The Flower Blog

How does the weather impact my flower order?  

As operations manager of Gillespie Florists, one of my responsibilities is to keep our 500 square foot cooler stocked daily with the freshest flowers from around the world, and with not just a few varieties or colors- literally thousands!  Importing flowers from around the world is a lot of fun, but takes planning and patience.  Many of major crops are grown in America (California, Florida, Michigan, Illinois, Washington State, Oregon, Indiana and more).  However, the weather in the United States is not always conducive for the growth of product throughout the year.  Therefore, we must go beyond our borders to find product that is off crop (not available) here.  South America, Canada, Holland and Italy are a few of my favorite exporters of quality product for our customers.

Not only does the seasonal change in weather affect the production of flowers, but severe or unexpected weather conditions can influence price and availability worldwide.  California's cold and rainy winter season affect the production of waxflower, stock and larkspur (just to name a few).  Florida's intense summer heat affects the production of gladiolus crops.  The severe flooding in Bogota, South America seriously contributed to the shortage and high cost of pom pons and alstroemeria during early May of this year.  A freeze in January of 2010 in Florida caused major damage to thousands of acres of fern crops, which in turn affected thousands of florists during the Valentine's Day holiday.

Typcially, poor weather conditions in one or two regions do not disturb the overall world wide production of floral crops.  It is my job to seek out product elsewhere to fill our cooler and keep our customers satisfied with the quality flowers they are used to seeing every day.  From time to time, minor substitutions may be made on popular arrangements due to seasonal or weather availability conditions.  However, you are still guaranteed a beautiful gift that will be pleasing to not only the senses, but to the heart as well.

Check out our wide selection of flowers by clicking below!

What can you find in our 500 square foot cooler? Whatch this video below to see!

We at Gillespie Florists thought it would be fun to have a Prom King & Queen Contest! Prom customers only needed to post their picture on our Facebook Fan Page wearing our flowers! We then asked our Facebook fans to "Like" their favorite picture or make a positive comment about it to determine the winner. We had several people enter but there can be only one winner! 

And the Winner is...

The Results are in! Our Prom King & Queen for 2011 is....

Leah Nurnberg & Steven Melton!

They are the couple on the right.

Leah & Steven each get a $25.00 gift card to Gillespie Florists and Leah will be crowned with a tiara!

They had a whopping 58 "Likes" and comments on their photo! Congratulations!!

  Leah wore a three-alstroemeria corsage similar to the one pictured here. Leah's was white and silver and looked great with Steven's matching alstroemeria boutonniere!

As a Thank You to everyone who entered the contest, we want to offer you a free Sunshine Bouquet! Just stop in the store any time, give us your name and we will give you your Sunshine!

Those Contestants are: 

Tyler Weir & Meredith Warbinton

Carly Lewis & Jacob Miller

Brenda Danielle & Tommy Dennis

Ryan Page & Cory Urick

Michael Brissey & Simi Bean

Thanks again to everyone who entered the contest! Until next year!

  This year we asked Prom customers to post a snap shot of them selves wearing Gillespie Florists flowers on our Facebook Fan Page to get the chance to be crowned the Gillespie Florists Prom King & Queen!

Here is what our Prom King & Queen Hopefuls had to do:

·  Take a snapshot wearing Gillespie's Flowers.

·  Post it on our Wall.

·  Tag everyone in the picture.

·  Gillespie’s adds the picture to "Prom King & Queen Contest Album".

·  Then they ask friends and family to "Like" their photo or make a positive comment on the photo.

·  One week after the end of Prom Season, we will tally up the "Likes" and Comments and whoever has the most wins!

 What do they win?

The Queen will be crowned with a tiara and both King and Queen will be awarded with $25.00 Gift Cards to Gillespie Florists!  And don't forget, Bragging Rights!

Want to help decide who wins? Click Here to go to the "Prom King & Queen Contest Album" and “Like” your favorite Now!

Winners will be announced on Facebook May 21st!

