every one's understanding during our vacation, but we are back in full swing!

One fun thing was that we, The Bloom Closet were nominated for Metro's Best 2008 Florist (VOTE #119)!

Many of my friends in business were also nominated, Martinez Evans Dance Studio, (#74) Best Dance Studio, Fringe Hair Salon (#60, 62, 108) for Best Salon, Best Looking and Friendliest Staff, Andrew Tisdale (133) for Best Attorney, Cindy's Catering (112) for Best Caterer, Twilight Studios (117) Best Tattoo Shop, Estate Jewelry Center (129) for Best Jeweler and many more awesome businesses, so please go and vote for us at www.MetroSpirit.com, we want to WIN!

Trip to Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens

2008-07-28T07:45:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple of really cool Garden ideas from the botanical garden at Riverbanks zoo in Columbia, SC.....

Just to create a little whimsy, they have taken curly willow, planted it and painted it a bright color, really looks cool in with your flowers, just that fun hint of color....

Here they have taken rebar, connected it, painted and made great mini teepees for traveling vines, love this look! Could also be done with PVC as well....

Here they have taken plastic sewer pipes, painted them, then staked in the ground, then place a flower pot in the top, and BAM! Great garden art!

Growing Crinum, a Week Later...

2008-07-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

Can you believe this plant? Within one week, it has gone insane with the growth, just wanted to share the fantastic Crinum lily!

My Crinum Lily

2008-07-22T08:10:00.000-07:00

This is my crinum lily, planted in June 2008, it is really growing!

The bulb came from my friend Jenks at Lush Life nurseries.

Work the Week of July 14th, 2008

2008-07-17T14:55:00.001-07:00

Here are a few of the arrangements we made this week.....

Spread the Joy Bouquet

2008-07-09T06:28:00.000-07:00

We have started spreading happiness with the Spread the Joy Bouquet!!! So, what is that you may ask, well the idea is this, flowers bring joy and happiness, and don't we all need that, so The Bloom Closet is sending out bouquets that we want you to keep a couple of hours, then give the bouquet to someone else, thus spreading the joy!

We pick a different place of business each week, and The card on the flower reads "Please enjoy these flowers for the next hour and then pass them on to someone else who could use a little joy along with this note."

So look forward to getting some flowers and spreading the joy!!!!

Wow, I have Talented Friends...

2008-05-03T17:09:00.001-07:00

I had a very interesting trip to tell you all about. I went to see a long time talented horticulturalist friend, Jenks Farmer. I am very proud to say I have the honor of selling Crinum Lily Bulbs from Lush Life!

A long time friend, Jenks Farmer is a very prominent horticulturalist.

Jenks is currently working at Moore Farms in South Carolina. A Curator and designer for one of the most horticulturally sophisticated private gardens in the state - a 25 acre garden with a staff of 9 horticulturist. He manages staff and botanical collections and plants databases, forestry and long-term planning. He also has the additional responsibilities including being the curator and designer of the owners Victorian era garden and cycad collection in Charleston.

Even with all of these responsibilities, he owns and operates a connoisseurs nursery specializing in sub-tropic genus of the amaryllis family - Crinum. They provide proven varieties, correctly named, healthy field grown crinums to horticulturist, botanical gardens through out the US. This is a small, family operated nursery with his partner Tom Hall, co-owner, as well as two nephews.

I had the pleasure of visiting the "fields" today, and the crinums and flowers are wonderful. Tom and Jenks have put a lot of time and care into the Crinums. Tom also let me know that Jenks was featured in Better Homes and Gardens "Perennials" magazine, in the photo above. The crinums are so beautiful and FRAGRANT, Jenks and Tom let me have a few to put in my shop, but they may stay at my house instead!

Please check out the For The Gardener section on the website to purchase a Gift Pack for Mother's Day, it is a wonderful gift that will last for years and years to come!

What flower are you?

2008-01-16T18:25:00.001-08:00

I am a
Daisy

What Flower
Are You?

Gotten A little behind...

