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Unbe-LEAF-able

When you are a florist, more often than not, people come in store to admire the flowers. People are enamoured with the beauty of all the ruffly petals, the colours and the fragrances. We are too, of course, why else would we choose to spend our lives creating with Mother Nature’s bounty.

I have lost count of the amount of times that customers have asked me not to use any foliage whatsoever. They want the bouquet to look bountiful and flowery, and don’t want the leaves taking away from that. In many ways I understand what they mean. Flowers are often the stars of the show, and when you are paying top dollar for them, of course you want to make them shine. The reality is though, that without foliage they simply won’t shine.

Think about how these flowers grow, how their colours pop against the dark lush greens, and the lime green leaves in the garden or the rainforest. Think about the amazingly rich colour tones that you can find in foliage outside of just green. Using the right foliage for the job is key.

This blog, is a bit of a celebration of the unbe-leaf-able leaves we have available to us. You will pay a bit more for some of these stunners, but let’s face it, they are showstoppers.

Bismarkia- oh my goodness, I am obsessed with these stunning, silver palm leaves. The fronds of this palm are giant so they are best suited for large installations or corporate displays.

Image may contain: plant
Source: Beautiflora Instagram
Image may contain: plant, table, tree and outdoor
Source: London Flower School Instagram

Another beautiful leaf is the Calathea. The plants come in so many varieties with intricately patterned leaves,  with the most exquisite colours. These are not the sort of leaves you want stuck in the middle of a bouquet hidden! You can use them in a cluster in a forward facing bouquet, clearly displayed. Alternatively, you can cut them off their stems and use them to line your clear glass vase so you can really show off the pattern.

Callathea
Source: Gardeners Advice

There are so many varieties of Palm leaves that are beautiful and unique. Common varieties like the golden cane or fan palm are regularly used in floristry. They are not particularly spectacular, but they are a great inexpensive material that is easily accessible. Spectacular varieties like the Licuana Cordata are not as easily accessible,  but they are amazing, and can really make your displays. These plants are slow growing so you will usually see them as a plant rather than cut foliage, but every so often, special things like this find their way into the market or to wholesalers. They have a very interesting circular shape, that appears solid, which is quite different from many other palms with the separation between the fronds.

Source: Houseplant Club

A foliage that is easily accessible, and comes in many variations is the Cordyline plant. These stunning leaves can be bought on a stem, which is essentially the whole top of a plant. They are incredibly good value to buy this way as you should be able to enjoy them for weeks in a vase. They come in green, verigated varieties with lime, burgundy and pink stripes. They also come in strong burgundy and chocolate tones….and so many different sized and shaped leaves too….

With all these beauties on offer, plus more, the only thing left now ….how to choose? 🤔

Source: Smartplant App Instagram
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Source: Houseplants Gardenites

Fwf x

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Gold as a Neutral

Coming up with a colour scheme is a huge part of creation. Working out what colours you want to use, and in what intensity, can sometimes take longer than making the arrangement itself. This is as important as ever of course, when you are creating flowers for a wedding or an event. There are many theories on colour: including what colours should be used together according to where they sit on the colour wheel. Certainly in our training we are guided on how many colours and how many flower varieties should be in one arrangement….but in many ways, in your training, you also learn all the ways that you can break the rules.

Sprayed leaves
Source: WildFlora Designs Instagram

Some colours are particularly tricky to work with, (in floristry anyway!) like when a company wants the event themed to match their corporate colours of turquoise, navy and black 😳

At times, you are stumped because the colour a client may want just don’t exist. There are ways to get around that such as dying flowers, or applying floral safe surface sprays.

Just as black or denim is a bit of a staple when it comes to clothing, glitter/silver/gold/metallic is a bit of a neutral when it comes to decorating.

What on earth do I mean by that? Well, adding metallics elements, is sometimes just what you need. It doesn’t add another colour to the mix, but it does add just the right amount of pizzazz. Metallics and glitters are able to make things look a little bit more special, without it all getting a bit too much although you still need to show restraint.