Check out our Fabulous selection of Prom Flowers!

Blue wedding flowers are a popular choice for brides. Bring the Something Blue into your wedding with flowers! There are lots of great choices!  We’ve done several weddings featuring combinations of blue and shades of white. 

Click the video below to see photos of some of our favorite blue weddings from 2010.

Our wedding specialist can help you put together your dream bouquet. 

Click the button below for more information on blue flowers and a complimentary consultation.    

  I just want to thank the makers of 'Glee' for having all the main characters of 'Glee' wear Prom Flowers! To me, of course, it's just not Prom with out the flowers!

'Glee' Certified

So, What kinds of flowers are good enough for our favorite 'Glee' characters? I am glad to say there were a great variety of flowers, from Carnations to Roses to Orchids. I think they did a great job showing that you don't have to get roses to look great. But it doesn't mean that the producers of 'Glee' skimped out.

Most Memorable

  The most memorable corsage was Quinn's. No one will forget the sweet scene where Rachel told Finn what type of corsage to get Quinn! Though, I have to mention, she said a Gardenia corsage not orchid. But Finn still did great! He got Quinn a Dendrobium Orchid and Rose corsage with a green ribbon. Very similar to the one pictured here! I also noticed it was on a pearl beaded keepsake wristlet.

Favorite Corsage

My Favorite Corsage was Santana's! Quinn's was a little too big for my taste but Santana's was perfect! I couldn't get a good enough look to tell if it was Carnations or Roses but what was great about it was, it matched perfectly to her red dress but didn't take away from it. It had just three flowers, a little ribbon and a few leaves! Similar to the one pictured to the right! 

The Boutonnieres

  I really like Kurt and Blaine's Boutonnieres! I loved the use of the Boutonniere holder, like the one pictured here to the left. In this picture, there is a yellow rose with blue wire, black leaves and the boutonniere holder. But Kurt and Blaine had a beautiful pink carnation. It gave it a more dressed up chic look with out looking too frilly!

The rest of the guys wore Roses or Carnation pin on boutonnieres. Finn had a great matching Rose and Dendrobium Orchid boutonniere with a green ribbon to match Quinn. It was great!

The Prom season is almost over! This weekend is the last of the Proms for Gillespie Florists. If you are a GleeK like me and want your 'Glee' prom flowers click below!

Watch this Video of Designer Favorites!

Don't Buy Flowers

I have seen more than one article online about "What to get Mom this Mother's Day Other Than Flowers". I was shocked! Flowers are the singular product out there that is widely versatile and easily budgeted.

Buy Flowers!

In these economic times, not everyone can afford a spa treatment or an ebook reader. Everyone can afford flowers. Here at Gillespie Florists, like many local retail florists, we offer take out flowers starting at just a $1.00 a stem! Step into our 500 square foot cooler and hand pick mom a beautiful bouquet for her to put into her vase at home. If you are unsure of your flower skills, pick up one of our European wrapped bouquets starting at just $3.95! Our $3.95 bouquet, is aptly named The Sunshine Bouque which includes two carnations, one stem of daisy poms, babies breath and greenery! This versatile style of gathered flowers can be easily upgraded to any amount to suite your budget!

Make it Personal

Don't worry about getting Mom an expensive singing card; with every purchase at Gillespie Florists you get a free enclosure card! Be sure to sign it with "I love you" and it will be sure to please! Though if you are looking to say a little more, grab some stationary or notebook paper from home. Tell Mom about your favorite memories with her, times she's made you laugh and times she's been there when you really needed her. This will mean so much more than any gift you could get her.

Not sure if Mom has a vase at home? No worries! We sell arrangement in vases and keepsake containers!

Make it More than Just Flowers

Home   Tea for Two is one of our New 2011 specials for Mother's Day!

This keepsake teacup and saucer is filled with delicate white daisies, green buttons, alstroemeria lilies, and lovely limonium! This is a great gift because your flowers will last at least a week and a half with proper care and Mom has a teacup to enjoy tea in time and time again!