2008-01-16T17:40:00.000-08:00

It was a great holiday and now we are getting ready for Valentine's Day at The Bloom Closet. We are still going to be posting our flower projects once a month, and we have 2 this month in honor of the Super Bowl. I will be posting some great Valentine's Specials that we have going on, like the mini love potion, cushion poms and a red rose with a piece of candy starting next week. So keep checking out the blog, and our website at www.TheBloomCloset.com!

The Present of Flowers

2007-12-04T11:57:00.000-08:00

The Present of Flowers!

This is too much fun, and with daily watering, will last a good 2 weeks!

Materials:
Tupperware, metal lid or wood base that measures the same length as three-fourths the length of one brick of floral
1 brick floral foam
50 white standard carnations(pictured) also can use cushion poms
1 yard decorative ribbon
Clippers, knife and floral preservative

Directions:
Step 1 - Cut the floral foam to fit on top of the lid or wood base.
Step 2 - Cut the standard carnations to about 1-inch in length.
Step 3 - Insert the carnations in rows next to eachother.
Step 4 - Tie the ribbon around the floral present.

Fun Flower Wreath

2007-12-04T11:53:00.000-08:00

Sometimes its fun to do something different than the traditional!

Here's what you need:

Approximately 8 empty, small baby food jars
3 stems white daisy chrysanthemums
Large pillar candle
Large round charger or plate, we used a red one ($1.50 at Walgreens)
Floral preservative and clippers

Directions:
Step 1 - Fill the baby food jars with water that has been treated with floral preservative.
Step 2 - Cut the stems of the daisy mums at varying heights, (some tall and others very short). Now insert them inside the water-filled jars. Set the candle in the middle of the round plate. Now set some of the flower-filled jars on the plate around the candle, with other jars off the plate but complementing the display.

Tomato Cage Tree

2007-11-27T06:31:00.000-08:00

Get out those tomato cages in the dead of winter! Why? It will be used upside down to create a festive floral tree. Christmas greens, ivy or smilax garland wind around the inverted tomato cage, while small glass vases of seasonal flowers hang from its wire branches.

Materials:
1 Medium sized tomato cage
8 long branches of Christmas greens or 6-feet of ivy or 6-feet of smilax garland
6 small glass vases (bud vases from Dollar Store or Walmart, dont get cylinder, to hard to tie)
1 to 3 flowers for each small vase. Roses, rhubrum lilies, lisianthus, carnations, white iris and many more varieties can be used. (We used 12 red roses and 2 lilies and 2 white freesia and Christmas greenery.)
1 large rubberband
3 yards of decorative ribbon, raffia or cording (We used gold cording)
Clippers, scissors and floral preservative

Directions:
Step 1 - Turn the tomato cage upside down. Bend the wire feet of the cage towards the center of the cage to make a cone shape. Use a large rubberband towards the end of the wire feet to fasten them together.
Step 2 - Wind your greenery of choice up and down and around the cage.
Step 3 - Tie 1-foot of decorative ribbon onto each small vase. Now tie each vase sporadically onto the tomato cage.
Step 4 - Fill the vases with water that has been treated with floral preservative and then fill them with short cut flowers.
Step 5 - Lastly, cover the rubberband at the top of the cage, by tying a bow of decorative ribbon around it.
Note - For appeal all year long, make this floral tree with seasonal flowers and vines.

The Gift That Keeps Giving...