Gold sprayed leaves
Source: Sir Botanical

Gold works soooo well with so many colour schemes. If you’d like to incorporate gold, consider some of these colour schemes:

  • blush pink and guava tones
  • apricot, peach and cream
  • rich burgundy and deep purple
  • fresh greens and whites
  • autumnal tones like burnt oranges and coffee/latte tones
sprayed flowers and foliage’s- make things unique by changing their expected appearance
Source: Hooray Mag. Flowers by Natural Art Flowers

Metallic Grey or Silver is easy to use too, try teaming it with these colour schemes:

  • cool, icy blues
  • soft mauve and pale pink
  • lemon and yellow

Bronze/Copper looks fabulous with warm colour tones like reds, corals, warm pinks, latte, chocolates, apricot, orange and salmon.

Sometimes touches of sparkle or glitter is all you need to take your arrangement to the next level. Rather than choosing a glitter outside of the existing colour scheme, choose a colour you are already using. Repeating a colour (either in a different intensity, or perhaps with a slight shimmer/sparkle 😝) is a great way to make an arrangement appear more cohesive and harmonious.

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Source: Of the Flowers Instagram

There are plenty of ways to add touches of metallics throughout your fresh or dried floral arrangements or in other decor. You can spray leaves, sticks, seed pods or pine cones. You can use coloured wires or add brass/gold/silver embellishments. Berries look beautiful when they are sprayed in metallics as they are more delicate, and therefore will not overwhelm an arrangement.

When you want to experiment and think outside the box, the best person to brainstorm with is your florist. They know what is in season and available, and what can be utilised in your custom made arrangement to fulfil your brief. Come in store, or call us today!

Fwf x

Feature Image: RT.com

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The Basic Etiquette for Sympathy Flowers Delivery for Beginners

image of a White Sympathy Sheaf by Florist with Flowers

What type of flowers do you send to a loved one who recently passed away? This might be the first question that comes into mind when it comes to funeral flowers.

 

When choosing what kind of flowers to send as a sign of sympathy and unity, it is important to be aware of important funeral flowers etiquette. There is a set of rules that shoppers like you need to comply when sending flowers to a viewing, burial or to the home of bereaved family members.

 

In this post, we will enumerate some of the rules when selecting flower arrangements for a bereaved friend or family member. Etiquette focuses on utmost consideration with our emotions and that of others. To make your feeling of sympathy feel genuine to recipients here are things you should never forget:

 

 

  • Know the difference between sympathy and funeral flowers

 

Funeral flowers are floral arrangements that you send to a funeral or memorial event.

 

The destination of sympathy flowers is always the home of bereaved family members.

 

 

  • The type of flower arrangement will depend on your association with the deceased

 

Your relationship with the deceased also dictates the type of flower arrangement that you should have delivered, too.

 

Casket sprays are usually purchased by the living spouse or an immediate family member. The spray is installed on top of the casket as tribute. Inside casket flower arrangements are also purchased by spouses and family members for the deceased.

 

If a relative or a close friend passed away, the types of flower arrangements that you can have delivered are funeral flowers with stand, wall spray, centerpiece arrangements, and sympathy flowers.

 

If the deceased is an acquaintance, the types of flower arrangements that you can have delivered are wall sprays, centerpiece arrangements, flowering plants, a bouquet of cut flowers.

 

 

  • Consider the religious affiliation of the deceased 

 

The style of funeral flowers and sympathy flowers should also be considered based on the religious affiliation of the bereaved. Here are a few guidelines:

  • White is an ideal colour of flowers for funeral arrangements if you are going to have them delivered to the deceased with Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox Christian affiliations.
  • If you are going to send sympathy flowers and standing wreaths for a deceased person and his or her family that are part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, avoid sending flower arrangements with crucifixes.
  • For a Buddhist loved one or friend who passed on, you may send any type of flower arrangement, but do avoid sending sympathy flowers or wreaths that are red in colour.

 

To check our more etiquette and tips when sending flowers at funerals, give us a call now on 02 98711666 today.

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A Concise Guide for New Baby Flowers Delivery

Image of a Baby Boy box with Soft Toy Gift and Balloon

Flowers are akin to language as each type induces different emotions among recipients. Special occasions and events also dictate the meaning of flowers for both the sender and the recipient. If you are a first-time sender of flowers to a friend who just delivered a baby, who   is about to be your godson or goddaughter, here are some tips on what to present to him or her on her first few days of life.

 

 

  • Find out if the newborn and family members suffer from allergies

 

Picking out baby flower bouquet is an undeniably exciting activity, especially for first timers. But before you scan through baby boy and baby girl flower arrangements, check if the parents and newborn suffer from allergies. Despite the beauty of new baby flower arrangements, they may start developing allergic symptoms that lead to them feeling unwell altogether.

