Paradise is always where love dwells.
~Jean Paul Richter
Whenever I think of the word "paradise" the tropics come to mind. Vibrant, exotic colored flowers, pineapples, palm trees, deliciously warm days, sunshine ever present. Thoughts of this lovely paradise make me feel peaceful, relaxed, and content. It's a wonderful feeling, kind of like when you press the pause button on every day life and reflect on the love you share with your partner. I'm not saying it's always paradise. It's hard work and can be tough at times, but it is also beautiful. Flowers are a marvelous way to reflect the beauty and to add a tropical flair to this year's Valentine's Day collection; it came as no surprise to me.
The tropical theme this year features exotic flowers such as: Bird of Paradise, Ginger, Heliconia, and Dendrobium Orchids. Where do all these striking flowers hail from in the tropics? Let's find out!
Bird of Paradise, otherwise known as the "crane flower", is native to South Africa and resembles brightly colored birds while in flight. It's petals are vibrant orange which contrast the blue tongue. In greenhouse-like conditions, these plants have the capability of blooming year round.
Seemingly akin to the crane flower is Heliconia, also known as "lobster claws" or "false bird-of-paradise". With similar orange coloring and thicker petals this species can be found across the tropical Americas. Heliconias need plenty of sunshine and moisture; they cannot tolerate drought weather. They bloom in vibrant hues of reds, oranges, yellows, and greens.
Do you see the intense dark pink blooms in the bouquet to the right? The Dendrobium comes from a very large genus of orchids with over 1,200 species. Their habitats are diverse therefore the species can be found around much of Asia, the Philippines, Austrailia, Vietnam, New Guinea and many islands of the Pacific. These orchids carry leaves for the first one or two years and then flower on leafless canes.
Let's not forget about the Ginger! This herbaceous perennial is not only gorgeous to behold but also serves as a popular spice and medicine. Ginger is native to southern China and has become more prominent in the Spice Islands, Asia, the Caribbean, and West Africa. Ginger is often used in floral arrangments while the buds are hues of pink and white, before they bloom into yellow flowers. Their shape and texture is stunning, adding another layer of exotic quality when used.
The combination of Birds of Paradise, Dendrobium Orchids, Ginger, along with tropical greenery thrown in creates an enticing bouquet. Much like love; these flowers are cultivated over time, attention, care, and diverse habitats. The result is magnificent, a work of art.
This Valentine's Day we invite you to send a taste of the tropics to your partner-in-crime, the love of your life, the one who completes you. Love is beautiful, what better way to show it than with flowers which reflect the beauty of life.
Click below to view our entire Valentine's Day collection!
First off, let's start with our courageous drivers. Outfitted with a company phone with gps and mapping capabilities, the drivers wear touch touch gloves, for texting and/or calling during the route; special winter cleats for ice, snow, and other slippery situations; and are encouraged to dress in layers. Why layers? It may be cold outside but the vehicles are kept at a safe temp for the precious cargo in back. Some routes take longer than others therefore jackets, gloves, hats, are bound to be shed during the journey only to be thrown back on at moment's notice when it's time to hop back out into the winter elements once the driver arrives at the next stop.
The final piece to our precaution protocol is preparing our arrangements for delivery! Before the driver leaves the shop all the arrangements and bouquets must be suited up for their journey. We generally wrap flowers in cellophane before delivery however when temperatures drop, we start adding layers to protect our beautfiully designed pieces. If the temps are 20 and below, flowers will be double wrapped: a layer of tissue, then covered with cellophane. If temperatures are below zero, these double wrapped pieces will be covered with a blanket when they are being delivered to their final destination. 
Gadgets, gizmos for shoes, vehicles chock full of supplies, layers upon layers of clothing, wrapping...sounds like a lot of extra work, doesn't it? It's worth it! Come snow, sleet, hail, or more, rest assured we'll be taking extra care to ensure the safety of these gorgeous pieces when they arrive at your door!
Yes, we had such fun with our "Giving Thanks" DIY Centerpiece class we decided to continue spreading the floral design cheer by offering two opportunities to get your DIY floral design on again, with Christmas! Please join us on one of the following dates:
The brief backstory on this chocolatier of artisan creations is the company originated in Portland, Oregon. They had a dream of making something beyond delicious and took it to the next level with intricate detail and design to their hand-crafted chocolates. Taking the utmost care and pride in their product, they use the finest ingrediants to create a one-of-a-kind sensational experience for not only your taste-buds, but for your eyes as well. After unwrapping the cellophane which encased two mysterious boxes I knew I was in for something excellent.
As the lid lifted from the box and the irresistable aroma hit and the battle of will versus want began. I didn't even have to taste these truffles to know they were going to be amazing; beyond amazing. A thin layer of metallic gold paper was all that stood between me and my tastebuds enjoying these edible works of art! Finally, the paper was pulled back to reveal four delicate pieces of mouthwatering heaven. Ah, this was going to be tough choosing which one to sample first so I went to the description to narrow down my options from the dark chocolate collection: French Silk Chocolate Mousse, Raspberry Liqueur Truffle, Extra-Bittersweet Truffle, and the suprising Ocumarian Truffle! Tough choices there! I decided to save the Raspberry Liqueur Truffle to share with my husband (yes, I actually shared..but just one!) and went for the French Silk Chocolate Mousse. One small bite and I was hooked, line and sinker. A perfect combination of silky smooth center surrounded by rich dark chocolate with just a hint of bite. How on earth was I going to extend the enjoyment of these bite-sized delicacies without inhaling them all at once! 
Gillespie Florists is taking the DIY class trend to the next level with our first
Imagine, if you will, setting the table for Thanksgiving: A bountiful aromatic feast fit for the most special occasions, cutlery shined to the nines, dishes daintily decorated, and amidst this glorious vision is your centerpiece, that you made, with your own hands! Friends and family ask "Where did you get the centerpiece, it's BEAUTIFUL!" "Oh, I made it at Gillespie Florists; they gave me flowers and this, THIS is my creation!" It is a proud moment, isn't it, when you have a successful dinner party; build a bookshelf; gaze upon a perfectly mulched garden you worked on all spring; and now your latest venture into DIY, a fall floral centerpiece for you and the family to enjoy!