2007-11-13T16:26:00.000-08:00

Gift giving and dinner parties are of course traditional at Christmas time. Give a gift for the dining table top in the way of a floral centerpiece. Each flower is individually wrapped yet placed in one container; ready for each guest as he or she departs. One variety or several different kinds or colors of flowers make this modern and unique centerpiece blossom. Materials:
	One round or oblong silver container. The container needs to be approximately 6-inches high and large enough to hold as many flowers as guests at the dining table. Flowers-Red and white gerbera daisies, red and white roses, or red and white standard carnations. Purchase as many stems as there are guests. Christmas evergreens, 1 stem per flower purchased. Watertubes, enough for each flower stem. (Watertubes are available wherever you buy your flowers or at craft stores). Flower food/preservative. 1 rubberband 8.5-inches x 11-inches silver paper, one sheet for each flower. The paper is available at stationary or copy stores. Double-sided scotch tape. Floral clippers.
Directions:
	Step 1 - Fill each watertube with water that has been treated with flower food/preservative. Then replace the plastic cap.
	Step 2 - Cut all the flowers and foliage between 9 and 11 inches in height, so they fit nicely when wrapped in the silver paper.
	Step 3 - Insert each flower with greenery into individual watertubes.
	Step 4 - Wrap each flower - Attach double-sided tape in the lower right corner of the paper. Now set the flower diagonally across the paper, so that the water tube is in the lower left corner of the paper. Hold the watertube end and begin rolling the paper so that a cone shape is formed. Fasten the paper together with the double-sided tape. Make sure you can see each bloom.
	Step 5 - Insert the individually wrapped flowers into the silver container. Allow the individually wrapped flowers to fan out of the container instead of sticking straight up.

Brewed Awakenings....

2007-11-07T10:48:00.000-08:00

Here's a fun holiday kitchen arragement that has a great fragrance and is a lot of fun to make....

Clear glass or acrylic coffee canister

Whole coffee beans enough to fill the canister

1 Votive candle holder

16 Blooms (about 4 stems) yellow daisy chrysanthemums

3 Stems bear grass

1 Rubber band

10 greening pins or 3 pieces 27-gauge (12-inches long) straight wires

Floral clippers, Knife & floral food/preservative

Directions:
Step 1 - Fill the canister three-quarters full with coffee beans.
Step 2 - Set the votive glass on top of the beans. Fill around the votive glass with more beans.
Step 3 - Pour water that has been treated with flower food/preservative into the votive glass.
Step 4 - Remove any leaves that lie below the water line.
Step 5 - If you are right handed, hold the flowers in your left hand (vice-versa if you are left handed). Hold the flowers just under their blooms.
Step 6 - Each flower is added so that the blooms are at the same height. Try to make a round-shaped bouquet.
Step 7 - Rubber band the bouquet together and cut the stems to about 4-inches in length.
Step 8 - Cut bear grass into 8-inch lengths and begin making loops over the flowers, catching each end in the rubber band.
Tip - Check the water level in the votive glass daily. Add water as needed and don't forget to mix the water with flower food/preservative!

2007-11-07T10:39:00.000-08:00

Funky Chandlier Centerpiece

Do something different this holiday! Try this funky centerpiece instead....

You need:

Approximately 5 to 6 small (2" X 2") baskets with handles

Small glass votive cups to fit inside each wire basket

Approximately 4 yards 3/4" ribbon to hang the baskets

One stems orange lilies and one stem green hypericum for each basket

Floral clippers, scissor & Flower preservative/food

Directions:
Step 1 - Insert the votive cups into the baskets.
Step 2 - Fill with votive cup with water that has been treated with flower preservative/food and insert one into each basket.
Step 3 - Hang the baskets with votives, at varying lengths, from the chandelier.
Step 4 - Cut the flowers short and insert them into the baskets.

Flowers!!! In a Box????

2007-11-07T10:31:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is almost here. It’s time to remember those friends and relatives that you’ve been meaning to call, but just haven’t gotten around to it. What better way to say "I’m thinking of you" than to send a beautiful arrangement of flowers.

Here at The Bloom Closet, we love the holidays and have come up with a simple tip to make your flower buying, and flower receiving, more satisfying.

1. Don’t send flowers in a box (so-called Direct Ship flowers). It seems so easy when you hear about it on the radio—send farm fresh flowers directly to your loved one. You check the website and hey, the prices aren’t that bad. How could this be bad? Well, for one thing, Grandma will have to make her own flower arrangement. That lovely professionally designed arrangement on the website isn’t really what you get. You really get a bunch of flowers stuffed in a box, and you may or may not get a vase. Now if Grandma is really talented, she may be able to turn this stuff into a real arrangement. Then again, maybe not.

2. The flowers arrive in a Fedx or UPS truck. If the weather is too hot or too cold, you can imagine what your flowers will look like. And, you better hope that your box of flowers wasn’t underneath someone’s new computer or someone's new BowFlex.