HomePatina comes in a keepsake vase with painted flowers on it! We take soft pink alstroemeria lilies, solidago, seeded eucalyptus and bears grass and artfully design it into this spectacular keepsake vase!

This is a great vase to bring back to us to fill for you in years to come!

Vintage Kitchen is filled with yellow and white daisies, alstroemeria lilies, carnations, babies breath and greenery! Our designers create these pastel flowers into a real ceramic colander that has pretty white daisies painted on it! After Mom enjoys the beauty of your gift for well over a week, she will then use the colander again and again!

If you want something more to go with your flowers, check out our Woodwick Candles, South Bend Chocolates, Balloons, Figurines, Teddy Bears, Blooming plants, Hanging Baskets and Green Plants and More! From $1.00 to $100.00, We've got the perfect gift for Mom!

Looking for more? Click below for our entire Mother's Day Selections!

Check out our Designers Favorites Below!

  With our Prom season halfway over, we've got a pretty good idea what's hot and what's not for 2011! I wanted to share this with those of you that still have a Prom coming up this year!

Top 5 Prom Corsages

1. Three Sweet Heart Rose Wrist Corsage

With three delicate sweet hear roses, sheer hot pink ribbon, silver beads, iridescent leaves and silver glitter tulle this corsage is sure to get the party started! This corsage comes on our free wristlet but you can pick out one of our many keepsake wristlets to go with it instead to remember your perfect Prom Night!

2. Stardust Wrist Corsage

This dendrobium orchid wrist corsage includes green dendrobium orchids, white wax flower, with a simulated diamond pin centering a pin wheel design of black and silver ribbon and zebra ribbon adorned on to a black rhinestone wristlet!

3. Bauble On Wrist Corsage

This wrist corsage includes three mini carnations, fuschia lazer leaves, iridescent beads, sheer fuschia ribbon on a keepsake large iridescent beaded bracelet!

     3. Boho Wrist Corsage

This corsage has three lovely sweet heart roses in a circle design, silver and black sheer ribbon, matching red rhinestone sprays, black lazer leaves and a beaded gunmetal keepsake wristlet!

5. Three Alstroemeria Wrist Corsage

A great way to have flowers that are a little different with spending a lot of money! This wrist corsage has three alstroemeria lilies with lavender beads, purples leaves, delicate sheer purple ribbon on a white beaded wristlet!

The great thing about our prom corsages is that there are thousand of combinations! We have over 100 ribbon choices, dozens of leaf, bead and tulle choices! We of dozens of keepsake bracelets to put your corsage on and most importantly we have hundreds of flower combinations! Best of all, don't see what you need? Just ask! We would love to help you get the perfect corsage for the perfect night!

See the perfect corsage on our site and want to share it with your friends or your date? There's an easy Facebook and Twitter button on each product!

Check out our Top 5 Corsages and more! Click below!

Check out Our Designer Favorites for 2011!

As with any special event, wedding flowers and décor can be quite an investment.  We have compiled the following information about the care and handling of wedding flowers to help you protect that investment.

Flowers are fresh produce- there is natural variation in color, size, and shape.

Flowers are a fresh grown product, sometimes certain types of flowers or specific colors are unavailable during different times of the year, usually predictably based on season but occasionally sporadically due to unfavorable growing conditions, holidays, etc. If a flower you have chosen becomes unavailable we will communicate with you as soon as we know to help you choose a comparable bloom to replace it.

Flowers are best kept in a cool but stable environment. All flowers should be kept away from warm or cold drafts, out of direct sunlight, and as cool as possible but always above 34̊. Outdoor temperatures in the summer are warmer than desired for fresh flowers; in the winter outdoor temperatures are usually too cold. Flowers should never be left in a vehicle.

Flowers should be kept hydrated. Different types of arrangements are hydrated different ways.