 

 

  • Find out the gender and decide on a colour scheme

 

Traditional flowers for a new baby will depend on the gender. For baby boys, blue is a common colour motif and pink for a newborn baby girl.

 

The most common flowers for baby flowers are iris, hyacinth, freesia, and statice.

 

On the other hand, pink flowers include tulips, bouvardia, and carnations for baby girl flower arrangements.

 

 

  • Choose baby flower bouquets with mild scents

 

Choose flowers with mild scents if you are going to have it delivered to a newborn. Mothers and babies may be too sensitive to some aromas, especially those with strong scents. Ideally, pick flowers that feature soft but fragrant smells such as irises, daffodils, and sunflowers.
Always consult a florist if you have no idea on what to send for newborns and their mothers. They have experience in picking out the perfect flowers based on your preferences as well as budget. To purchase flowers for same-day delivery, you may call us on 02 9871 1666 today.

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vanda orchids

Flowers That Hate Winter

Winter is certainly upon us. While it is only the first week of winter officially, she has certainly made sure that we feel her presence, by chilling us to our cores.

I know that I have shared some of the lovely fresh cut winter flowers that will be available over the coming months such as the cymbidium orchids, tulips, hellebores, johnquills, daffodils and hyacinths. I have also shared some of the benefits that winter brings:

  • Less heat means that the bacteria growth is slower, and therefore you don’t need to change the water as frequently
  • The water doesn’t smell as quickly and flowers tend to last that little bit longer….but that is a bit of a generalisation.

The truth is, that SOME flowers will last longer in the cooler months, but others will suffer.

Any guesses what kind of flowers DON’T like the cold?

TROPICALS.

When you think about it, it is understandable that tropical and sub tropical blooms don’t enjoy the cold environment that the winter months brings.

Heliconias, orchids, anthuriums and ginger flowers, all grow in more humid environments. Much of their water is consumed through absorption of the air as well as through the stem, so when that humidity goes, so does part of their sustenance.

Anthuriums

You will notice that tropical blooms wither in the cold, just a Hydrangea does on a super hot day.  They go limp, the edges brown quickly, they shrivel, and dehydrate. Instead of looking their luscious, plump, succulent and glossy selves….they look sad ☹️

This kind of brings us back to the whole ‘shop seasonally’ mindset right?

Just like with fruit and vegetables, when you buy out of season, the flavour and texture isn’t as good, it’s the same with flowers. Sure, you may be able to get something out of season, but at what cost and at what quality and condition?

Beehive ginger flower

When you are buying flowers that are out of season, they don’t last as well. Anyone see a vaseful of tulips in summer? Trust me it’s not a happy sight. They have been in transportation for some time to get to you, so they have been without food and water. Then WHACK they are hit with with an explosion of (heat or) cold, the direct opposite of the environment they have been grown in.

So what about heaters?

It may seem like a logical solution to pop the heater on to keep your tropical blooms nice and toasty….but this will not help. Tropical blooms love warm, HUMID conditions. Heaters provide a warm, but dry environment, so you will still have problems with the blooms dehydrating prematurely, and all the physical signs that come with that (pronounced veins on the petals, brown edges etc)

There are plenty of wonderful choices available throughout winter, so your best bet is to talk to our friendly staff about what your local, seasonal choices are. Talk to them about how long you want/ need them to last, what the occasion is, if there is something special on. This will help us guide you on your best choices, and also manage your expectations by providing honest, professional advice.

That also helps this small, local, family business help support other small, local family businesses.

Fwf x

Feature image source : Orchid Republic

 

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Tips to Remember when Choosing Birthday Flowers Delivery

Image of Graceful Lily Bouquet by Florist with Flowers

It is true that sending flowers to a loved one on his or her birthday is not the most unique gift, but it is a traditional gesture to show them your love and care. The vibrant hues of petals and the elegant arrangement will surely make them smile on their special day. But if the idea of sending flowers to a loved one, family members or friends just dawned on you recently, you are most likely clueless as to which flowers to send a birthday celebrant.

 

This article will serve as a guide on how to pick the perfect flower arrangements for special people in your life during their birthdays!