3. If those things happen, you will get a new box, but that vision of Grandma standing at the door, getting her flower arrangement and thinking fondly of you just went up in smoke.

Anyway, check out this video ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNYGZHPKQgs ) of someone receiving boxed flowers in the middle of winter. Is this really what you had in mind? If not, call The Bloom Closet.

Our Third Anniversary

2007-10-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all my loyal customers and friends that helped to celebrate our third anniversary. It was a great day, and we were even featured on the news!

http://www.wrdw.com/buzzonbiz

Click on the video at the right to see! Thanks again!

Fall is Here!

2007-10-22T16:36:00.001-07:00

Despite the calendar, it has been difficult to believe that it has been fall. After a never ending summer, the leaves are beginning to change color. The weather has gotten cooler and some people have even turned on their heat to combat the early morning chill.

Fall is a time of bright, vibrant color. Our exclusive designs highlight the beauty of autumn. Vibrant reds, cheery yellows, shades of oranges varying from bright to tangerine, blues, purples, browns and greens are found in the flowers of the season.

We're adding a collection of new designs, exclusive to The Bloom Closet, to our website, under Fall. These designs won't be found on any other florist's website and are available only at our shop. Please visit our website for affordable, upscale flowers and to browse through our Exclusive designs.

Farmers Funeral

2007-10-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

We were honored to do a casket spray for a local farmer here in Georgia. He loved farming and the outdoors, hunting and fishing. We uses assorted wildflowers and greenery, Pecan Branches, Corn Husks, and Raw Peanuts on the vine from his farm.

When choosing flowers to honor a friend or loved one, ask yourself things like “What was her favorite flower?” or “What were his favorite colors?” Sending personalized sympathy floral tributes are a growing trend. For example, fishing poles and lures can be creatively added to a spray for an avid fisherman. Film and photographs can be woven into a wreath for someone whose passion was photography. Anything is possible, just ask!

Article on my Shop

2007-10-16T20:33:00.001-07:00

This is a article featuring my shop in the FYI magazine of Fort Gordon, GA. I was very excited about it and thought I would share!

Halloween Project

2007-10-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a cute Flower Project for the upcoming Holiday Season....

One 7-inch pumpkin (Faux or real)
Crown, pearls, boa (for hair), 3-yards 2-inch wide decorative green ribbon
1 large bunch (about 50 stems) bear grass
9 stems pink roses
5 stems green luecadendron
5 green button chrysanthemums
10 greening pins or 3 pieces 27-gauge (12-inches long) straight wires
Floral clippers, floral food/preservative
Knife and spoon for cutting and scooping out pumpkin
Black permanent marker
OPTIONAL -Pink fabric and boa for draping as 'princesses' cape and 7" square box to set Pumpkin Princess on.

Directions:
	Step 1 - Soak the floral foam, for at least 30 minutes, in water that has been treated with flower food/preservative.
	Step 2 - Cut and scoop out pumpkin.
	Step 3 - With permanent marker, draw eyes and nose of Princess Pumpkin.
	Step 4 - Insert the floral foam into the pumpkin. With steak knife shape the foam coming out of the pumpkin into a cone/Christmas tree shape.
	Step 5 - Now, begin wrapping the bear grass around the foam, using the greening pins to hold the bear grass in place. (If using straight wire, cut the wire into 3-inch lengths; bend in half and use as 'bobby pins.')
	Step 6 - Place boa, crown and pearls on princess and begin inserting flowers. Leucadendron as bangs, green button mums to cover foam seen through crown and the pink roses way up top- in the center of the crown.
	Step 7 - Finally, make a big bow for the back of the princess, pin it in with green pins or straight wire made into bobby pins.
	Step 8 - OPTIONAL- cover box with fabric and boa, then set Pumpkin Princess in place.

Recipe by Jill Slater

Feel Good Flowers...

2007-06-03T16:19:00.001-07:00

Flowers are associated with a feel good factor, as they have
healing powers. Witness the effect they have on you when you
walk into a room full of flowers. You'll surely be swept
away by the lovely sight and the fresh aroma. Wondering,
where are the worries you walked in with, well, they are up
in the air due to these healers. No wonder they make for a
wonderful gift option. See the glint in the eyes of the
recievers as they gently adore and caress the flowers.