Hand tied bouquets and vased arrangements have stems that are drawing up water from the reservoir of the vase.  The water level should always be higher than the shortest stem.  While bouquets are out of water, the stems may seal; to allow them to rehydrate when returned to water a sharp pair of scissors or garden shears maybe used to give a fresh cut to the stems of the bouquet.

Holdered bouquets and arrangements designed in floral foam are drawing up water from the green foam they are inserted into. This foam is highly absorbent and acts much like a sponge. If the foam becomes very light it is likely dehydrated and should be watered. A bouquet holder is easily watered using a mister bottle of water focused on the foam not the blooms.

Boutonnieres and corsages do not have a water source.  They keep best when stored in plastic boxes or bags designed to trap in moisture.

Water tubes are used on some flower stems to provide a short term water supply. When the tube is empty the flower is out of water.

Always contact your florist if you are unsure or need additional information. 

Subscribe to our blog for more helpful weekly tips like this one. 

  How can you make this year's Easter Special?

Seems like everywhere you look there is a Easter celebration or Easter Egg hunt to celebrate Easter! So, How can you separate  this year's Easter bash from previous years? Flowers!

It's not just flowers.

Gillespie Florists carries a wide variety of products for the Easter Holiday, from plants, to gift baskets, to flowers! Here are a few examples!

We carry green house plants year round but at spring time we carry beautiful bulb plants! Pictured here is a basket with hyacinths and tulips that will come back year after year!

Product: Happy Spring!

Item #: 10E06

Price: $59.95

Easter Baskets are a great idea if you can not get home for Easter! Just order on our website or give us a call and we will do the rest! We fill up a basket with some of your favorite Easter treats: Peeps, Chocolate bunny, M&M's and Easter Eggs filled with Candies!

Product: Happy Easter Basket

Item #: 11E01

Price: $29.95

Don't forget the flowers! We have all sorts of bouquets to fit any gathering! We have fun and festive centerpieces like this adorable basket pictured to the left. We also have stunning tributes to the rebirth of Jesus Christ.

Product: Easter Time

Item # 09E09

Price: $29.95

Check out all of our great Easter Specials!

There are 19 different bridal bouquet types, so which style is perfect for you? Bridal bouquets are a thing of beauty and as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  Your wedding flowers are going to be centered around the style that you find most beautiful. 

Start by browsing books, magazines, and the web for different looks and offerings in your colors.  Below are the most common bouquet styles and a brief description.  

The Posy or Clutch Bouquet

The posy bouquet is round and small and can easily be held in one hand.   The natural stems are wrapped in a beautiful satin ribbon and can be embellished with pearl pins and beads and other accessories.   The clutch type of bouquet consists of a simple gathering of flowers, bound and tied with ribbon with stems left exposed.  This is a beautiful choice for an outdoor wedding with that just picked from the garden look.   This style is a favorite with our brides. 

The Arm Sheaf Bouquet

They are long stemmed flowers and foliages that the bride carries cradled in her arm, also known as a presentation bouquet.  It is a lovely alternative to more traditional styles of bouquets.  It can be simple or elaborate.

The Crescent Bouquet

The crescent bouquet appears in the shape of a quarter moon, a soft arch, using distinguished flowers with definite shapes, often orchids, wired together to form a slender handle that you can hold in one hand.  This style is perfect for sophisticated and contemporary weddings.

Cascading Bouquet

A cascading bouquet, which is the most formal and most traditional of bouquets, is designed to spill gracefully over the bride's hands as it flows downward for a sophisticated and stylized look, almost any flower can be used in this style.
The modern smaller version is called the teardrop bouquet or trail bouquet.

The Pomander Bouquet or Kissing Ball

The pomander bouquet is also known as a kissing ball. A pomander is a ball of flowers suspended from a loop of decorative ribbon.
Adult attendants can carry pomanders, but young attendants such as flower girls and junior bridesmaids most often carry them.

Come in and talk with our Wedding Specialist for more information.