 

 

  •  Birth month corresponds to specific flower varieties

 

 

Different types of flowers are associated with the 12 months of the year. Find out which flowers apply under the birth month of the recipient. You may ask the florist for this information or you may check out the short guide below:

 

January – Carnation

February- Primrose and Violet

March- Jonquil and Daffodil

April- Sweet Pea and Daisy

May- Hawthorn and Lily of the Valley

June- Honeysuckle and Rose

July- Water Lily and Larkspur

August- Poppy and Gladiolas

September- Morning Glory and Aster

October- Cosmos and Calendula

November- Chrysanthemum

December- Holly and Narcissus

 

 

  • Find out their favourite flowers

 

 

Knowing what flowers your recipients like will take the guesswork out of ordering a flower arrangement. By taking the preferences of your recipient into account, you are guaranteed to further brighten the day of your loved one.

 

How can I send flowers for birthdays?

 

You can get in touch with a reputable florist in your community. An experienced florist may also assist you in coming up with a unique flower arrangement based on your budget, preference or that of the birthday celebrant.

 

Call us now for unique and memorable flower arrangements today! You may reach us on            02 9871 1666 today.

 

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Creativity

When you are creative, your mind works differently. I’m not sure exactly how, because let’s face it, I’m a florist not a neurologist, but it is plain for everyone to see that creative people seem to operate on another level.

Albert Einstein is quoted as having said “ Creativity is intelligence having fun” and I agree with this statement 100%. For me, being a creative does not mean that every time you try your hand at something new, you just get it right first go and it looks amazing. BUT what creativity is, is having a vision, using problem solving skills to execute that vision and having the motivation to give it a go despite what may result. It is not letting the self doubt stop you. Let’s be clear, it certainly is NOT the absence of self doubt, in fact I know MANY creatives who battle with self doubt and suffer from anxiety surrounding their creativity.

When you get hung up on every single thing you make being pretty and perfect, you will never experiment. And if you want to know something is 100% going to work before you even begin, the likelihood is you won’t be creating anything original, you’ll be replicating known formulas to ensure success.

One of the hardest things to do as a creative, is to find your voice as an artist. Allowing yourself to be so raw that you lay it all out on the table, and see if anyone likes it…. That is a pretty daunting thing to do. But finding your own style and being authentic to that style is key to feeling happy in your creativity. Every time someone buys something that you have created, they buy a little piece of you, and your heart. For that reason alone, when your designs are replicated, it really, really hurts. Aside from that it is unethical.

Over the years, I have lost count of the amount of times I have had someone else’s work brought in, to be replicated.  More often than not it’s for a wedding, and the simple fact is that people are shopping around. And when I say shopping around, I don’t mean that they are sitting down with different florists to brainstorm and see who’s style aligns with their own and can help create their dream wedding. They are simply price shopping. They have an image that they want replicated, but at the best price. The problem with this is that it really undervalues the original artists voice. It shows little regard for their artistry, and for all the experimentation they have done to get to that point, to create that beautiful piece.

On the flip side, it doesn’t show much regard for the artist you choose to execute it either. Have you considered their work and style? Now there is nothing wrong with taking in a series of images to give your designer an idea of the look and feel that you like. Inspiration boards are a terrific source of information for your designer. We welcome that

At the end of the day, running a florist is like running any small business. It is a balancing act, ensuring that you buy quality stock that your customers like, creating beautiful arrangements that bring people back time and time again. As far as creativity goes, it is realising that while some people buy from you because they love your quality work and your unique style, others shop based on price alone. This is something that every business needs to manage. Some people will love your brand and what you uniquely offer, others won’t even notice the details that set you apart.

Anyone who is a creative person knows things just don’t always work. Sometimes you mix your colours incorrectly or it just doesn’t translate into the design you thought it would be. For florists, seasonal changes make differences in the colour of blooms. Weather events can mean whole crops are destroyed and you need to make a decision on your best alternatives. But you know what? The creatives will think outside of the box. They are the problem solvers, innovators, inventors. Give them a challenge and they will accept. Give them a problem and they will solve it.

But the paint by numbers kind of artist who just finished the last bit of blue paint is going to go into a panic….because, well, they just follow the rules, and haven’t really had to think about how to create something beautiful before. I know who I’d rather buy from 😉

Fwf x

Featured Image : WGSN Insider

 

 

 

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