You probably never told anyone about the way getting
flowers make you feel, though, because you were afraid
people would laugh at you or think you were, um, just a
little bit weird when it comes to flowers. Well, you'll be
happy to learn that researchers at Rutgers University,
however, would agree with about the way flowers effect
your mood. They did a ten-month study on the link between
receiving flowers and moods. And what they found could be
the foundation of a whole new mood therapy: flowers
therapy.

Because the researchers found that receiving flowers has
an instant effect on a person's mood. People getting
flowers immediately smiled and got excited--and this
reaction was true for all age groups, young and old. They
also found that people were less tense and depressed after
getting flowers. Flowers, they found, just made people feel
more optimistic and positive.

Hence now you have a scientific backing to what was the
common observation about the flowers. The presence of
flowers also affects productivity as it is generally seen to
reduce stress levels and make for a vibrant atmosphere. Take
care of the flowers in order to make them last longer.

How do you keep flowers fresh and make them last? First,
keep them in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight and far
from appliances like televisions and computers that give off
heat. Secondly, mix the flower food with water exactly as
the instructions say. Next, remove any leaves below the
waterline in your vase. Also, it's a good idea to re-cut the
stems of the flowers to help increase water uptake. Finally,
always remove any flowers or leaves when they die so that
the remaining flowers keep fresh and look great.

View our Web Galleries

2007-03-09T20:11:00.000-08:00

Check out our Galleries at

http://picasaweb.google.com /jean.terpack/
SympathyFlowersFromTheBloomCloset

http://picasaweb.google.com/jean.terpack/
WeddingFlowersFromTheBloomCloset

http://picasaweb.google.com/jean.terpack/
EverydayFlowersFromTheBloomCloset

Caring for Cut Flowers

2007-03-07T18:56:00.000-08:00

The key to caring for cut flowers is to remember that, even when cut, they are still living. Cut flowers drink, breathe, and eat, just as they do when they are connected to their plant. Some flowers, such as tulips, even continue to grow after being placed in a vase. Eventually flowers will fade and die, as all living things do, but we can prolong their life and loveliness with proper care.

"Proper care" to most florists means using those little packets of commercial floral preservative that usually come with cut flowers. These contain the basic components needed to support the life of cut flowers in their vase environment.

WATER

The primary determinant of how long a cut flower will last is its capacity to drink water freely.

Plants have vascular systems much like the human cardiovascular system, only much simpler. The plant's vascular cells operate like a set of drinking straws, drawing water up into the leaves and flowers. In order for water to flow freely into the plant, these cells must be kept open.

The type of water you use also makes a difference. Water that is soft (with fewer minerals) and more acidic flows more easily through the vascular cells.

Water also needs to be kept free of the bacteria, yeasts and fungi that feed on the sap that seeps from the cut flower stem. The minute you place a cut flower into a vase of water, bacteria start to grow. Within 3 hours, there can be 30 million bacteria in the vase. These bacteria clog the tiny channels that draw water to the flower.

To give your flowers the best possible opportunity to benefit from water, follow these steps:

1. Before you place cut flowers in water, always give the stem a fresh cut. Cut stems at an angle with a sharp knife. An angle cut exposes a larger area of the stem for water intake. Cutting with scissors pinches the stem, reducing water intake.

2. Immerse stems in lukewarm water as soon as the cut is made. A newly cut stem begins to scale over immediately, blocking vascular cells.

3. Remove any leaves that are below the water line to prevent rotting and ensure a bacteria-free water environment.

4. Change the water daily. Trim the stalks a bit each time you change the water to open up the vascular cells. This is the single most effective thing you can do to prolong the life of flowers.

AIR

Flowers need to breathe, so give them some room. Flowers arranged loosely in a vase will last longer than flowers tightly packed. Allow enough room between stems for air to circulate.

LIGHT & TEMPERATURE

Heat will cause cut flowers to wilt more quickly, so keep them out of direct sunlight.

GATHERING FLOWERS

If you like to cut flowers yourself from your garden, the best time is early in the morning. The air is cool, the plant is filled with stored food, and the flowers are at their most fragrant.

In Lieu of Flowers? Why are sympathy flowers important?

2007-03-07T18:48:00.000-08:00

I remember years ago, before I opened a florist, I attended a funeral for a gentlemen I had worked with for many years. I knew how well Don was loved, admired and adored by many friends and family. I went into the funeral home, and I was horrified. There were only a few flowers, no casket spray, basically a empty room. My first thought was "Why?" Don was well loved and liked, thought highly of, where were the rest of the flowers? I just stood, not knowing what to say, a mutual friend came over and said "Isn't this sad? There aren't many flowers." The room was so stark and empty, and most of all, it was lonely. What a statement of Don's life, our last moment to rejoice and honor his memory, instead, emptiness.

Years later, my beloved Aunt Carolyn passed away. When my Mom and Aunt Peggy first saw my Aunt's casket in the room at the funeral home, there were no flowers, later when they returned, and the room was filled with flowers, they broke down. They could "see" how much their their sister had been loved, and important she was to people.

Can you think of a wedding without flowers? Of course not, so why should there be no flowers at a funeral? Flowers satsify certain needs, they really do make people feel better. There are many parts of a funeral that are distressing and stressful, but when you see the flowers, the instant gratification that their loved ones made a difference in this world is worth everything.In a time of grief, family and friends need a diversion from just looking at the person lying in that casket. Flowers are there to offer comfort, and at a time that is very hard to come up with the right words, they offer conversation.

It is noble to give to charities, and to churches, but family and friends need to have the instant knowledge that their loved ones made a difference in this world. Yes, the family might get a postcard in the mail two months down the road stating " a memorial of $ was given in your Aunt's name....", but this will not convey, at the most pivotal time of grieving, what a family so desperately needs, flowers that are touched, smelled, and seen and offer instant peace.

Prom Flowers and Fashion 2007

2007-02-17T18:38:00.000-08:00

Prom Flowers

How far in advance should I order my flowers for the prom?
It is important to remember that prom season is also wedding season and many times also falls on Mother's Day weekend, such as Evans High School. Therefore, popular flowers used to create decorative body flowers are in high demand. Ordering at least two weeks in advance so that your I has time to order the necessary quantities should ensure that you get what you really want.

Should my date's boutonniere match my corsage?
It is not necessary, the idea is to blend your flowers, they do not have to be the same.

Will I make something special just for you? Can you choose a ribbon?
Certainly. I know how important prom flowers are to you and I will be happy to work with you to make a special corsage. I love customization, I don't like to use everyday White Roses, I prefer to use different flowers, unique to you and your personality. You can certainly pick your ribbon, but many corsages don't even use ribbon this year.

What is the hottest corsage for proms?
Popular styles are wrist corsages, flower bracelets, flower rings and small hand-held nosegays. Popular flowers are fressia, dendrobium orchids, alstroemeria lilies, stock blooms, delphinum, pansies, etc. Roses and Carnations are not the only flowers you can use, be DIFFERENT!

How do I let my date know what type of flowers I really want?
If you have your heart set on a certain corsage style or type of flower, then there is nothing wrong with letting your date know what you would like. You might suggest going come to shop together so you can order his boutonniere to match your corsage. You could also show him a few photos of flowers and ask what he would like for his boutonniere.

What type of corsage goes best with a strapless dress?
Either a wrist corsage, Stick on Flowers, Flower Rings or a hand-held nosegay. Flowers for your hair or neck or corsages pinned to an evening bag are also great choices.

My budget is limited. Are there less expensive flowers that won't make me look "cheap"?
The cost of a corsage is mostly labor, they take a while to make, and they usually start at $25-30, let me know, we can certainly work together and get you a beautiful corsage.

What are the differences in Corsages?
Typically, a corsage for the wrist is on a elastic band, that is extremely itchy and uncomfortable. I don't use those, we have many options, I have ruffled bands in ivory and white. A new trend this year is the Pearl Bracelet that has flowers glued on, and the wire bracelet, that is available in all sorts of colors.

Can you match colors?
I can certainly do my best, one thing that has become popular is to dye the tips of your flowers, then add glitter. It really perks up the designs, and we also like to add accessories like jewels, rhinestones, pearls, and colored wires. Anything you want to add, we can try to do!

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at Jean@TheBloomCloset.com

Guide to Wedding Flowers

2007-02-17T18:25:00.000-08:00

Here are some tips on Choosing your Bridal Flowers....

Select flowers that are in season. This will keep costs down tremendously.
Consider purchasing silk flowers if you have your heart set on a flower that is not in bloom.
Using one variety of flowers also saves on cost. Most cost derives from the florist ordering many types of flowers, and only using a few, so you are charged for 20 when you may only be using 10. the best bet is to choose 3-5 signature flowers and using them throughout the ceremony.

Select flowers that will hold up for the entire day. Particularly if you are taking pictures before the ceremony or outside, you want to make sure that you select flowers that will hold up to the sun and wind and still look gorgeous when you walk down the aisle. Another option is to use a bouquet holder, which will keep your flowers hydrated with water for most of the day.

Don’t let your bouquet overwhelm you. A beautiful waistline could be covered by a large, cascading bouquet. If you are petite, the weight of a large bouquet could become a problem during the ceremony. Consider your gown and your stature before making selections.

Show the florist what you like. Don't just tell the florists the gowns are "pink"... bring in fabric swatches if at all possible. (since there are probably more than 50 different shades of pink!) Cut out pictures of bouquets you like and some that you don’t. This will give your florist a really good feel for your particular tastes.

Select flowers with special meaning. Most flowers have a specific meaning. I personally used sunflowers in my wedding, since I had fond memories of them growing at my Grandparent's Farm, so be sentimental, it's your wedding!

Flowers for the Men

Boutonnieres are meant to designate your ushers, best man and special family members. Typically, the father and grandfather of both the bride and the groom wear boutonnieres.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your boutonnieres:

Boutonnieres can range in price range anywhere from $3.00 - $25.00, depending on the type of flower(s) and the intricacy of the design. If you are on a budget, stick with a simple style.

The groom’s boutonniere should be different in style, color or type of flower
from the other groomsmen. For example, a hydrangea bloom can be used for the groom and a colored rose (to match bridesmaid attire) can be used for the best man and ushers.

The most popular flowers used for boutonnieres are roses, callas, hydrangeas, stock, small orchids, stephanotis, freesia, or carnations. A new style of boutonniere is the foliage boutinniere, which is varying types of greenery and herbs.

Many times a signature flower in the bride's bouquet is also used for the groom’s boutonniere.

Tips on Corsages

Corsages are meant to designate special family members. Typically, the mothers and grandmothers of both the bride and the groom wear corsages. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your corsages…

The price of corsages can range anywhere from $15.00 to $50.00 or more, depending on the size and type of flowers. If you are on a budget, stay with a simple corsage.

Be careful not to make the corsage so elaborate, that it becomes large and heavy. Today, there are many delicate fabrics, such as silk, that can not withstand a heavy corsage. The days of pinning on a corsage are gone, ask for a Magnet Corsage, a high powered magnet is glued to the corsage and it elimnates the need to pin.

In most cases, when it comes to corsages -- smaller is better.

Corsages can be worn in many different ways. They can be on the dress, attached to a purse or worn around the wrist. It's a good idea to ask the person who will be wearing the corsage, which style they prefer to wear. You might also ask about the color of their dress in order to help you choose flowers for the corsage that best compliments their wedding attire. Then, give all this information to your florist.

A great alternative to the corsage -- give that special person a single rose or very small bouquet tied with ribbon, or even a Tussy Mussy. The hand held flower or bouquet looks great in the wedding pictures and when the mothers are escorted down the aisle.

Corsages are meant to designate special family members. However, you may also give corsages to special friends or those participating in your wedding ceremony, such as your readers, soloist or musician. Those usually are carnations or alstromeria, a pretty flower, but very inexpensive.